If you wanted to call Jordan Addison a bonehead, you’d be warranted in your assessment. He was suspended the first three games of the season for a DUI arrest that was later changed to a lesser charge. He spent time in London being selfish and was benched for a quarter overseas. Young and dumb is fair. He’s also incredibly talented.
Jordan Addison had another great game for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and he has made clear he should be part of future plans.
On Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, playing in his third game of the season, Jordan Addison made clear just how important his presence is to the Minnesota Vikings. He had multiple walk-in touchdown opportunities early. Some of those passes were hauled in. Others never had a chance because the quarterback was Carson Wentz.
Boneheaded? Sure — but Jordan Addison Can Ball
When the dust settled, though, Addison ended Sunday’s contest with a team-leading nine receptions for 128 yards. He was targeted 12 times by Wentz, and the additional coverage shown to Justin Jefferson continued to present an opportunity for Minnesota’s number two option.
Addison would have the legitimate possibility of being a top wide receiver on multiple other teams across the league. Given his level of immaturity and selfishness, it’s possible he would still like to explore that path when first able to after completing his rookie deal with the Vikings. Minnesota can’t afford to let him.
As the regular season approached this season, the Vikings found themselves swinging a deal for aging veteran Adam Thielen because they needed a warm body they could trust. Jalen Nailor has been the clear-cut third option, and Thielen has been an afterthought. What his acquisition did was highlight the overall lack of depth behind the top two options.
Addison will hopefully avoid multiple-game suspensions over the course of his remaining career, and as long as he is young and productive, Minnesota needs to be the one paying him. It’s difficult to pony up for multiple top wide receivers, but in a year or so, the Vikings are going to need to find a way to make that happen.
Justin Jefferson is arguably the best wide receiver in the sport. Jordan Addison isn’t at that level, but he’s only a tier or two down, and he helps to elevate the offense for those around him as well.
