The Minnesota Vikings have the best wide receiver in the NFL in Justin Jefferson. Not only is he the best, but the Vikings paid him as such and made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
The process of Jefferson getting his contract had him missing the off-season program. That's not abnormal to see a player who wants a new contract skip the voluntary workouts of OTAs. What does it mean? Other players get a chance to step up.
That is exactly what wide receiver Jordan Addison did during OTAs. He's gotten praise from the Vikings beat writers and Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer said the praise continued from inside the facility.
With Jefferson away for most of the offseason program, Addison’s progress really showed up—he came back physically stronger in April while maintaining the burst and body control that made him a first-round pick in 2023. And without Jefferson around, it was easy to visualize how Addison has the ability to be a real No. 1 down the line, and create a pick-your-poison problem for teams trying to defend the former USC standout, Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson all at once.
The emergence of Addison as that important number-two wide receiver is going to be crucial for the Vikings to take a step forward in 2024. T.J. Hockenson's absence will put some pressure on Addison to be that guy from the start.
If the offseason is any indication, the Vikings are going to get that from Addison.
