Jordan Addison will become a superstar if Vikings figure out QB spot

Rookie pass catcher Jordan Addison was thought to be the ideal No. 2 option opposite All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson. The Vikings used their first-round selection on Addison, bringing him to Minnesota to don the purple and gold. However, nothing has gone right for the franchise in 2023 — except for their newest receiver.

Jordan Addison Is A Budding Star For The Vikings

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was supposed to make for an easy transition, as the long-time starter has a track record of putting up high-end numbers on offense. Alas, a soul-crushing Achilles injury ended Cousins’ season prematurely and sent the Vikings into a tailspin of sorts behind center.

Joshua Dobbs was acquired before the trade deadline, and somehow, someway, the journeyman backup led Minnesota to victory only a few days later. But that honeymoon phase didn’t last long — Dobbs won another game in Week 10, but a four-interception performance vs. the Bears and a dismal performance vs. the Raiders sent him back to the bench.

Nick Mullens, a former spot starter for the 49ers, assumed the QB1 role for the team’s most recent contest against Cincinnati. He did little to inspire much optimism going forward, but one thing Mullens proved capable of doing? Targeting Jordan Addison in the passing game.

Addison hauled in six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. This impressive display boosted his numbers to 62 receptions, 824 yards, and nine touchdowns in his rookie campaign. With three games remaining, Addison has a great shot at eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark in Year 1.

Imagine The Vikings With A Healthy, Ascending QB

Flashing the same skillset he did at Pittsburgh and USC, the 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner is excelling even with the uncertainty at quarterback. Catching passes from Cousins, Dobbs, and Mullens, while also serving as the WR1 during Jefferson’s absence is something few first-year players could overcome. Addison deserves his flowers.

The polished route runner wins with a suddenness that is unprecedented. Addison creates consistent separation thanks to his long speed and an underrated ability to cut on a dime and change direction. He’s not often thought about as a threat after the catch, but Saturday proved why he should be.

On one of his two touchdown catches, Addison caught a pass at his shoestrings and scurried more than 30 yards for the score. Furthermore, the 21-year-old wide receiver boasts impressive hands and competitiveness at the catch point. Addison’s meager size hasn’t impacted him negatively in any way, even when lining up out wide against physical cornerbacks.

Trust Kevin O’Connell — He Is The Real Deal And Can Develop A Young QB

If Jordan Addison is already this good with seemingly nothing going the Vikings' way on offense, just imagine what things will be like when Minnesota figures out the quarterback position. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has put up a valiant effort and should be the voice of the locker room for the foreseeable future. He will find the answer.

Here’s to hoping the dynamic duo of Addison and Jefferson can reach their ceiling; it shouldn’t take long for them to climb the rankings of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL. Perhaps they are already in the conversation.