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The Minnesota Vikings focused their offseason efforts on major priorities, such as securing a massive contract extension for Justin Jefferson and managing a quarterback transition, both of which dominated headlines. Meanwhile, Addison, one of the team’s promising young stars, was diligently working to elevate his performance and join the ranks of the NFL’s elite receivers.
Addison is confident he has achieved this goal. He told ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, “(I’ve) taken my game to the next level in one year.”
Reports indicate that Addison has thrived during his first full NFL offseason, benefiting greatly from the guidance of receivers coach Keenan McCardell. McCardell, a former top NFL receiver himself, played a crucial role in Addison’s development, helping him refine his skills and flourish.
The Vikings hope that Addison will form a dynamic duo with Jefferson. Despite Jefferson being limited to just 10 games in 2023 due to a hamstring injury, Addison managed to shine. He led all rookies with 10 touchdown receptions and recorded 911 yards on 70 catches, making a significant impact even as defenses focused more on him.
Addison, the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, demonstrated his talent by catching passes from multiple quarterbacks, including Kirk Cousins, Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall. Whether it is J.J. McCarthy or Sam Darnold starting as the Vikings’ quarterback, Addison has proven his ability to perform under varying circumstances.
His impressive performance during spring practices strengthens his case. Unlike the previous year when he was recovering from an injury and missed the Vikings’ spring practices, Addison was a standout in the organized team activities and minicamp this year.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell praised Addison’s offseason efforts, stating, “Jordan Addison had as good of an offseason program as really you can ask for. [He is] a guy that had a ton of success in Year 1. And really, from a standpoint of getting a little stronger, getting a little bit more comfortable playing through contact and still playing with that great burst and transition that he has, you saw some real growth there [this spring].”
Addison has been working diligently behind the scenes, focusing on honing his technique to enhance his natural talents. Reflecting on his rookie year, he acknowledged areas for improvement. “Last year I wasn’t as confident in my releases,” he admitted. “I wasn’t being decisive. I didn’t have a plan when I was coming up to the line. I was just freelancing trying to make something work.”
Despite these challenges, Addison made significant contributions in 2023 and believes his offseason improvements will lead to an even more successful 2024 season. By addressing his weaknesses and building on his strengths, Addison aims to become an even more formidable presence on the field, contributing to the Vikings’ offensive success and establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top receivers.
