When the Minnesota Vikings selected Jordan Addison with the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, it came with the expectation that he would be replacing a former Pro Bowl wide receiver and a fan favorite at that.
The former Biletnikoff Award winner is going to play opposite arguably the best wide receiver in the game in Justin Jefferson, so that may make his life a bit easier. What may be a challenge though for Addison is coming in right away and filling in the shoes of a homegrown talent, who mutually agreed to part ways with the team.
This offseason, Adam Thielen exited from the franchise that drafted him after last season—a casualty of his impending $19.97 million cap hit against his declining production. Hailing from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Thielen played collegiately with Minnesota State University before the Vikings signed him as an undrafted free agent.
Over the past two seasons, Thielen has accounted for 137 receptions for 1,442 yards with 16 touchdowns. Addison isn’t expected to emulate that level of production immediately, but he sounds up for the task of replacing Thielen.
“I ain’t going to get into it too much, comparing. I just know what I can do. I’m confident, and I am going to fill his shoes,” he said via NFL.com.
The Vikings certainly need Addison to do so. It remains to be seen how he’ll ultimately fare in his season in Minnesota.
