All eyes are on the quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy. Still, that’s not the only competition Minnesota Vikings fans should be watching during minicamps and the preseason.
Justin Jefferson is hands down the Minnesota Vikings’ WR1. However, after they signed Jauan Jennings, Jordan Addison now has some competition for the No. 2 receiver spot.
To figure out who has the initial edge, fans must understand what each offers, how the quarterback competition affects it, and that the winner holds a long-term upper hand.
Stats don’t lie
When it comes to finding the perfect No. 2 receiver, production matters. If the WR2 shows plenty of production, it will allow for Jefferson to do what he does best: exploit one-on-one matchups as defenders must pay more attention to the hot hand.
Jennings is coming into the Vikings organization off a down statistical 2025 season, in which every 2025 stat (except games started and touchdowns) was lower than in 2024: 77 catches on 113 targets for 975 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 compared to 55 receptions on 90 targets for 643 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025
The 2020 seventh-round pick has started to make a name for himself after his first three seasons were underwhelming.
In five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Jennings has accumulated 210 catches on 330 targets for 2,581 yards and 22 touchdowns. In Super Bowl LVIII, Jennings became the second player in NFL history to record a receiving and passing touchdown in the Super Bowl. The other was Nick Foles in Super Bowl LII.
Addison is the incumbent WR2 for the Vikings, and he’s looking to further cement his spot with the team after an interesting 2025 season that saw him miss the first three games due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy after he pleaded guilty to a wet reckless.
Although Addison has had a litany of off-the-field issues, he’s been a force on it. He has 175 catches on 286 targets for 2,396 yards and 22 touchdowns on the receiving end and 105 yards on six carries and two touchdowns on the ground in only three seasons with the Vikings.
Still, Addison may not have a significant advantage, despite playing three years in Kevin O’Connell’s system. He and Jennings have shown WR1 potential. Also, the winner of the QB competition may play a bigger role in the receiving battle than initially expected.
QB1 winner matters
The quarterback competition between Murray and McCarthy won’t just affect the depth chart. The winner of the QB battle likely will prefer one receiver over the other.
Murray is new to the organization. So, he’s coming in to learn each receiver’s routs and where they flourish, while Jennings is also learning the offense. Murray played against Jennings twice a year while in Arizona and is familiar with his game. Therefore, it would be easy to understand how the connection between Murray and Jennings could tip the scales in Jennings’ favor over Addison if Murray is the Week 1 starter.
However, McCarthy has great chemistry and comfort with Addison. After all, both have been in the same system together the last two seasons. There is no question that Addison takes the WR2 spot if McCarthy is under center.
While the QB competition will be interesting in determining the WR2, whoever ends up winning could be in store for a massive payday.
Long-term effects
The WR2 preseason competition will determine the initial hierarchy going into the season. However, it could also be the frontrunner to obtain another contract with the Vikings.
Minnesota signed Jennings to a one-year deal in May, while Addison is in the last year of his rookie contract. The Vikings can pick up Addison for one more season under the club option, but that will come with an $18 million price tag.
Addison and Jennings will be using this season as an opportunity to further their careers. Both could achieve success in 2026, but the payday will go to the one who is the healthiest and most consistent.
It isn’t the main competition going into training camp. Still, the battle for the No. 2 receiver spot in 2026 is fascinating, given the players involved. I believe Jennings will come out on top in this battle, given the likelihood that Murray will be the team’s Week 1 starter, which would lead to Jennings signing another deal after 2026.
Either way, the Vikings are coming into the 2026 season with three starting receivers that will yield success throughout the season.
