Minnesota Vikings vast receiver Jordan Addison warms up earlier than a preseason sport in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 10, 2024, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis. Getting into his second NFL season, Addison ready for an expanded offensive function after a productive rookie marketing campaign whereas expectations continued to rise across the younger playmaker. Necessary Credit score: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports activities.
During the last month, a few web sites, together with Bleacher Report and Professional Soccer Community, have floated Jordan Addison commerce theories — even when the Minnesota Vikings have indicated no plans to commerce the fourth-year playmaker. This time, SI.com obtained in on the enjoyable, outlining an thought that may ship Addison to Baltimore.
Jason La Canfora led the way in which final weekend, citing the Ravens’ doable want for one more vast receiver, together with Addison’s hometown of Frederick, Maryland, which is about 50 miles from the Ravens’ stadium.
Vikings WR Plan Makes an Addison Commerce Unlikely
A Baltimore Ravens helmet sits alongside the sideline earlier than the season opener in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. On Sep. 5, 2024, the gear mirrored stadium lights as Baltimore ready for one more AFC contender matchup in Kansas Metropolis. The Ravens stay a preferred touchdown spot in offseason commerce hypothesis. Necessary Credit score: Denny Medley-Imagn Pictures.
La Canfora: Addison Commerce Would Remodel Ravens’ Offense
Right here’s how La Canfora defended the speculation: “The Vikings would be wise to keep Addison with the chance to have much better quarterback play in 2026 than what they went through last year with J.J. McCarthy. And McCarthy’s struggles have plenty to do with the scuttlebutt about Addison — stuck behind a true superstar receiver in Justin Jefferson and perhaps someone who hasn’t always rubbed everyone the right way.”
“He wouldn’t come cheap as a 2023 first-round pick, but if the Ravens are going win another Super Bowl they may have to go through a team like the Rams to get there, and that franchise is never worried about trading prime future draft capital for known impact players.”
The Vikings exercised Addison’s fifth-year possibility final month, and he’s believed to be within the membership’s long-term plans — he’ll most likely get a contract extension earlier than too lengthy — so there’s no credible proof to counsel that he’s on the commerce block.
“He could make Rashod Bateman an easy trade target, and if the Vikings were looking for WR cover in return, maybe Bateman could even be part of the package. Addison is a native of Frederick and even though the Ravens just drafted two mid-round receivers, neither has close to Addison’s pedigree or skillset,” La Canfora continued.
“If he does get moved, it’s something Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta would be really shortsighted not to explore. The best front offices are always trying to pry players like this away, and some keep succeeding at doing so.”
Is Addison Even Obtainable by way of Commerce?
The Vikings are probably previous the purpose of buying and selling Addison this offseason.
The optimum time to maneuver him would have been in February, March, or April — earlier than free company, the draft, and the roster largely solidified for 2026. Minnesota has had months to evaluate Addison’s scenario. A sudden transfer now, post-draft, could be late to the occasion.
What’s extra, the Vikings have persistently proven no inclination to half methods with him. That’s, after all, vital given Addison’s checkered previous. In 2023, he was pulled over in Minneapolis for driving 140 mph in a 55 mph zone, citing a canine emergency. The incident garnered little leaguewide consideration and was largely seen as an remoted mistake. One other ordeal in 2024 was extra severe: Addison was discovered asleep and intoxicated in his automobile on a Los Angeles freeway, leading to a three-game suspension.
Additional self-inflicted drama unfolded in the course of the 2025 season. Addison skipped a workforce walkthrough in London, resulting in Kevin O’Connell benching him for 1 / 4 within the following sport. Three months later, he was arrested for trespassing at a Florida on line casino. Although the fees have been finally dropped, it added to his rising listing of issues.
These incidents would possibly give one other workforce pause earlier than paying a hefty commerce value. Whereas Addison is gifted and coming into his prime, he additionally comes with a historical past that any entrance workplace would wish to scrutinize.
Minnesota Vikings vast receiver Jordan Addison warms up earlier than a house sport in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. On Dec. 8, 2024, Addison ready for one more essential offensive function as Minnesota continued its playoff push. The younger receiver entered pregame drills amid one other productive marketing campaign for the Vikings. Necessary Credit score: Matt Krohn-Imagn Pictures.
Minnesota is totally conscious of all these components. It had ample alternative to reevaluate him and try a commerce. As a substitute, the Vikings’ brass has continued to assist him. They nonetheless need him; they imagine him.
Vikings’ Would-Be Haul
Buying and selling Addison now would disrupt the Vikings’ offensive plan.
Minnesota acquired Jauan Jennings to not change a top-two receiver, however to strengthen the 2026 receiving corps, present Kyler Murray or the aforementioned McCarthy with one other reliable goal, and set up stable depth behind Jefferson and Addison. The configuration is sensible: Jefferson is the first risk, Addison supplies a harmful WR2, and Jennings elevates the ground at WR3. Eradicating Addison from this equation would destabilize all the technique and muck issues up.
Concerning potential compensation, in concept, a 2nd-Spherical decide looks like an affordable place to begin if Minnesota have been to entertain provides. Addison is younger and productive sufficient to carry out as a WR1 when focused. Gamers of that caliber aren’t acquired cheaply.
Nonetheless, he has not reached 1,000 receiving yards in any of his three seasons, and the off-field points have prevented him from totally rising as a star.
Minnesota Vikings receiver Jordan Addison catches passes throughout pregame drills earlier than a division showdown at Lambeau Discipline. On Sept. 29, 2024, Addison labored by way of routes and timing workout routines because the offense ready to face the Inexperienced Bay Packers. The early warmup interval highlighted his focus and function inside Minnesota’s passing assault. Necessary Credit score: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Pictures.
The present commerce hypothesis is probably going simply discuss. He might even start contract extension discussions with Minnesota as early as this summer time.
Different Commerce Candidates
Except for Addison, the Vikings don’t have too many commerce candidates this summer time; Minnesota obtained its massive commerce splash out of the way in which in April by transport outdoors linebacker Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles.
But when an inner participant is dealt, it could be one in all these males:
Tai Felton (WR)
Theo Jackson (S)
Ivan Tempo Jr. (LB)
Walter Rouse (OT)
All of these gamers would fetch late-round draft picks, if relevant.
Addison will flip 25 in the course of the 2026 playoffs.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
