Vikings Nopedy Nopes: Jordan Addison Trade, Duke Shelley, Extensions for Vikings Leaders
A weekend publication from VikingsTerritory, we present to you: the Vikings Nopedy Nopes of the week.
Vikings Nopedy Nopes: Jordan Addison Trade, Duke Shelley, Extensions for Vikings Leaders
The nopedy nopes are weekly Minnesota Vikings-themed items that we’re not buying. It’s a spin-off of our rumor mill, and we hope you enjoy. Here is the 22nd batch of Vikings nopedy nopes in the series’ history.
The Nopedy Nope: Jordan Addison could be traded after his driving infractions in back-to-back summers.
This one was lifted up by The Viking Age this week, claiming recent workouts of free-agent wide receivers could suggest Minnesota would trade the second-year wideout. “The Vikings need to do something to let all of their players know that what Addison did will not be tolerated,” TVA’s Adam Patrick wrote. “Minnesota’s leadership has claimed that they want to help Addison be the best possible version of himself. But can that be achieved in a Vikings uniform, or does the team need to release or trade him in order for him to realize the severity of his arrest last month?”
The Vikings auditioned three wide receivers this week: Deon Cain, Justin Hall, and Dax Milne. At the time of this article’s publication, none signed with the purple team.
Patrick added about the tryouts: “Most would assume these three players were likely brought in because Minnesota just wants to see if any of them can help improve the current depth of its wide receiver group. But might there be another reason for the Vikings working out free-agent receivers on Monday?”
Addison’s trade value — if the Vikings considered trading him at all this summer — is probably at its lowest point because of the recent arrest. Additionally, this brand of Vikings leadership has a reputation for embracing forgiveness and offering chances at redemption.
Though he is on thin Minnesota ice, the Vikings won’t trade Addison.
Verdict: Nopedy nope.
The Nopedy Nope: Duke Shelley, a fan favorite, is on his way to making a dent in the regular season once again for the Vikings.
The first purple depth chart this week listed Shelley around CB7 or CB8. Of course, he could thrive during three preseason games and change his standing.
However, when Minnesota re-signed Shelley a few weeks ago, folks remembered his 2022 performance as a ceiling for his upcoming performance. But it seems the man is battling for a 53-man roster spot — not a starter’s job.
Shelley is not currently a bonafide starting solution for the 2024 squad.
Verdict: Nopedy nope.
The Nopedy Nope: Minnesota hasn’t — and won’t — extend contracts for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell this year, a signal the two could be on the hot seat.
After comments from Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf on Tuesday, the answer seems like no, the Vikings won’t extend their leadership duo, as the executive may want to see the team’s trajectory after this season before taking the plunge.
“We’re focused on the season ahead,” Wilf replied when asked about extensions for Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell. He also made it abundantly clear that he was happy with the team’s direction.
Wilf said about extensions specifically: “It’s not something we’re talking about at this point.”
On the whole, it might be a little strange for Minnesota’s ownership to extend Adofo-Mensah or O’Connell now. Conventional logic suggests it will want to see how the 2024 draft class pans out or at least get a drop on McCarthy’s staying power in the sport.
It’s not uncommon for general managers and head coaches to enter the second-to-last year of their contracts without an extension. Not one bit.
Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell aren’t on the hot seat just because they won’t be extended two years early.
Verdict: Nopedy nope.
5-Time Pro Bowler to Meet with Vikings
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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