The World Thinks One Vikings WR Is for Sale
Because the Minnesota Vikings have an upside-down 3-4 record at the moment, the world seems to believe wide receiver Jordan Addison can be obtained via trade.
The NFL trade rumor mill is a beast’s beast in the week leading up to the annual deadline, and the world seems to think one Vikings WR is for sale.
Addison is no stranger to boneheaded antics, and the working theory suggests that Minnesota may be tired of them and willing to trade him before next Tuesday’s deadline.
The theory likely isn’t true, but it’s out there nevertheless.
Vikings WR Jordan Addison Twists in the Trade Rumor Mill
It’s probably all for readers’ entertainment.
PFN Publishes Entire Article of Jordan Addison Trade Destinations
Most Vikings fans don’t seriously believe Addison is for sale, but Pro Football Network‘s Ayden Stroupe disagreed this week.
He wrote, “The Minnesota Vikings are 3-4 at the bottom of the NFC North. Their season outlook is quite bleak with both J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz injured. This situation has led to growing speculation that Minnesota could have a fire sale before the trade deadline, with wide receiver Jordan Addison as a potential piece to be moved.”
“However, fans should not count on an Addison trade. He is one of the league’s most naturally gifted young receivers and is still just 23 years old. Despite this, the possibility is absolutely real. Minnesota’s quarterback situation is unstable. Addison has faced off-field concerns since entering the league, and with Justin Jefferson entrenched as the WR1, Addison will never have the opportunity to become the top priority in this offense.”
An Addison trade has only been whispered in the shadows and usually on behalf of wide receiver-needy teams, not Vikings-themed writers.
“If Minnesota does decide to move him, the Vikings would likely be looking for value equal to a second-round pick. Five teams stand out as realistic landing spots,” Stroupe added.
Patriots Lead the Way
At the top of the list? Drake Maye’s New England Patriots. Maye is producing an MVP-caliber season and may get such votes at season’s end. So, Stroupe believes Addison belongs in Foxboro.
He explained, “The New England Patriots are the most likely to make a blockbuster move for Addison. New England is 6-2, and sophomore quarterback Drake Maye looks like the real deal, but the receiver play has been highly inconsistent.”
“Addison would immediately slide in as the WR1 for New England. Despite competing for targets with Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in a less efficient Minnesota offense, Addison already has more than 300 yards and two touchdowns. He is averaging nearly 20 more yards per game than Diggs or Boutte.”
Minnesota probably won’t trade Addison anywhere, but one can’t deny that he would cook in New England.
Stroupe continued, “If Addison became the primary weapon in Maye’s offense, he would go nuclear. His burst, separation, and YAC ability fit perfectly with Maye’s aggressive, on-schedule play style. Adding a 23-year-old star who can develop alongside the franchise quarterback for years would allow New England to leap from a playoff contender to a Super Bowl contender.”
“If a second-round pick is the asking price, the Patriots should close the deal and not think twice.”
The Problem? Addison Not Likely For Sale.
Addison has 2.5 years left on his rookie contract, and to date, he’s general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s crown jewel from the draft. He’s a dynamic player who fundamentally changes the Vikings’ offense, and when J.J. McCarthy eventually gets up to speed, Addison may be a mandatory combatant in Minnesota.
In fact, McCarthy spent most of the summer building rapport with Addison because Justin Jefferson was battling an iffy hamstring. The two could take off together as early as this weekend.
Minnesota might fetch a 2nd-Rounder for Addison via trade, but that’s probably not enough to move the needle and start over at WR2.
Contract Talks Upcoming
Meanwhile, assuming no Addison trade materializes before Tuesday — it likely won’t — the 23-year-old will step up to the plate this offseason for contract extension negotiations.
It feels like Addison “just got here,” but it is time for his representation to begin talking turkey with Minnesota’s brass. Although Addison has created some poor judgment errors — driving 140 MPH in a 65 MPH zone, a DUI-adjacent conviction, and missing a practice walkthrough in London — his people will still demand around $30 million per season to stay in Minnesota.
It’s just the way the NFL works.
So, as the trade theories will die by the middle of next week, fans should brace for extension chatter, because that’s about four months away.
Broncos Grab No. 2 on PFN’s List
Stroupe on Denver as an Addison destination: “Addison would immediately transform the unit. The Broncos lack a dominant slot presence with Marvin Mims Jr. currently as the starter, and Addison would take over that role ideally. Pairing him with Courtland Sutton would give Denver a versatile, threatening duo that could challenge the league’s best secondaries.”
“Addison would immediately flip both of those issues on their head. His ability to win inside would take pressure off Sutton on the perimeter and push Franklin down to the third option. Addison’s impact on opening up the field for Bo Nix could not be overstated. He instantly became one of the most talented young players on the Broncos’ roster and a long-term cornerstone of Sean Payton’s offense.”
Addison is on pace for 1,081 yards and 7 touchdowns this year after missing the season’s first three games (suspension).
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