Is It Time to Trade Jordan Addison?

Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fans react during the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports. The Minnesota Vikings have done significant heavy lifting during free agency this offseason. They shored up both sides of their interior lines and addressed a running back position largely barren. They brought back a cornerback and signed another one. Is It Time to Trade Jordan Addison? Although they did ink Rondale Moore to a free agent deal as a potential third wide receiver, it’s worth wondering if they should be done at the position. On one hand, the Vikings are set to provide youngster J.J. McCarthy a plethora of pass-catching options in the form of Moore, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Jalen Nailor. On the other hand, is one of them expendable? Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images. Of course, Jefferson isn’t going anywhere after signing a significant new deal last offseason. Hockenson isn’t in line to be moved either. Moore doesn’t represent the number two wide receiver that Addison does, but it may be time to move the former first-round pick at the height of his value. During his rookie season, Addison had a large share of targets, with Jefferson succumbing to injury. Last season, he got more consistent cornerback play but obviously slid back to second wideout duties behind Jefferson. Still, he has emerged as a legit talent in the league and will certainly want to be paid as a top wideout when he is first eligible. Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesMinnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) makes a catch but is later reversed for only one for coming down against the Tennessee Titans. © Steve Roberts-Imagn Images. The Vikings can control Addison’s rights for the next three years. His deal lasts another two and could have the fifth-year option tacked on. However, he’s almost certainly going to be suspended for a portion of the upcoming season after his DUI arrest, and it seems as though Minnesota may be less than inclined to pay him after the initial deal. Right now, the Vikings have minimal draft capital. They could trade Addison to bolster that and look at the upcoming collegiate talent as a way to recoup his value. It would undoubtedly hurt from the jump, but they already have to be planning for life without him this season during a specific period. Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) carries the ball against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports. The longer an acquiring team gets Addison on his rookie deal, the greater the value is. Minnesota certainly doesn’t need to flip him for nothing, but they could absolutely seek offers and look to pit bidders against one another. Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.