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Infamous Former Viking Gets Another Contract
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- Infamous Former Viking Gets Another Contract
Brad Rempel
If you think ex- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell is a bust, that's a fair assessment — but the man sure has staying power in the NFL. Treadwell signed yet another contract last week, returning to the Indianapolis Colts on a one-year deal.
Treadwell's unlikely NFL staying power rolled on again Friday.
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As always, Treadwell will battle for a roster spot this summer at training camp and in the preseason.
Treadwell Is Back in Indianapolis
Ten years later, the Treadwell show continues.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell surveys the field during warmups before the NFC Championship Game matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Jan 21, 2018. The former first-round pick spent four seasons with Minnesota, working primarily as a depth receiver before continuing his career elsewhere in the NFL. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports.
Treadwell Back in IND
The former Vikings 1st-Rounder who just entered his 30s remains relevant in the big leagues.
Colts.com's JJ Stankevitz announced Friday , "The Colts on Friday re-signed wide receiver and special teams ace Laquon Treadwell . The 30-year-old Treadwell has appeared in 12 games over the past two seasons with the Colts. He initially joined the Colts in training camp prior to the 2024 season, and was brought back on the practice squad in 2024 and then 2025 before he was signed to the 53-man roster in November."
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"Treadwell in 2025 played 36 snaps on offense and 141 snaps on special teams. While he didn't record a reception, he did total eight special teams stops, contributing heavily on the Colts' kickoff coverage (25.6 yards/return allowed, 13th in NFL) and punt coverage (6.3 yards/return allowed, 2nd) units."
Minnesota picked Treadwell with the 23rd overall pick in 2016.
Stankevitz added, "Within the Colts' locker room, Treadwell is a highly respected player. A 2016 first-round pick who played for five other franchises (Vikings, Falcons , Jaguars , Seahawks , Ravens ), Treadwell has committed to making an impact on special teams while playing into his 30s."
The Colts' WR Corps
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Indianapolis made two sizable splashes last week at wide receiver, signing Alec Pierce to an unholy huge contract, at least compared to his career production, and trading Michael Pittman to the Pittsburgh Steelers .
With Treadwell back in the mix, this is the WR room for Shane Steichen's team:
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Eli Pancol
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Laquon Treadwell
By the looks of it, the Colts may use a draft pick before the end of Round 3 on a wideout.
Resume and Incredible Longevity
Treadwell arrived in Minnesota in 2016 with high expectations, with many believing he would be the next in a lineage of successful wide receivers drafted and developed by the Vikings. The franchise has a rich history at the position, boasting names like Randy Moss , Justin Jefferson , Percy Harvin , Adam Thielen , Stefon Diggs , and Jake Reed.
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Ultimately, Treadwell did not follow in their footsteps, and his Vikings career proved uneventful. He never developed into the star many envisioned.
Despite his lack of production, the Vikings remained patient. Treadwell spent all four years of his rookie contract in Minnesota, playing in 53 games from 2016 to 2019. Each season, he made the team out of training camp and remained a part of the receiving corps. However, his production remained limited, totaling just 701 receiving yards and two touchdowns during that time.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Laquon Treadwell celebrates after hauling in a late second-quarter first-down catch from quarterback Trevor Lawrence during the Jaguars' season finale against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville on Jan 9, 2022. Treadwell logged his most productive NFL season that year with Jacksonville. Mandatory Credit: Bob Self-Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK.
While the former Ole Miss star never lived up to his first-round billing, he has carved out a different kind of career. Treadwell has managed to find roster spots across the league, quietly extending his professional career to nearly a decade.
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His most productive season came in 2021 with the Jaguars, when he recorded 434 receiving yards.
Throughout his career, Treadwell has averaged approximately 15 receiving yards per game. Yet teams continue to sign him. He plays special teams here and there, but he's not overly known for that expertise either.
And against the odds, Treadwell continues to stick around. Here's Treadwell's journeyman resume:
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Minnesota Vikings (2016–2019)
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Atlanta Falcons (2020)
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Jacksonville Jaguars (2021)
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New England Patriots (2022)
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Arizona Cardinals (2022)
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Seattle Seahawks (2022)
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Baltimore Ravens (2023)
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Indianapolis Colts (2024-now)
All the Colts' FA Moves
The Colts have been a bit busier than the Vikings in free agency , authoring a list of these signings:
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Mo Alie-Cox(TE) IND → IND
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Michael Clemons(ED) NYJ → IND
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Arden Key (ED) TEN → IND
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Derrick Nnadi (DT) KC → IND
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Andrew Ogletree (TE) IND → IND
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Jonathan Owens (S) CHI → IND
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Alec Pierce(WR) IND → IND
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Juanyeh Thomas (S) DAL → IND
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Laquon Treadwell(WR) IND → IND
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard addresses reporters during the team's season-ending press conference at the Colts' facility in Indianapolis on Jan 10, 2025. Ballard reviewed the organization's roster decisions, offseason priorities, and outlook for the upcoming campaign following the conclusion of the 2024 season. Mandatory Credit: Clark Wade-IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Meanwhile, these 2025 Colts players have landed with new clubs:
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Samson Ebukam (EDGE) IND → ATL
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Neville Gallimore (DT) IND → CHI
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Nick Cross (S) IND → WAS
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Kwity Paye (EDGE) IND → LV
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Braden Smith (T/G) IND → HOU
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Rodney Thomas(S) IND → SEA
The Colts employ three more former Vikings: Mekhi Blackmon (CB), Camryn Bynum (S), and Daniel Jones (QB).
Treadwell will turn 31 this summer.
