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Pro Football Network Names Vikings’ Top Trade Bait
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- Pro Football Network Names Vikings’ Top Trade Bait
Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings' roster feels pretty well set as of late May, but that may not stop the organization from trading wide receiver Jordan Addison , says Pro Football Network .
That website sized one player per team last week who could be traded before too long, and Addison got the nod up north.
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Vikings WR Room Would Make an Addison Trade … Complicated
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison secures a reception against Chicago Bears cornerback Terell Smith during first-quarter action on Dec. 16, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Addison remained heavily involved in Minnesota's passing attack as the Vikings battled a division rival during a late-season matchup with playoff implications inside the NFC North race. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
PFSN: Vikings Main Trade Bait = Addison
Addison got the tap on the shoulder from PFSN's Jacob Infante, who explained , "Rather than continue to improve in Year 3, Jordan Addison saw his production drop in 2025, finishing with a career-low 71.0 PFSN WR Impact Score and posting career-low numbers in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns."
"He missed three games due to suspension last year, and he was arrested for trespassing in January. His drop in production and off-field concerns could make him a trade candidate for the Minnesota Vikings."
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Addison briefly frequented the trade rumor mill earlier in the offseason, but when the Vikings exercised his fifth-year option and drafted no rookie wideouts , the theories died off. Infante is trying to resurrect them.
How Much Could Vikings Get?
If the Vikings decide to trade Addison, starting with a 2nd-Round pick seems reasonable. He's young, productive, and assuredly has the potential to be a WR1 when he gets the ball. However, there's a catch: his off-the-field issues have prevented him from reaching superstar status, and he has yet to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season after three years.
Minnesota has also structured its wide receiver lineup with this in mind. Jauan Jennings recently joined as the 2026 WR3, providing Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy with another solid target behind Justin Jefferson and Addison. Additionally, Jennings serves as a reliable backup if either Jefferson or Addison gets injured.
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Trading Addison now would ravage that strategy. The Vikings brought in Jennings to enhance their offense, not to create another gap.
The timing also suggests that Addison is likely staying put. If Minnesota truly wanted to move him, the April draft would have been the optimal time, not late May or early summer. As it stands, Addison looks set to remain a Viking through 2026 and likely beyond.
Soon, he'll also be able to discuss a contract extension with the team. That could even begin this summer.
Why … Trade Addison?
Addison's trade value starts with his talent. He has already demonstrated his ability to produce at a high level, is still young, and has three NFL seasons under his belt as he approaches his prime.
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However, his situation is messy. Really messy, in fact. In 2023, Addison was pulled over in Minneapolis for speeding at 140 mph in a 55 mph zone. He claimed it was due to a dog emergency , and the incident didn't create much controversy with the league. Most considered it a one-off.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison celebrates with quarterback Sam Darnold after a touchdown during third-quarter action against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 29, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Addison helped fuel Minnesota's offense in a high-stakes NFC North showdown as the Vikings continued pushing toward the postseason late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
The following incident was more serious. In 2024, he was found passed out and intoxicated in his car on a Los Angeles freeway, leading to a three-game suspension.
Then, during the 2025 season, he faced more boneheaded antics. Addison skipped a team walkthrough in London, which led coach Kevin O'Connell to bench him for a quarter in the next game. Three months later, he was arrested for trespassing at a Florida casino. Although the charges were eventually dropped, they added to a growing list of troubles.
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That is the crux of the debate surrounding a potential Addison trade. While the player is valuable, his off-field baggage may make teams hesitant about how much they are willing to offer.
Unlikely to Ruin a Good Thing
The grand takeaway? The Vikings are unlikely to trade Addison. Why? They would've done so by now this offseason. They've had four months to formulate a plan, including players to sign in free agency and rookies to pluck from the draft. If offloading Addison were on the menu, that seems like a matter for February, March, or April — not whimsically after the draft.
Plus, the Vikings love Addison. They've had every reason to reevaluate their stance after his transgressions, and every time, they stood steadfastly behind him.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison makes a fourth-quarter reception against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 9, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Addison continued serving as a major contributor in Minnesota's passing offense while the Vikings battled one of the AFC's toughest opponents during an important midseason matchup in front of the home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
A more logical trade candidate may be safety Theo Jackson , who will fight for a roster spot among Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, and rookie Jakobe Thomas. Harrison Smith may even return one more time; he has not expressly retired.
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Pro Football Focus recently identified linebacker Blake Cashman as a trade candidate, too, but like Addison, it doesn't make much sense to get rid of a productive player.
Addison will turn 25 next January.
