Another Jordan Addison Trade Rumor Hits the Vikings

Over the last month, a couple of websites, including Bleacher Report and Pro Football Network, have floated Jordan Addison trade theories — even if the Minnesota Vikings have indicated no plans to trade the fourth-year playmaker. This time, SI.com got in on the fun, outlining an idea that would ship Addison to Baltimore.

Jason La Canfora led the way last weekend, citing the Ravens’ possible need for another wide receiver, along with Addison’s hometown of Frederick, Maryland, which is about 50 miles from the Ravens’ stadium.

Vikings WR Plan Makes an Addison Trade Unlikely

Baltimore Ravens helmet rests on the sideline before a game against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Jordan Addison — A Baltimore Ravens helmet sits along the sideline before the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. On Sep. 5, 2024, the equipment reflected stadium lights as Baltimore prepared for another AFC contender matchup in Kansas City. The Ravens remain a popular landing spot in offseason trade speculation. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images.

La Canfora: Addison Trade Would Transform Ravens’ Offense

Here’s how La Canfora defended the theory: “The Vikings would be wise to keep Addison with the chance to have much better quarterback play in 2026 than what they went through last year with J.J. McCarthy. And McCarthy’s struggles have plenty to do with the scuttlebutt about Addison — stuck behind a true superstar receiver in Justin Jefferson and perhaps someone who hasn’t always rubbed everyone the right way.”

“He wouldn’t come cheap as a 2023 first-round pick, but if the Ravens are going win another Super Bowl they may have to go through a team like the Rams to get there, and that franchise is never worried about trading prime future draft capital for known impact players.”

The Vikings exercised Addison’s fifth-year option last month, and he is believed to be in the club’s long-term plans — he’ll probably get a contract extension before too long — so there’s no credible evidence to suggest that he’s on the trade block.

“He could make Rashod Bateman an easy trade target, and if the Vikings were looking for WR cover in return, maybe Bateman could even be part of the package. Addison is a native of Frederick and even though the Ravens just drafted two mid-round receivers, neither has close to Addison’s pedigree or skillset,” La Canfora continued.

“If he does get moved, it’s something Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta would be really shortsighted not to explore. The best front offices are always trying to pry players like this away, and some keep succeeding at doing so.”

Is Addison Even Available via Trade?

The Vikings are likely past the point of trading Addison this offseason.

The optimal time to move him would have been in February, March, or April — before free agency, the draft, and the roster largely solidified for 2026. Minnesota has had months to assess Addison’s situation. A sudden move now, post-draft, would be late to the party.

What’s more, the Vikings have consistently shown no inclination to part ways with him. That is, of course, significant given Addison’s checkered past. In 2023, he was pulled over in Minneapolis for driving 140 mph in a 55 mph zone, citing a dog emergency. The incident garnered little leaguewide attention and was largely viewed as an isolated mistake. Another ordeal in 2024 was more serious: Addison was found asleep and intoxicated in his car on a Los Angeles freeway, resulting in a three-game suspension.

Further self-inflicted drama unfolded during the 2025 season. Addison skipped a team walkthrough in London, leading to Kevin O’Connell benching him for a quarter in the following game. Three months later, he was arrested for trespassing at a Florida casino. Though the charges were eventually dropped, it added to his growing list of concerns.

Those incidents might give another team pause before paying a hefty trade price. While Addison is talented and entering his prime, he also comes with a history that any front office would need to scrutinize.

Jordan Addison warms up before a Vikings game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. — Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison warms up before a home game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Dec. 8, 2024, Addison prepared for another important offensive role as Minnesota continued its playoff push. The young receiver entered pregame drills amid another productive campaign for the Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

Minnesota is fully aware of all these factors. It had ample opportunity to reevaluate him and attempt a trade. Instead, the Vikings’ brass has continued to support him. They still want him; they believe him.

Vikings’ Would-Be Haul

Trading Addison now would disrupt the Vikings’ offensive plan.

Minnesota acquired Jauan Jennings not to replace a top-two receiver, but to strengthen the 2026 receiving corps, provide Kyler Murray or the aforementioned McCarthy with another dependable target, and establish solid depth behind Jefferson and Addison. The configuration makes sense: Jefferson is the primary threat, Addison provides a dangerous WR2, and Jennings elevates the floor at WR3. Removing Addison from this equation would destabilize the entire strategy and muck things up.

Regarding potential compensation, in theory, a 2nd-Round pick seems like a reasonable starting point if Minnesota were to entertain offers. Addison is young and productive enough to perform as a WR1 when targeted. Players of that caliber are not acquired cheaply.

Still, he has not reached 1,000 receiving yards in any of his three seasons, and the off-field issues have prevented him from fully emerging as a star.

Jordan Addison catches a pass during pregame warmups before a Vikings game at Lambeau Field. — Minnesota Vikings receiver Jordan Addison catches passes during pregame drills before a division showdown at Lambeau Field. On Sept. 29, 2024, Addison worked through routes and timing exercises as the offense prepared to face the Green Bay Packers. The early warmup period highlighted his focus and role within Minnesota’s passing attack. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

The current trade speculation is likely just talk. He could even begin contract extension discussions with Minnesota as early as this summer.

Other Trade Candidates

Aside from Addison, the Vikings don’t have too many trade candidates this summer; Minnesota got its big trade splash out of the way in April by shipping outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles.

But if an internal player is dealt, it may be one of these men: