ESPN Writer Thinks Jordan Addison Could Be On the Move

The Minnesota Vikings have a decision to make about the receiver position behind Justin Jefferson. Jalen Nailor enjoyed a career season in 2025, and former first-round pick Jordan Addison's 2025 was marred by off-the-field issues. Addison is a talented receiver, but should the Vikings commit to a long-term, lucrative extension to a player with character issues? 

ESPN's Kevin Seifert believes the team could bring back Nailor, who is due for free agency, and ship Addison off for draft capital. 

"Justin Jefferson is due to earn an average of $35 million in each of the next three seasons, and No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison -- a first-round pick in 2023 -- is now eligible for a contract extension. But Addison being arrested Jan. 12 and charged with misdemeanor trespassing, although the charges were later dropped, is a reminder that letting Nailor leave is not without risk. In his three-year career, Addison has missed three games because of an NFL suspension, two games because of injury, and a quarter of another game as discipline for missing a walk-through practice."

"Nailor has spent the past two seasons as the Vikings' No. 3 receiver, and the assumption has long been that Nailor would depart as a free agent rather than bloat their cap structure at the position."

To be fair, Addison was cleared of any wrongdoing in his trespassing case. On January 20, a Florida state attorney dropped the misdemeanor trespassing charges against Addison.

Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated named the 49ers as a potential landing spot given their need at receiver. Today, a possible draft return for Addison was speculated by SI. 

"Addison leads this group in touchdowns and is one of the youngest, but he is right in the middle of the pack when it comes to catches and yards. He is most similar to George Pickens, who got traded at the same age and year of his career. He was due a contract as well. 

They have about the same number of catches, while Pickens has nearly 500 more yards, and Addison has 10 more touchdowns. If Addison gets traded, it will likely be for the Pickens return."

Pickens was dealt to Dallas for a third-round pick and late round pick swap. The receiver turned in his finest season as a professional, and the hope would be the same for the 49ers and Addison. His name will be the subject of many trade rumors this offseason.