In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings drafted wide receiver Jordan Addison No. 23 overall. Addison was to be a replacement for Adam Thielen, and the wideout impressed everyone in his rookie season.
Justin Jefferson missed seven games last season, and Addison stepped up in his absence. Yet, this year, Jefferson has stayed healthy and is having another sensational campaign, which has affected Addison’s numbers.
The USC product recently wrote “Free 3” in a story posted on his Instagram account, and many believe the wide receiver is hinting at leaving the team.
Fans React to Jordan Addison’s Message
Nobody knows whether Addison’s message means his desire to leave the team, but fans on social media were upset with his cryptic message.
These receivers are such divas. You can’t all be THE guy
— MayedayMayeday (@MayedayMayeday)
“Trade him man, he’s so not good at football, cut bait,” wrote one fan.
“Why do the current crop of players cry and want to be traded the moment they are featured?” said another fan.
I saw it when that TE 84 caught that TD Pass and Addison was open as well but deeper in the end zone and didn’t celebrate with him. I hate guys like this when the team is doing so well man and he want to do this…. Smh
— Jacobbi McDaniel (@JacobbiJustice)
“I know a place where one of his former college QBs is starting games,” said one Chicago Bears fan, hinting at the reunion of Caleb Williams with Addison.
“Don’t blame him. Sam Darnold is awful, and their whole game plan is to spam JJ,” wrote one fan.
Don’t tell me we got another Diggs💔 https://t.co/XBdHRBSbzt
— ريفس (@Ar15Mvp)
One fan mentioned that “Free 3” is Addison’s nickname, and there is no controversy regarding his future with the team.
The second-year wideout has 14 receptions for 231 yards and one touchdown in five games this season. He’s averaging 4.6 targets per game, compared to last season’s average of 6.3, which makes Addison’s frustration quite reasonable.
After starting the season 5-0, the Vikings have lost two straight games. In situations like this, players who have not been given enough opportunities to perform could openly show their frustration.
Could Addison Get More Opportunities in the Coming Weeks?
T.J. Hockenson is expected to make his season debut in Week 9. His presence on the field will create more space for Jefferson and Addison. However, the star tight end could also decrease the number of targets for both receivers.
Jefferson is currently averaging 8.5 targets per game, but as the season progresses, opposing defenses will try to force him out of the game plan. Sam Darnold has had a good season so far, but to take the next step, he must trust Addison, as the 22-year-old receiver has the talent to be a No. 1 option.
In his rookie season, Addison had 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games. Notably, these numbers came with Jefferson and Kirk Cousins missing time, making things tough for every player on the field.
Nevertheless, the Vikings should try to get Addison much more involved in the game. This will decrease the pressure on Jefferson, allowing him to have an injury-free season.
Teams like the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles have benefited from having two star wideouts, and the Vikings should learn from that. Otherwise, if Addison does indeed hand in a trade request, several teams would be happy to have him.
