Jordan Addison’s legal troubles are finally behind him. After his DUI case was resolved in July, the NFL now had everything it needed to decide whether Addison would face disciplinary action when the 2025 season began, and the league made its decision.
Jordan Addison Set To Miss Multiple Games Due to Suspension
On Thursday, July 17, Addison pleaded guilty to a lesser offense, referred to by his attorney as “wet reckless.” That is legal slang for reckless driving while alcohol is involved. He paid a fine and is required to complete two online courses, expecting his probation to be terminated after six months.
This decision followed Addison’s voluntary participation in MADD events and programs, according to his attorney, as he recognized the seriousness of his actions. With the legal process now concluded, the wide receiver finally learned his fate.
The NFL ultimately decided to suspend Addison for the first three games of the 2025 season for violating the league’s policy against substances of abuse. He will miss the games against the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and Cincinnati Bengals.
The league has a consistent track record of suspending players in DUI-related cases. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson was also suspended for three games for a similar situation. The CBA spells out that players will be suspended three games for a DUI.
The league has a history of enforcing disciplinary actions even after cases are resolved in civil rather than criminal court, as seen with quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2022, who was suspended for 11 games.
Addison has been a key contributor for the Vikings and plays a major role as Justin Jefferson’s complementary wideout. He had a strong 2024 campaign that included 875 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns over 15 games.
Jordan Addison.
My goodness.
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/aM1msezXyx
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 29, 2024
Addison’s absence is a significant setback for quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who’s set to start for the Vikings in his first real NFL action.
With Addison set to miss the first three games of the season, Minnesota acquired Adam Thielen in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. Thielen, who spent nine seasons in Minnesota before signing with the Panthers, is an experienced two-time Pro Bowler who will be a valuable weapon for McCarthy while Addison is out.
Moreover, once Addison is back from his suspension, the Vikings will have one of the better wide receiver rooms in the league. The franchise is doing everything possible to make things easier for McCarthy, and now it’s up to the quarterback to make the most of it.
Addison’s Fantasy Outlook
Do you want to be the one to take a chance on Addison as you wait out the first three weeks of his suspension? Honestly, maybe. His ADP has taken a hit, but if it continues to dip, he’s not a bad stash. The bigger risk, to me, is if JJ McCarthy is good enough to spread the ball out enough to feed him.
Addison has had a nose for the end zone through his two seasons with 19 total scores. Even with just over 100 targets per year, he hasn’t crossed 1,000 yards yet.
RELATED: Should I Draft Jordan Addison? Fantasy Outlook for the Vikings WR in 2025
Instead, he plays a crucial role in either taking advantage of the gravity Justin Jefferson gives him or creating more himself downfield. It’s been lucrative, but it’s still TD-dependent. That said, “year three, 23-year-old receivers” are the exact type of talent you want to target. If you get him at a value, then he’s a worthy stash.
Yet, there are enough question marks to be wary. He needs that breakout to be a difference maker, more receptions, more yards, and to keep that touchdown efficiency. That may not be up to him. JJ McCarthy needs to be able to feed him, and they may look to run more often behind their rebuilt offensive line.
QBs have combined for 30 and 35 touchdowns over those two years, whereas RBs have only rushed for four and seven in the same time. It’s not just a lofty goal for McCarthy to support two WRs, but this team wants to run more around the goal line.
So, make your call on Addison. Because of his suspension, I think I’d rather pass on his price, but I won’t be shocked if he turns up as well. He’s an excellent target for keeper leagues, where you can keep him at a good price for 2026.
