Jordan Addison generated the wrong kind of headlines for the Minnesota Vikings with his social media activity last weekend. But with the Nov. 5 trade deadline fast approaching, the second-year receiver insisted he doesn’t want to play for another team.
Should Vikings fans believe him?
Why Is Jordan Addison Being Named in Vikings Trade Rumors?
Addison’s sophomore production is down from what he provided as a rookie in 2023.
Last season, the first-round pick caught 70 of 108 targets for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. Through the first seven weeks of this season, however, Addison had just 12 catches on 20 targets for 209 yards and one touchdown in four games.
A day before his team’s Week 8 road game against the Los Angeles Rams, Addison, who wears No. 3, wrote “Free 3” on his Instagram story.
Jordan Addison with “free 3” on his IG 👀 pic.twitter.com/yUcWf2LZ1X
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron)
Addison then caught two of three targets for 22 yards as the Vikings lost their second consecutive game this season. He is now on pace for 48 receptions on 78 targets for 785 yards and three touchdowns, numbers that would fall well below his rookie stats.
On Monday, Addison addressed the elephant in the room.
What Addison Said About Controversial Instagram Post
While speaking with Vikings reporters, Addison downplayed the post and said he’s been using the “Free 3” slogan for at least four years, dating back to his college days at the University of Pittsburgh.
“People just try to make something out of anything,” he said. “It ain’t nothing.”
” … I think I came up with that in 2020 fall camp at Pittsburgh. So, that’s where that started. People got to do their homework before they start saying stuff.”
WATCH: Jordan Addison shoots down the speculation that his "Free 3" Instagram post implied he's unhappy with the #Vikings or wants a trade.
"That's just my little saying. People will just try to make something out of anything. I’m straight, I’m good.” pic.twitter.com/knpl9IQeJb
— FOX 9 (@FOX9)
So, does Addison have an issue with his reduced target share?
“No, I’m straight,” he said before acknowledging disappointment with his current level of production.
“Obviously, I wish I could be doing a little bit better,” Addison continued, “but I’m doing everything I can. I’m learning every week, watching the film and just trying to get better every day. I’m just looking forward to having a good game this week.”
Addison will look to post better numbers when the Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night. Minnesota’s following two games will come against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans, providing the Vikings an opportunity to get back on track after consecutive losses.
