The Minnesota Vikings may be watching the playoffs from home, but they’re still making plenty of offseason headlines - and not just because of coaching movement or roster questions. The latest buzz centers around wide receiver Jordan Addison, and it’s not just about his recent off-field incident. According to reports, the San Francisco 49ers are eyeing a potential trade for the 23-year-old wideout, and there’s real smoke behind the chatter.
49ers Eyeing Addison in Trade Talks
Per reporting out of San Francisco, head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch are exploring the possibility of bringing Addison back to the Bay Area. The Vikings reportedly aren’t planning to pick up Addison’s fifth-year option, which opens the door for a trade - especially with Minnesota juggling multiple needs this offseason, including quarterback and secondary help.
Addison, a native of the Bay Area, was taken 23rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft and has put up solid numbers in his first three seasons: 175 receptions, 2,396 yards, and 22 touchdowns over 46 games. On the field, those are the kind of stats that usually make the fifth-year option a no-brainer. But Addison’s off-field issues - including a recent arrest in Tampa that has since been dropped - have complicated matters.
Now, with the Vikings needing to make a decision on his option by May 5, trade rumors are heating up.
Why Trading Addison Could Make Sense - and Why It Might Not
Let’s break this down. On one hand, Addison is a talented receiver with proven production. If the Vikings are still unsure about their quarterback situation going into 2026, keeping weapons around - especially young, explosive ones - is usually the smart play.
But then there’s the other side of the coin. Addison’s off-field track record is starting to raise eyebrows.
This latest incident may not have resulted in charges, but it adds to a growing list of distractions. Combine that with the fact that Minnesota reportedly likes what they’ve seen from Jalen Nailor, and suddenly the idea of moving on from Addison starts to make more sense.
There’s also the timing. Trading Addison now would mean selling low - his value has taken a hit, and teams know Minnesota might be motivated to move him. That’s not an ideal negotiating position, especially for a player with first-round pedigree and three years of solid production.
What Would a Trade Look Like?
The 49ers aren’t the only team reportedly interested, but they’re the ones making the most noise. Talks between the two teams have reportedly already taken place, and there’s speculation that a second- or third-round pick could be enough to get a deal done. One floated scenario includes San Francisco offering wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and a fourth-round pick.
Buffalo has also been mentioned as a possible suitor. There’s a bit of history there - the Bills and Vikings previously worked out the Stefon Diggs trade, and it’s possible they could revisit that pipeline.
Addison is still just 23 years old and has already shown he can produce at the NFL level. He’s two years younger than Pearsall and brings a skillset that could thrive in a system like Shanahan’s, where route precision and yards after catch are gold.
What’s Next for Minnesota?
The Vikings have a decision to make - and not just about Addison. They’re entering a pivotal offseason, with questions at quarterback, holes in the secondary, and multiple coaching changes in motion. Trading Addison could free up resources to address those needs, but it also risks giving up on a young, talented player before he’s hit his ceiling.
If Minnesota does decide to move him, they’ll be looking to maximize value - not just dump a problem. Whether that means a high draft pick, a player like Pearsall, or even a more surprising piece like Mac Jones (whose name has been floated, though not officially on the trade block), remains to be seen.
One thing’s clear: the Addison situation is one to watch. With the fifth-year option deadline looming and teams already circling, Minnesota’s next move could say a lot about how they’re approaching the rebuild - and how much patience they have left for their young receiver.