On Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings faced the Detroit Lions in the middle of three Christmas contests streaming between Netflix and Prime Video throughout the day. Even better, the Vikings came out on top, 23-10.

Much like last weekend’s victory over the New York Giants, the Vikings were brutal to watch for most of the game Thursday, offensively. Max Brosmer threw for just 51 yards — 30 yards of which were completed to superstar wide receiver, Justin Jefferson.

Justin Jefferson Passes Randy Moss in NFL Lore

Through his first five NFL seasons, the 2020 first round pick owns an NFL record 96.5 receiving yards per game, a mark that has taken a serious hit in 2025, thanks to inconsistent quarterback play and an offensive line that cannot stay healthy.

Nonetheless, Jefferson continues to pile up the career yardage. With his underwhelming Christmas Day performance, in fact, Justin set a new NFL record for total receiving yards through six seasons — with 8,379.

It was just enough to topple the previous record holder, a wide receiver you may have heard of, named Randy Moss. Next week, in Green Bay, Justin Jefferson will have an opportunity to add to his record.

.@JJettas2 passed Randy Moss (8,375) for the most receiving yards by a player in his first six NFL seasons.#DETvsMIN pic.twitter.com/aR5eLq6cc6

— Vikings Communications (@VikingsPR) December 26, 2025

Moss, of course, went on to rack up more than 15,000 career receiving yards, haul in 156 touchdown receptions, and earn induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Justin Jefferson still has plenty of runway to chase those benchmarks, though he’ll need more help in future seasons, if he wants to keep up his pace.

Minnesota Vikings Offense Flops in Inept Victory

Thirty receiving yards is an improvement over the four receiving yards Jefferson recorded during Max Brosmer’s first start, in Seattle vs the Seahawks, but it highlights just how low Minnesota’s offense has really fallen.

The #Vikings won with three net passing yards, the fewest in a win in team history and the fewest by any team since Oct. 16, 1983, when the Seahawks won with two.

They're also now out of last place in the NFC North; they're tied with the Lions at 8-8, and have a season sweep.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 26, 2025

Brosmer still looked like an undrafted rookie trying to find his footing against a defense scheming up everything in their power to stop him. The former Gopher finished 9-of-16 for just 51 yards, good for a 9.0 quarterback rating.

He was also sacked seven times for minus-47 yards, making the Minnesota Vikings’ net total for passing yards on the day… just THREE.

With Jordan Mason out, and Aaron Jones struggling with injuries of his own, the Vikings run game struggled too. If not for a dominant defensive performance, combined with Jordan Addison’s 65-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, Friday’s outcome could’ve been a lot different.

JORDAN ADDISON JINGLE JINGLE ALL THE WAY!

DETvsMIN on @Netflix pic.twitter.com/ZbfwntyT44

— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2025

Ultimately, the result marked a fittingly underwhelming end to Detroit’s playoff hopes.

It also reflects the frustrating reality of a Minnesota Vikings roster that couldn’t overcome extensive injuries and poor quarterback play in time for a now four-game win streak to matter toward their own playoff dreams.

Of course, there isn’t a week of the 2025 season that passes in Vikings land without some sort of drama or distraction to divert our attention. Week 15 is no different, especially as redshirt rookie JJ McCarthy gets set to make the seventh start of his NFL career.

Minnesota Vikings offense struggling to find its way on the field

At 5-8 on the season, Minnesota’s record tells the short story of 2025 pretty well. It’s been a struggle, especially on offense, as the team tries to expedite JJ McCarthy’s development on the fly. They’ve shuffled through three different quarterbacks, in the process, none of which are competent NFL starters at this point in their careers.

Not only has the Vikings’ QB incompetence on the field cost them wins in the regular season, and thus any hope they once had at being a 2025 playoff team, but it has individually affected the statistics of every player on on offense, most noticeably the receivers.

With 810 yards and 2 touchdowns on 64 receptions, through 13 games, Justin Jefferson is on pace for career-lows in just about every statistical category. He also hates losing, which is another reason why we’ve seen the superstar wideout pouting and throwing mild temper tantrums on the sideline all year.

Meanwhile, Adam Thielen — who the Vikings traded multiple middle round pick swaps for back in September — is no longer on the roster, because he wasn’t being utilized… like at all (8 REC, 69 YDS, 0 TD).

Don’t forget about our highly compensated tight end, TJ Hockenson — who’s been way more of a blocking threat in 2025, than he is a danger to catch the football (46 REC, 370 TDS, 3 TD). And Jordan Addison, he has been underwhelming (37 REC, 510 YDS, 3 TD), since returning from his three-game suspension to start the season too.

Jordan Addison’s DUI arrest still haunting MN Vikings

Speaking of Jordan Addison’s suspension, the original DUI arrest from July 12, 2024 it stemmed from found its way back into the news Thursday night, when the New York Post got ahold of the 23-year-old‘s body-cam arrest footage from that night.

It’s important to mention before you watch this video that, not only was Addison’s DWI charge eventually pleaded down to a “Wet Reckless”, but the Minnesota Vikings WR2 has already had his probation lifted early.

According to a statement from his attorney (via the NY Post), Jordan Addison is also in the process of getting his July 12, 2024 arrest completely expunged from his criminal record.

“Jordan fulfilled every one of his obligations on time and without exception, often going above and beyond what was required of him. Now that his probation has been formally terminated, we will be filing an expungement so he can fully move forward with his life.”

Jacqueline Sparagna – Jordan Addison’s Attorney (via NY Post)

Bodycam footage from the July 12, 2024 arrest of MN Vikings WR Jordan Addison has surfaced…

(video originally obtained by the @nypost) pic.twitter.com/Hcx1WBzEaa

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) December 12, 2025

Jordan Addison was not fully coherent before arrest

You can see in the video that Jordan Addison awakes at the wheel of his vehicle by a cop tapping on his door, while his car is stopped in the left-hand turn lane near LAX airport. You can hear the cop tell him he has been stopped there for 15 minutes, though that time is not official.

After asking Jordan a few questions — many of which the Vikings wideout doesn’t comprehend in the moment — then looking at his eyes, the cop has Addison step out of the car, before the two talk more.

Related: The Vikings Need to Call on Joe Burrow… Like Yesterday

A few times throughout the exchange, Addison is asked if he has been drinking, to which Jordan responds with the same answer — no. Obviously, the cop isn’t convinced so he administers a breathalyzer toward the end of the video.

We do not know what the results said, but the numbers were high enough for Jordan Addison to immediately be placed under arrest. The cash he had in his pocket, according to The Post, was $150 in $1 bills — not suspicious at all.

In Minnesota, that week off can always be a bit worrisome with players off doing their own thing. Jordan Addison was recently benched for a quarter due to his decisions in London. He hasn’t been known to always make the best choices, but it sounds as though he’ll be locked in during the bye week.

MN Vikings developing connection over bye week

When Jordan Addison is focused on work and his craft, there are few across the league better than him. Good choices will ultimately lead him to a sizeable payday and Minnesota would love to grant him that. He said postgame he’ll be focused throughout the next week off.

#Vikings WR Jordan Addison’s plans for the bye week:

“Imma be around the building catching with JJ McCarthy, just getting ready with him.”pic.twitter.com/jPsMNopBIT

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 6, 2025

“I’m going to be around to build and catch up with J.J. McCarthy, just getting ready with him”

Jordan Addison

It should be expected that McCarthy remains close to the TCO Performance Center during the bye week as he looks to work towards a clean bill of health. It is not so cut and dry that he returns to the field after the bye week at this point. However, Addison and McCarthy can continue to develop chemistry together.

On Sunday it was Addison working with Carson Wentz that ultimately brought the Vikings a victory. The wide receiver was targeted multiple times on the final drive, including a game-winning touchdown catch.

The Game Winner!! pic.twitter.com/QEdaoX9bfo

— Ben Leber (@nacholeber) October 5, 2025

Through two games this season, Addison has nine catches on 14 targets. He has accumulated 155 yards and a touchdown. It’s possible that he records his first 1,000 yard season this year, and it would have been almost guaranteed had he not been suspended for the first three games of the season.

Moving forward, if Addison can stay locked into the goals he and the Minnesota Vikings have ahead of them, there’s a good chance he sets himself up for a nice 2025 and beyond. With time off granted to him, it’s a positive to hear he’ll be using it wisely. Now he just needs to follow through on that.

The 2023 No. 23 overall draft pick was not listed on the inactive list, but for the entire first quarter, No. 3 in all white was nowhere to be found. Just before the start of the second quarter, we found out why. Addison was not dealing with a physical ailment.

Minnesota Vikings WR benched to start game vs Browns

Instead, Kevin Seifert (ESPN) reports that his absence at the start of week five was a “coach’s decision”. In other words, Jordan did something that resulted in him being benched for the start of this game. When the 2nd quarter began, Addison was back on the field.

It took until Kevin O’Connell’s postgame press conference for fans and media to find out why Jordan Addison was disciplined Sunday. According to the head coach, Addison missed a Vikings walkthrough this week, leading to his first quarter benching.

Jordan Addison is heading onto the field. So this was a first-quarter benching, due to what the Vikings say was a coach's decision.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 5, 2025

Kevin O’Connell says Jordan Addison missed a walk thru this week. Addison addressed the team about it.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 5, 2025

Jordan Addison may be his own worst enemy

Addison played the MN Vikings full game in Dublin last week, after spending the first three games of the regular season suspended due to a DUI arrest in California two offseasons ago that was eventually pleaded down to a “wet reckless” violation.

In his first game of 2025, against the Steelers, Addison piled up 114 receiving yards on 4 receptions. In his three quarters of play Sunday, he put up another 5 receptions for 41 yards and the game-winning touchdown.

Jonathan Vilma on Carson Wentz's go-ahead TD pass to Jordan Addison: "I can't emphasize enough how good of a throw that was. That is big league! Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes…" #NFL https://t.co/rDEZhojVJo pic.twitter.com/jw1wxBo0Xt

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 5, 2025

One thing is for sure, though, this latest off-field incident isn’t a good look for the former USC and Pitt star, who has accumulated 1941 yards and 20 touchdowns on 142 career receptions.

Jordan Addison could be looking at a massive $100 million contract in the next two offseasons, if he can show the Minnesota Vikings and/or the rest of the league that he can keep his nose out of trouble… something that is proving easier said than done.

When he signed it, Jefferson’s new deal made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. When a contract gets that big, it takes time to work out all the nuances involved.

But back in April 2023, the same year that early Jefferson negotiations were heating up, the MN Vikings went out and got WR1 insurance, drafting USC’s fast twitch, route-running stud, Jordan Addison, with the No. 23 overall pick.

Immediately, Addison proved his talent when Jefferson missed seven games of the 2023 season with a bad hamstring. Even dealing with five different quarterbacks, after Kirk Cousins ruptured his achilles, Jordan piled up 70 receptions, 911 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie.

Since then, he has had some run-ins with the law, including a DUI arrest in LA back in 2024 that was later plead down to a “wet reckless” violation. In week 4, Addison is set to return from his three-game suspension, stemming from that incident, giving the Minnesota offense yet another weapon in the passing game.

But now, it’s Jordan Addison who is coming due for a contract extension, and it could come as soon as this upcoming offseason. When the 2025 season ends, the Minnesota Vikings will undoubtedly lock in the fifth year of the 23-year-old’s rookie deal, which will make him a Viking through 2027.

Minnesota Vikings plan to pay Jordan Addison…?

However, if Addison wants to get paid sooner, there it sounds like the Vikings front office would welcome that conversation. That’s a change in narrative, from what we’ve been told prior. Due to the size of Jefferson’s deal, there has been doubt surrounding their ability to pay Addison too.

But on Thursday’s episode of “Purple Daily” on SKOR North, local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson suggested on that Minnesota now intends to pay the freight on Addison too.

“He is a number one receiver, but here, number two. Wait until you see the contract extension he will sign. The Vikings, have in their minds, this idea that they are going to pay Addison. Now could that change, could that shift? Sure. They feel like they hit on a first round pick. The idea is in a pass first offense in many ways, that you want two dynamic receivers. Jordan Addison can get one of those Garrett Wilson-type contracts. If not more. Terry McLaurin, $30 million a year-plus. He is that good.”

Darren Wolfson – Purple Daily

As Wolfson alludes to, a lot can change in two years. That doesn’t mean the Vikings don’t understand the value they have in their second wideout, and he would immediately raise the bar for any other team.

The two deals that Wolfson noted as logical benchmarks include Garrett Wilson’s four-year, $130 million pact and Terry McClaurin’s three-year, $97 million deal. Both are good bets to be in the realm of what Addison may accept.

Across his first 32 games he already has 19 touchdowns. Addison has accumulated 1,786 yards on 133 receptions while playing in the shadow of Justin Jefferson. His ability makes it impossible for an opposing defense to try and scheme away one of Minnesota’s top two wideouts.

Jordan Addison is unguardable pic.twitter.com/NJD0Blz5Ej

— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) August 14, 2025

It seemed a bit unlikely that the Vikings could accommodate two big wide receiver contracts, but it’s tough to overlook the impact he has on the offense. While T.J. Hockenson could be playing for a new deal this year, he has not lived up to the expectations set out for him when acquired from the Detroit Lions.

If it comes down to deciding which pass-catch is more important to the future of the offense, that decision may have already been made for the franchise.

Cap space opens up for Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota paired the Jefferson extension with one for star left tackle Christian Darrisaw last season. Addison getting his money three years later would set up opportunity to fit everyone under the salary cap. Although the Vikings have issues to work out on that front next year, they are currently projected to have $41 million in cap space for 2027.

The hope too would be that J.J. McCarthy can be the real deal, and he would still be on his rookie deal at that point. Kevin O’Connell has done plenty with quarterbacks, but giving them elite pass-catching talent has been a large part of the equation.

If Addison can continue to produce, and avoid any further off-the-field issues, it makes plenty of sense for the team that drafted him to be the one that pays him. As of right now, Wolfson sees that as the intended course of action.

Unfortunately the clean bill of health that appeared to follow the Bengals game was met with the announcement of Donovan Jackson’s surgery on Monday. That leaves the offensive line still without a key part. However, the team made a pair of roster moves on Tuesday, and one bolsters the offense in a big way.

Jordan Addison returns among MN Vikings roster moves

This offseason Jordan Addison was suspended for three weeks after his “wet reckless” plea stemming from the arrest two summers ago. He has served his time and is now rejoining the active roster. That move comes with a new running back and a trio of releases.

The #Vikings have signed RB Corey Kiner to the practice squad and WR Jordan Addison is now on the 53-man roster.

WR Tim Jones has been released.

WR Lucky Jackson and RB Xazavian Valladay have been released from the practice squad.

📰: https://t.co/wgxxJPdf5r pic.twitter.com/RcgTgK8ZVg

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 23, 2025

Addison’s return will immediately place him back into the starting lineup alongside Justin Jefferson. He’ll overtake Adam Thielen and Jalen Nailor while looking to substantiate a strong first two years in the NFL.

Last season Addison turned in 63 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns. In two years, across 32 games, the former first round pick has a whopping 19 touchdowns. Although Thielen and Nailor have attempted to hold serve for the offense, Addison’s presence will give Carson Wentz another top-tier option to get the ball to.

JORDAN ADDISON ONE-HANDED DIVING TOUCHDOWN CATCH pic.twitter.com/k5tFvYQFmG

— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) November 4, 2024

Beyond just the addition of Addison, Minnesota has also added running back Corey Kiner to the practice squad. A rookie this season, Kiner played 12 games for Cincinnati last year. He rushed for 1,153 yards on 204 carries (5.7 yards per attempt) and found the end zone four times.

Kiner’s addition to the practice squad gives Minnesota some flexibility. They recently re-signed Cam Akers after veteran Aaron Jones was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Ty Chandler is also on injured reserve, so the only 53-man roster running backs are Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott.

Minnesota Vikings release three players

With Addison back the Vikings decided that veteran Tim Jones was no longer needed. He played in two games this season but got just six offensive snaps while adding 25 on special teams.

Although Lucky Jackson was not on the active roster, he lost his spot on the practice squad. Jackson couldn’t grab hold of opportunity during the preseason, and multiple key drops left him off the roster. He’ll now look to latch on with another organization.

In signing Kiner, the Vikings also shuffled practice squad running backs. Xazavian Valladay will be looking to find employment elsewhere. He appeared in one game for the New York Jets back in 2023.

The Vikings concluded their roster moves by waiving undrafted rookie defensive lineman Alexander Williams. He was on injured reserve.

This iteration of the Vikings is built to win now, despite breaking in a redshirt rookie QB, J.J. McCarthy, who they plan to prop up with major improvements on both sides of the ball, specifically in the trenches.

Unfortunately, a lot of that talent has been unavailable for parts of training camp and the 2025 preseason, due to injury or illness. Most recently, Andrew Van Ginkel has been held out of practice since August 7 with an unknown injury. Harrison Smith has been out even longer, with a mysterious illness.

Meanwhile, the Vikings continue to brac for the three game suspension of Jordan Addison to kick in, before week one. Injuries to Justin Jefferson, and more recently, Jalen Nailor, has turned wide receiver from a position of concern, entering camp, to one currently of desperation.

Multiple players ends Minnesota Vikings practice on the sidelines

Then, Wednesday’s practice ended with even more injuries. Of course, the Minnesota Vikings need to practice in order to get players ready for the regular season. But as these training camp sessions continue to go by, new injuries are seemingly cropping up daily.

Starters won’t play Saturday against the Tennessee Titans. That means more physical practices at TCO Performance Center. Today’s physicality caused the exit of two more receivers, Tai Felton and Jordan Addison, along with defensive back, Jeff Okudah.

Felton walked off the field with a wrap on his left hand and went straight into the trainer's room. Addison did not have any wrap and walked to the locker room. https://t.co/gCVDq5mdt5

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 20, 2025

Related: Report: MN Vikings WR Trade Rumors Just Got Serious

Felton is probably the only wide receiver currently in camp — without the last name of Jefferson, Addison, or Nailor — who’s a lock to make the initial 53-man roster. Okudah has drawn rave reviews and is being considered for the final starting cornerback role.

If there’s a positive result from Wednesday’s action at TCO Performance Center, it’s that superstar wideout Justin Jefferson continues to work his way back from the hamstring strain he suffered earlier in training camp.

Justin Jefferson getting some work in at practice. 👀 pic.twitter.com/IZzd90EUKZ

— Reggie Wilson (@ReggieWilsonTV) August 20, 2025

That may have somewhat saved him in the eye of the law, but did not get him any suspension discounts from Roger Goodell, after the league suspended him for the full three games, as is custom in the NFL for a first-time drunk driving affliction.

Wide Receivers the Minnesota Vikings should look to sign/trade for

Now, with Addison out to start the regular season and Justin Jefferson recovering from a “mild” hamstring strain to start MN Vikings training camp, it’s time for general manager Kwesi Adofo- Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell to consider alternative options that are not currently on roster. The list has some intriguing names, too.

Amari Cooper – 31 years old

Arguably the biggest splash on this list, Cooper would be an addition that sticks well beyond the time Addison misses. Last season he split time between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills while making $20 million.

He’s not that player anymore, but he’s just a year removed from a Pro Bowl selection with the Cleveland Browns. Cooper averaged a career-worst 39.1 yards per game and scored just four touchdowns. That said, he may be rejuvenated in an offense that should have plenty of juice.

One year ago, @AmariCooper9 was traded to the Cowboys.

He's done nothing but cook CBs in Dallas 🔥 (via @NFL pic.twitter.com/6dnNp86SiE

— ESPN (@espn) October 22, 2019

The former fourth overall pick is at the end of his career, but he’d push Jalen Nailor down the depth chart and give new starter J.J. McCarthy another legitimate weapon. The Vikings have cap space, and there are worse ways to use it.

Adam Thielen – 34 years old

There’s no real indication that the Carolina Panthers want to trade veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen. This would be his third season with them after leaving the Vikings. Of course everyone loves a good reunion story.

Minnesota would likely need to overpay in terms of draft capital in order to bring back their former hometown hero. A sixth or seventh round pick probably doesn’t get it done if the Vikings are the team on the phone.

Bringing Adam Thielen back to Minnesota makes so much sense. He'd cost very little to acquire. Carolina has young receivers who need reps. Thielen was legitimately great in the second half of last year, when Bryce Young was cookin'. And he knows the KOC offense. DO IT! pic.twitter.com/2yOPzGFF0j

— Paul Charchian (@PaulCharchian) August 6, 2025

Related: NFL Agent Crowns Minnesota Vikings Owners

Still, Carolina is not really in a position to compete and stockpiling future assets may be intriguing. Thielen played 10 games last year and scored five touchdowns with 615 receiving yards. His possession and route-running prowess would be a significant addition regardless of the way the rest of the depth chart shakes out.

Brandon Powell – 28 years old

If Adam Thielen is “one of us” then Brandon Powell previously has been one of us as well. The Minnesota Vikings brought Powell over after two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.

Kevin O’Connell’s familiarity with the secondary wideout translated into a niche role, and he continued to show purpose each of the past two seasons. While he operated in the return game, Powell also hauled in 36-of-54 passes thrown his way.

Joshua Dobbs to Brandon Powell!

The Vikings take the lead. Wow.

pic.twitter.com/WKIHBtrxtW

— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) November 5, 2023

He’d be a less-than-exciting option, but could help to supplement Nailor’s role as a secondary wideout. Powell has more experience, and could potentially be pushed with a bit more opportunity.

Odell Beckham Jr. – 32 years old

While he is not the elder statesman of the group, Odell Beckham Jr. feels like he has been around forever. Last season he played in nine games with the Miami Dolphins, and it’s clear he is in the twilight of his career.

You aren’t going to get peak New York Giants superstar anymore, but there may still be a usable talent here that can bring some veteran experience. He’s doesn’t need to be the distraction he once was, and Beckham Jr. already has familiarity with O’Connell during their shared time in Los Angeles.

ODELL'S FIRST PLAYOFF TD.

Rams on the board first. #RamsHouse #SuperWildCard

📺: #AZvsLAR on ABC/ESPN/ESPN2
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/55mgYXw7ry

— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2022

Related: MN Vikings Starting CB Could Land Returner Job

It would be awesome if he could prop up Nailor and help develop Tai Felton and Silas Bolden. Beckham caught just nine passes last season, but there would be room for him to do that in the first three weeks of the season with Minnesota.

Earlier this offseason he plead guilty to a “wet reckless” conviction after allowing the legal process to play out. He wasn’t going to win any sort of a jury trial situation, and it was best to admit his fault and move on.

Speculation as to his eventual suspension has been thrown about for some time. Now we know what it will look like.

Minnesota Vikings lose Jordan Addison for three games

Typical suspensions for a DUI-related offense have often been three games. That’s exactly the punishment levied for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison.

The NFL has suspended #Vikings WR Jordan Addison without pay for the first three games of the 2025 regular season for violating the NFL’s Substances of Abuse Policy.

Addison is permitted to participate in all training camp activities, including preseason games. pic.twitter.com/kUixpBKINH

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 5, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings kick off their preseason schedule on Saturday against the Houston Texans. Addison will be permitted to play in that game. He can also participate in joint practices against the New England Patriots next weekend.

He will not be active for Week 1 in Chicago against the Bears, Week 2 at home against the Atlanta Falcons, or Week 3 when Joe Burrow and the Bengals come to U.S. Bank Stadium. The first game Addison can be active for is the trip to Dublin, Ireland against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Minnesota will remain abroad in consecutive weeks for an away game against the Cleveland Browns in London.

What a catch by Addison pic.twitter.com/3Kk30GvCg6

— Afro MH 🪮🤙🏽 (@coolwolvesfan) August 1, 2025

Related: JJ McCarthy Struggling vs Upgraded Vikings Defense

Last season, Addison’s second as a professional, saw the former USC product produce 875 yards and nine touchdowns on 63 total receptions. He averaged 58.3 yards per game and emerged as a legitimate threat alongside superstar Justin Jefferson.

Where do MN Vikings turn to replace Addison?

It’s virtually impossible to simply replace a standout talent like Addison. The Minnesota Vikings don’t have another wide receiver of his caliber waiting in the wings.

What now needs to happen is Jalen Nailor stepping up, with the depth behind him proving capable. Nailor operated as the WR3 last season and has looked the part during training camp.

Behind Nailor is a plethora of potential options. Veteran Rondale Moore paces the group, but draft pick Tai Felton could be exciting as well. Undrafted free agent Silas Bolden will look to get run, and Lucky Jackson could factor in as well.

If the Vikings are going to replicate the success they saw during a 14-win campaign a season ago, then skill-position talent will need to step up for new quarterback J.J. McCarthy while Addison is out.

Related: 5 Quarterbacks the MN Vikings Should Dump Sam Howell For

It’s an unfortunate situation, but one that could have been much worse had Addison hurt someone, or himself. Instead he’ll be suspended from work for a few weeks, and hopefully return with a hunger that has him ready to make up for lost time.

Yet, even the best NFL teams don’t always win on gameday. In a rough sport like football, availability is always key. The Vikings have been fairly fortunate when it comes to Justin and Jordan being healthy and available.

In his five year NFL career, the 26-year-old Jefferson has missed only seven games (all in 2023). Addison, 23, has been absent in just two games during his two NFL seasons, both of which came in 2024.

Minnesota Vikings preparing for Jordan Addison suspension

Unfortunately, the Vikings are preparing for a temporary life without Jordan Addison in 2025, due to a pending suspension expected to be handed down by the league, stemming from his “wet reckless” misdemeanor, a plea deal he agreed to one year after a DUI arrest in California, where he allegedly fell asleep at the wheel near LAX.

Now, thanks to ESPN’s Vikings reporter Kevin Seifert, we know that Addison is expected to receive a three-game suspension at the start of the upcoming regular season.

“A looming issue at Vikings camp is Jordan Addison’s availability to start the season,” Seifert wrote. “My sense after asking around is the Vikings are bracing for roughly a three-game suspension for Addison, who in July pleaded no contest to a lesser charge to resolve a 2024 DUI citation. The team’s projection is based in part on the league’s recent precedent for three-game suspensions for DUI-related offenses.”

Kevin Seifert – ESPN

Related: Former Vikings Draft Pick At Risk of Getting Cut?

As noted, the Vikings have already taken steps to prepare for Addison’s absence by selecting Tai Felton in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Other contributors likely to see a larger involvement in the game plan from Weeks 1-3 include Jalen Nailor and possibly Rondale Moore if he makes the squad.

Together, Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson combined for over 165 receptions, 2400 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2024. Losing one half of that combination will undoubtedly hurt, but there may not be a team in the NFL more prepared to take on such a talented loss.

While Addison is out, expect the new-look Minnesota Vikings to rely more on their two-headed running back (Aaron Jones + Jordan Mason) and tight end monsters (TJ Hockenson + Josh Oliver) more often.