Could the Minnesota Vikings Move One of Their Top Receivers During the 2026 Offseason?
The 2026 offseason is set to be a critical one for the Minnesota Vikings. Many fans are frustrated by poor performance and issues at quarterback. Additionally, one of the biggest issues is the lack of direction for the franchise. When considering this, a few names on the roster are considered safe. This leads the Vikings to be in trade talks not only to free up cap space this season, but also to build the team in a new direction. One of the most popular names to monitor is Jordan Addison.
The debate around Addison is not solely centered on cap space this season. Since he is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal, his cap hit is only around $4 million. However, the Vikings now turn their attention to deciding if they want to pick up his fifth-year option. That option is currently estimated to cost them around $17 million. His talent would be worth it, but there are some other major factors to consider.
One of the first factors is whether the team can afford to pay another receiver a premium price. When looking at 2027, which is when the fifth-year option would kick in, star receiver Justin Jefferson has a cap hit of $43 million. The following year, it would move up to approximately $47 million. This would lead the team to invest over $60 million in just two receivers. If the Vikings were to do this, it could create cap space issues. Finding a trade partner would allow Minnesota to get something in return, such as a first- or second-round pick, rather than losing him in free agency in a few years.
Unfortunately for Addison, it is not just a money issue with him. Since being drafted in the first round, he has dealt with an abundance of off-the-field issues. The 24-year-old was suspended for the first three games of the 2025 season after a 2024 DUI arrest. Additionally, in January of 2026, he was arrested for trespassing. Since then, it has been determined that he will not be charged, and his legal team is examining a potential claim for false arrest. Despite this situation ending better than the DUI charge, being in the headlines for legal issues this much is never a good thing.
Despite all of this, there are still clear reasons to keep him. Throughout his three seasons in the NFL, he has a total of 175 catches, 2,396 yards, and 22 touchdowns. His presence is also crucial as he helps take pressure off of Jefferson. Minnesota currently has an unclear quarterback situation. This elite duo would go a long way toward solidifying the offense, whether it is J.J. McCarthy or a new face. Without Addison, the Vikings would need to add even more talent, which is difficult given that they are approximately $40 million over the cap. Keeping a familiar face would help ensure the system runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible, no matter who is leading it.
As the 2026 offseason unfolds, the Minnesota Vikings must decide whether Addison fits into their long-term vision. Trading him could ease future cap pressure, avoid a costly fifth-year option, and bring back valuable draft picks, especially with Jefferson already commanding a massive contract. However, Addison's production and impact on the offense make a strong case for keeping the talented duo together. His off-the-field issues add complexity to the decision, but so does the team's uncertain quarterback situation. Whatever they decide, this move will play a major role in shaping the franchise's direction for years to come.
