The Detroit Lions are looking to return to the top of the NFC North after finishing in last place in 2025. While a solid offseason would go a long way toward accomplishing that goal, a little luck goes a long way as division rivals reshape their rosters in the coming weeks.
One move that the Lions would be happy to see is the Minnesota Vikings trading Jordan Addison. The No. 2 receiver to Justin Jefferson, Addison has been a thorn in Detroit’s side since being selected in the 2023 draft. But his off-the-field issues have already made him the subject of trade rumors, which could turn into an early win for Detroit ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Addison’s Vikings Departure Could Be Massive Offseason Win for Lions
Addison hasn’t done a ton of damage against the Lions, catching 11 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown in six career games. But he’s one of the best No. 2 options in the league. Since entering the NFL, the 24-year-old ranks seventh with 22 touchdown catches. While his stats have tailed off in each of his three seasons, he still has solid total numbers with 175 catches for 2,396 yards.
Normally, teams aren’t willing to get rid of a player like that. Especially when they have two years of team control, including a first-round option for the 2028 season, remaining. But Addison’s off-field concerns have the Vikings considering moving on.
Addison’s first run-in with the law came just before his rookie season when he was cited for driving 140 mph in a 55 mph zone near St. Paul for “a dog emergency” in July 2023. That incident resulted in a ticket, but Addison got into more trouble when he was arrested for DUI in Los Angeles a few weeks after teammate Khyree Jackson was killed in a crash involving a drunk driver in July 2024.
While Addison pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, he got slapped with a three-game suspension to begin the 2025 season. That was a precursor to his worst year as a pro, where he reeled in 42 passes for 610 yards and three touchdowns. Addison also hurt himself with a career-high seven drops in addition to being arrested for trespassing at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino near Tampa, Fla., shortly after the season ended.
Those charges were later dropped, but it may not be enough to save Addison’s tenure in Minnesota. According to SI’s Grant Cohn, the Vikings are unlikely to exercise Addison’s fifth-year option this spring, leaving teams such as the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills interested in his services.
Seeing Addison get traded – even if it’s to a fellow NFC contender like the 49ers – would be part of the win for the Lions as they wouldn’t have to face him twice each year. But it could also be a residual win as the Vikings would be selling Addison for pennies on the dollar following a down year and more legal troubles.
In addition, the other team may have to make a financial commitment to Addison either by accepting his fifth-year option or signing him to a contract extension if the Vikings decline the option before the trade. This could further weaken the capital that teams are willing to give up in return, leaving Minnesota accepting less than they should.
With the Vikings’ recent struggles in the draft, getting a second-round pick for Addison could turn into a net loss and weaken Minnesota as they look to compete next season. It could open the door for the Lions to get out of the cellar in the NFC North and perhaps begin their climb to the top of the division in 2026.