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Rebuilding Vikings Likely to Trade Former First-Round Pick in 2026 NFL Draft

The Minnesota Vikings aren’t settled at the quarterback position between Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz, so they could be open to trading WR Jordan Addison during the NFL Draft this year. Despite coming off a down year last season, Addison is still reportedly the Vikings’ best trade asset for this year’s draft, and he could still bring back something valuable for the team. Given the team’s needs on defense, the Vikings moving on without Addison makes sense for the right price. However, the team doesn’t have an established leader on this offense, and that means it won’t make sense for Addison to sign a new extension with a team that is clearly still rebuilding.

McCarthy is coming off a down season himself, and after signing Murray, the Vikings are prepared to name the former Cardinal the starter if he impresses. No one should anticipate the Vikings to trade star Justin Jefferson since it’s been reported that he loves the addition.

Rebuilding Vikings Likely to Trade Former First-Round Pick Jordan Addison in 2026 NFL Draft

While Addison has flashed before, the receiver’s current contract represents a perfect opportunity. The Vikings want to get a deal done for the receiver, but they haven’t done so. If the Vikings want to move towards dangling Addison on the trade block, it wouldn’t be the most shocking decision. The team let former WR Jalen Nailor leave in free agency for the Las Vegas Raiders, so if the team drafts a receiver on Night 1 of the draft, the time will start ticking for Addison.

Despite his early struggles, Addison should be receiving plenty of interest, and these teams are likely the best fits for him in 2026.

Top Fits

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers have been quiet in free agency, but it’s time for the team to find another dynamic wide receiver for Justin Herbert. Quentin Johnston has been rumored to be traded, but the team doesn’t want to since they believe in his potential. Unfortunately, it doesn’t feel like he’s the best fit for the Chargers offense. While Johnston has shown improvement, it hasn’t been enough to keep up with emerging star Ladd McConkey.

Keenan Allen is still unsigned, so the Chargers need something to wake this pass offense up. Addison is a speedy type receiver that could be another guns-blazing weapon alongside McConkey. He has untapped potential, and Herbert could bring out the best in the receiver with the scheme they have.

Indianapolis Colts

After trading Michael Pittman Jr. due to salary cap concerns, the Colts have a huge void in their receiving unit. They signed WR1 Alec Pierce to a monster deal, but they need some support around him, so Daniel Jones can succeed once again. With Addison still in his rookie contract, he’s more than affordable for the Colts. Pierce, Addison and Josh Downs share familiar versatility that could be matched up perfectly to set up Jones for success down the stretch of this upcoming season.

Kansas City Chiefs

Meanwhile, the Chiefs also need a receiver before the 2026 campaign. They’ll likely sign a veteran like reuniting with Tyreek Hill before the season starts, but it’s hard to imagine the team walking into the campaign with Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice as the main contributors. Jalen Royals will get more reps, but why not get Addison in on the fun for Patrick Mahomes? Adding in Addison could set the Chiefs’ offense to be one of the fastest in the league.

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