Vikings forward Jordan Addison offers cryptic contribution as trade deadline approaches

Jordan Addison has sparked public debate after posting a cryptic message on social media.

Addison, the second-year wide receiver drafted in the first round in 2023, has just 14 receptions for 231 yards for the 5-2 Minnesota Vikings. He missed two games with a sprained ankle, but in the five games he played, he averaged just 2.8 catches and fewer than 50 yards. He has two touchdowns – one receiving and one rushing – and both came in Week 4 against the Packers.

“Free 3,” Addison captioned his latest Instagram story.

Search “Wide Receiver Cryptic Post” on Google and you’ll be flooded with results from all sorts of recipients. Minnesotans are all too familiar with Stefon Diggsi's mysterious social media posts of the past, and it's become something of a thing for NFL star receivers.

Before joining the Jets earlier this month, Davante Adams posted a photo of Edgar Allen Poe that led to speculation that he could be headed to the Baltimore Ravens. Tyreek Hill got attention when he posted “meh” after the Chiefs acquired DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Titans. No one knows what “hm” means, but it could be interpreted as Hill wondering why the Chiefs didn’t trade for him.

Addison's post could also be interpreted in different ways. He may want to be traded before the November 5th deadline. Maybe he wants a bigger role on offense. Maybe it has nothing to do with football at all. Maybe he's just trolling. Maybe it's just a phrase he likes. After all, he wore a free-3 during the NFL Draft.

Either way, the Vikings will have tight end TJ Hockenson on the field for the first time this season next week against the Colts, and the presence of another high-end target for quarterback Sam Darnold should help Addison find more space – and that could lead to more catches and explosive plays.

Related: Jordan Addison's production collapsed after breakout rookie season