Vikings' Jordan Addison clarifies Free 3 contribution and not seeking trade

EAGAN, Minn. – No, Jordan Addison doesn't want to be traded. The Minnesota Vikings receiver said he's not unhappy with the number of goals he's scored this season and didn't try to suggest otherwise in an Instagram Story he posted over the weekend.

“People just try to make something out of everything,” Addison said Monday. “It's nothing.”

Early Saturday morning, Addison posted a photo on social media of his number 3 jersey with the caption “Free 3” – a message that led to widespread speculation. However, Addison said Monday that he has been using the phrase for at least four years, starting with his time at the University of Pittsburgh, and later posted a screenshot of an Instagram post from that time for clarification.

“I think I came up with that at fall camp in Pittsburgh in 2020,” Addison said. “So that’s where it started. People need to do their homework before they start saying anything.”

Addison's performance has declined in his second season, in part because of an ankle injury that cost him two games and in part because the Vikings rank last in the NFL in pass attempts per game (27.14).

After catching 70 passes on 108 targets for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie last season, Addison has just 14 catches on 23 targets for 231 yards and a score so far this season.

“No, I'm straight,” Addison said when asked if he had any issues at all with the way he was used.

He later described his season so far as “fine.”

“Of course I wish I could do a little better,” Addison said, “but I’m doing everything I can. I'm learning every week, watching the film and just trying to get better every day. I just am. “I’m looking forward to having a good game this week.

He later added: “Just keep opening up. That’s my job as a receiver and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.”

The Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday evening at US Bank Stadium.