Jordan Addison ‘Free 3’ Instagram Post, Explained: Why Vikings WR Says Cryptic IG Post Wasn’t a Trade Request

With the power of social media to leverage new opportunities while reaching millions of fans, the nature of the NFL in 2024 is that stars can make their trade requests public at any time or increase speculation about where they’ll go next.

One post from a player can spark an explosion of rumors, and the latest example of that trend came from Vikings second-year receiver Jordan Addison.

Addison, who wears No. 3 for the Vikings, recently made an Instagram post titled “Free 3,” which easily led fans to assume he was already ready to leave Minnesota after being drafted by the franchise in 2023. recipient later commented on the post on social media.

What did Addison mean when he posted “Free 3” on Instagram? Here’s what you need to know about his explanation for the post and why he didn’t intend to increase trade speculation, plus a look at Minnesota’s wide receiver depth chart and Addison’s 2024 stats.

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Jordan Addison ‘Free 3’ Instagram Post, Explained

After a 5-0 start to the season, Minnesota has dropped its last two games with a 31-29 loss to the Lions and a 30-20 loss to the Rams.

After the team’s loss in Week 8, Addison posted a photo of himself in uniform to his Instagram Story with the caption “Free 3.”

Addison’s newest IG. “Free 3”? 🤔😒 pic.twitter.com/YUKaztsk5B

— Purple FTW! Podcast (@PurpleForTheWin) October 26, 2024

Naturally, the idea that Minnesota’s Addison wanted to be “liberated” floated around the NFL world, and trade speculation increased. However, reporters asked the recipient about the post soon after, and he denied wanting to be traded or that he was upset with his current target stock. Instead, Addison said it’s a phrase he’s used a lot in the past.

“People are just trying to make something out of everything,” Addison said. “I’m good.”

#Vikings WR Jordan Addison on his “Free 3” post:

“I think it came from 2020, when I was in Pittsburgh, and that’s where it all started, and I’m telling you… People are just trying to make something out of whatever.”pic.twitter.com/FKXgqWOJhR

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 28, 2024

Now that Addison has put all trade rumors to rest for now, Minnesota will focus on its next game against the Colts on “Sunday Night Football.”

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Vikings WR depth chart

Addison ranks second on the Vikings with 23 goals this season. However, being the superstar receiver that he is, Jefferson dominated quarterback Sam Darnold’s target share through seven games, owning 60 targets compared to Addison’s 23.

There may not be a deep receiver room in the NFL that Jefferson wouldn’t lead, as he is a generational talent who produces at an elite level week in and out. Addison is Minnesota’s established WR2, but statistically he doesn’t have a firm grip on that position.

Nailor, a third-year receiver from Michigan State, trails Addison with just three targets (20) and two receiving yards (229) with the same number of receptions (14). Addison and Nailor have been neck-and-neck in the Vikings’ passing game this season, although Addison has missed a few games.

Sherfield Sr. and Powell have combined for just seven receptions in 2024 and weren’t much of a threat to Jefferson, Addison and Nailor’s playing time. However, the Vikings will soon have star TJ Hockenson back from a long-term injury, which could impact how Darnold distributes the ball even more.

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Jordan Addison 2024 Stats

As a rookie in 2023, Addison posted 70 receptions for 911 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He hasn’t been as productive so far this season and has missed several games, but Addison remains one of the most talented young wide receivers in the league.

Here’s a look at his stats through five games played in 2024.