I loved how strong the Vikings finished their season. Usually, a season ends with an unhappy performance or a loss in the playoffs. This felt different. Considering the injuries and struggles, a five-game win streak at the end was great and bodes well for next year. I am still high on McCarthy. He is only 22 and should develop with time. The defense is first class. I like the future of this ream.
Jordan Addison is another story. I hate criticizing players, and I understand why O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah wouldn’t want to comment. It is too early in the legal process, and you don’t want to unnecessarily reduce Addison’s value, whether you decide to keep or trade him. However, as a fan, I have had enough. He is either not very bright, immature, spoiled, or all three. Three strikes, throw him out. It doesn’t matter what the details of the incident are at this point. He seems to consistently be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He has talent, but he is unreliable and a public image nightmare.
— Jerry Carrier in Lakeville, Minnesota
I understand why “nothing to play for” creeps into the conversation once teams are eliminated from postseason contention, but what this squad showed is it felt it had everyone in the locker room to play for, a nod to the culture in the building, as well as the sincere appreciation players have for the way they’re supported by Vikings fans.
Happy early birthday to J.J., by the way. McCarthy turns 23 on Tuesday. It’s the nature of the business and the position, but he’s had quite a bit on his shoulders for this past trip around the sun. He’s been developing in real time and constantly in public view. There were so many aspects where he did improve, and most importantly, he’s not rehabbing a significant injury.
“He wants it more than anybody I’ve ever been around,” Adofo-Mensah said during his press conference. “And he’s got an offseason where he’s going to have time to not rehab an injury, and so we’re excited to see what development he takes.”
I’ll also wish an early happy birthday to Addison, who turns 24 on Jan. 27. I’m a long way removed from my early 20s at this point, but most people that age have a degree of anonymity during their maturation years. Based on three years of some direct interactions in the locker room and other settings, I don’t think it’s a brightness or spoiled component.
I also think players, coaches and the personnel staffers who have spent more time around Addison sincerely value him and care for him. Adofo-Mensah was asked about Addison Tuesday and said the following:
“Jordan is unique, because 99% of the days that Jordan Addison is a Viking, he is a joy to be around. He is incredibly intelligent, confident, responsible, and then it’s like all of us. It’s what are you like on those 1% days? Is it the type of thing that draws attention or not? And obviously that’s something we have to consider.”
After two great seasons, Addison didn’t have the same results in 2025. He is under contract for 2026, and the Vikings would have a club option on him in 2027 since he was a first-round pick in 2023.