Should fantasy managers be concerned with Jordan Addison?

Despite being lined up perfectly for a breakout second year in Minnesota, Jordan Addison has caused some unexpected off-the-field concerns during the 2024 offseason. In his first summer as a full-time NFL athlete, Addison was arrested on July 14 on suspicion of driving under the influence just one week after a drunk driver killed his teammate Khyree Jackson.

Following three successful years in college with Pittsburgh and USC, Addison was selected in the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. His rookie season was a definitive success, putting up 911 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns through 17 games.

For roughly half the season the 22-year-old served as Kirk Cousin's top target with superstar wideout Justin Jefferson missing seven games with a hamstring injury. Entering 2024, Addison and Jefferson were expected to be one of the most dynamic 1-2 punches in the league, giving fans and fantasy managers a lot to look forward to in the new era of rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy.

Yet, Addison became the second big-name receiver to face potential criminal charges ahead of his second year, following Rashee Rice's string of issues two months after winning Super Bowl LVIII.

How concerning is Jordan Addison's offseason arrest?

Particularly with the departure of KJ Osborn in free agency, Addison is expected to take a significant leap in his production as a second-year receiver in Kevin O'Connell's dynamic offense. Instead, the former USC standout made headlines for his second arrest in as many years.

Almost exactly one year before his DUI arrest, Addison pled guilty to speeding charges for driving at 140 miles per hour in July 2023. Much like his first incident, the receiver's reported investigation is not likely to affect his playing time but has become an increased concern given his repeated offenses.

Ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, scouts did not list any potential personality issues with Addison, instead citing his physical weaknesses as his primary worries. However, as fans have seen recently with Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Henry Ruggs III, troubled receivers have seen their careers end prematurely even with their obvious skill.

Still young enough to be ID-checked on any given night at a bar, Addision has more than enough time to right the ship. But with two black marks already on his record before his second season, consider his stance with the team one to monitor as Week 1 approaches. The young star has already been given the "troubled" label just 27 months into his career while undoubtedly disturbing many teammates and coaches given the timing of his arrest.