Kevin O’Connell‘s Vikings just can’t catch a break! Their 2024 season came to a crushing end with a Wild Card loss to the Rams—a shocking outcome after a stellar 14-3 regular season. But as they head into the offseason, a recent update on WR Jordan Addison could shake up their plans. On the bright side, there’s good news on the coaching front—but first, let’s dive into the wide receiver saga.

Wide receiver Jordan Addison’s 2024 DUI case has lingered like a Netflix cliffhanger. His pre-trial hearing was pushed to March 12, 2025—because apparently, the legal drama moves slower than a Minnesota winter. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert broke the news, reminding us that in the NFL, slow and steady doesn’t always avoid the suspension.

As Reported by Seifert, “A pre-trial hearing for WR Jordan Addison, connected to his misdemeanor DUI citation last summer, was continued from today to March 12, per Los Angeles County Superior Court records. Addison has pleaded not guilty.” Let’s rewind: Last July, Addison was found snoozing at the wheel near LAX, BAC 0.08%, leading to dual misdemeanor charges. He pleaded not guilty in December, but here’s the kicker—the NFL’s substance abuse policy could bench him for three games.

However, the league’s playing the waiting game, letting the courts go first. Addison’s been contrite, telling reporters, “I own up to whatever disciplinary actions that come my way…I’m going to stand tall, get through it.” Cue the Rocky training montage music—this kid’s fighting more than just cornerbacks.

Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings lock in Brian Flores for the future

While Addison’s future hangs like a Kirk Cousins deep ball, the Vikings locked down their defensive maestro, Brian Flores. Head coach Kevin O’Connell, hyping Flores like he’s the last slice of pizza, declared, “I think Brian Flores should be a head coach in the National Football League. He will be again.” But for now, Flores is sticking around.

Under his watch, the 2024 Vikings ranked top-6 in points and yards allowed—no small feat after his resume-boosting stints in Miami and Pittsburgh.

Speaking of resumes, let’s talk team stats: The 2024 Vikes went 14-3, second in the NFC North, with an offense that threw for 3,983 yards (6th best) and a defense that stiff-armed QBs into submission. Sure, their Wild Card exit to the Rams felt like a Game of Thrones finale letdown, but with Flores scheming and Addison snagging passes, Minnesota’s 2025 blueprint is clearer than a Zoom call.

Addison’s contract? Fully guaranteed through 2026, with a 2025 cap hit of $3.7M. Stealsville for a dude averaging 13.4 yards per catch. As for Flores, his deal’s hush-hush (typical NFL coach secrecy). But after transforming the defense, he’s probably earning every penny and then some.

So here’s the play: While Addison’s legal saga drags on like The Mandalorian’s “one more mission,” the Vikings are banking on continuity. With Flores anchoring the D and Addison (eventually) back to torching secondaries, Minnesota’s aiming higher than a Super Bowl LVIII shoutout. As Kevin O’Connell would say, “Buckle up, Skoldiers—this ride’s just getting spicy.”