Who Should I Start? Jordan Addison or Calvin Austin III

Tuesday, January 20, 1:07 PM

Charges will not be filed against Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison, according to his agent. Addison's agent told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network that Addison will now prepare for the filing of a civil claim arising from the alleged wrongful arrest. The 23-year-old pass-catcher was facing a misdemeanor trespassing charge from his Jan. 12 arrest in Tampa. Addison, who had a speeding incident in 2023 and a DUI charge in 2024, most likely won't face any additional punishment from the league after charges were dropped. Still, his off-the-field incidents could play a factor in whether the Vikings decide to pick up his fifth-year option, which would guarantee him around $17.5 million for the 2027 season. The former 23rd overall pick in 2023 out of USC had his worst year in 2025, catching 42 passes for 610 yards and three touchdowns with quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggling with consistency and injuries. Addison's fantasy stock is down heading into his fourth NFL season.

Wednesday, February 18, 7:01 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III had a clear path to production in 2025, but he failed to capitalize on his opportunities and ultimately turned in a disappointing season. It seemed like Austin had a chance to break out this past season after Pittsburgh traded away George Pickens and signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The DK Metcalf addition certainly added a wrinkle to Austin's outlook, but it theoretically should have worked in his favor because he's more of a No. 2 receiver anyway. In the end, Austin's productivity actually took a step backward. He had 31 catches (five fewer than 2024), 372 yards (176 fewer than 2024), and three touchdowns (one fewer than 2024). He was the overall WR74 in PPR leagues, and managers never really knew when to start him. He was heavily dependent on scoring touchdowns, as he found the end zone in three of the four games where he produced double-digit fantasy points. Austin will have an opportunity for a fresh start in 2026, as he'll hit free agency next month. However, it was really crucial for him to produce in a contract year, and he wasn't able to do so. As a result, he might end up signing somewhere as a No. 3 receiver, which will severely limit his upside in fantasy football. He's off the redraft radar in most leagues. Dynasty managers should hold onto him for now, and then trade him as soon as he signs somewhere.