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Fantasy Life Articles fantasy football takes on Jaylen Waddle
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Fantasy Life Articles about Jaylen Waddle.
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All Fantasy Life Articles insights about Jaylen Waddle
PositiveSleeperNov 6, 2026
Despite disappointing 2026 production, the source still believes in Waddle's talent and views him as a potential buy-low candidate in dynasty formats, suggesting his production may improve from current levels.NegativeProjectionNov 6, 2026
Waddle has just 2 TDs on the season and doesn't have more than 4 receptions in any of his last four games, with only one game exceeding 50 receiving yards. The source does not feel comfortable slotting him into lineups outside of bye-week or injury fill-ins, noting he has been disappointing relative to preseason expectations as Bo Nix's intended No. 1 wideout in Denver.NegativeInjuryNov 5, 2026
Waddle is falling in ADP (-41.8 to 109.4) with volume concerns and injury risk. Over the past three games, he has 20 targets spread across games, which is adequate but not strong. More concerning, he played only 53% of snaps last week due to a chest injury, warranting monitoring. He's positioned as a flex play or top bench option at best, facing the Panthers who were recently torched for 192 yards and a score combined by Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.NegativeValueNov 5, 2026
Jaylen Waddle perpetually disappoints compared to preseason ADP-based expectations but still worth a start out of frustration; he's at 25.0% target/route and 1.54 yards/route, especially against a banged-up Panthers secondary down multiple starters and allowing 28.0 PPG for a month running.NegativeProjectionNov 4, 2026
Waddle is downgraded despite Panthers' defensive injuries (EDGE Jaelan Phillips hamstring, CB Will Lee hamstring, CBs Jaycee Horn quadriceps IR, Mike Jackson groin IR, Akayleb Evans triceps IR) because his season performance has been unfathomably disappointing (8.0 fantasy points per game, 29-315-2 receiving, 51 targets with 2-23-0 rushing). He is a boom/bust player with three games at least 12.0 fantasy points and four under 6.0. Historically on the road, Waddle underperforms (9.7 fantasy points per game, 52.6 yards, 0.34 TDs vs. 11.7, 71.0, 0.31 otherwise). The Broncos are traveling east for an early 1 pm ET kickoff, and the Panthers have three extra days off Thursday Night Football with boosted HFA.PositiveBustNov 4, 2026
Waddle has fallen to WR45 in rest-of-season rankings after disappointing in his first season with Denver. Despite being one of the source's most-drafted WRs in summer, he has finished inside the positional top 15 only twice in eight games (Week 2 - WR12, Week 8 - WR14) and outside the top 50 twice as many times. His 23% target share is adequate but falls short of alpha expectations, and Denver's play-calling and QB play have been poor. With the Broncos emphasizing the ground game and Waddle's volume limited to 6.0 targets per game, the source assesses him as a low-end WR3 at best—a stash with upside but likely to remain a depth piece.NegativeProjectionNov 4, 2026
Ranked 30th among WRs in Matthew Freedman's Week 9 rankings; faces Carolina defense.PositiveProjectionNov 4, 2026
The source references Waddle as a preseason favorite who has gained momentum, suggesting renewed optimism for his fantasy production.PositiveMatchupNov 4, 2026
Waddle is building momentum after catching three passes for 39 yards and a touchdown plus a two-point conversion in Week 8. He faces a depleted Carolina secondary in Week 9 that plays Cover-3 as often as any team in the NFL. Waddle ranks top-five among all wide receivers in TPRR (target per route rate) against Cover-3 this season at 36%. His fantasy points per target and target rate are both better against zone defenses this season, making this an intriguing spot for Waddle to continue his recent production.NegativeInjuryNov 1, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is questionable, while Pat Surtain II has no injury designation and is set to return. Waddle is a WR3 option if active.NegativeRoleOct 30, 2026
Waddle returned to practice with a chest injury and is listed as startable for brand-name value at 24.2% target/route and 1.48 yards/route. However, the source cautions that Denver is devoid of a top-25 WR in five straight games, and besides Jaxon Smith-Njigba's outlier performance (9-150-1), no other WR has topped 72 yards or scored a TD. Waddle's limited efficiency metrics and Denver's weak passing offense make him a risky start despite his name recognition.NegativeMatchupOct 29, 2026
Matthew Berry is fading Jaylen Waddle at WR30 for Week 8 against Kansas City; Waddle runs into a secondary that doesn't give up much and Berry is not betting on him breaking the trend.NegativeInjuryOct 29, 2026
Waddle (chest) did not practice on Wednesday. If he is out, Courtland Sutton could see a more diverse route tree. However, the Chiefs are the sixth-toughest WR matchup (-3.5 PPG) and the hardest matchup for outside WRs (-5.5 PPG). Sutton is a high-end WR4 if Waddle is out.NegativeProjectionOct 28, 2026
Waddle is a WR3 despite Denver giving him some of the work that was wanted—41% of his routes have come from the slot and 24% with motion. He is moving at the snap on 16% of his routes, while the broader motion figure also includes plays where he sets before the snap. He has been targeted on 31% of his outs but only 9% of his go, fade and seam routes, showing where he has been more involved in this offense. His 29.0% share of the Broncos' first-read targets hasn't translated to consistent production yet. If Bo Nix turns a corner, this usage is mid-to-high end WR2 territory.PositiveProjectionOct 25, 2026
Matthew Berry ranks Jaylen Waddle as the 58th-ranked player in his Week 7 rankings.PositiveRoleOct 24, 2026
Waddle should be benched and cannot be trusted for flex starts until the Broncos offense improves. He is currently WR50 on the season. The underlying issue is quarterback Bo Nix's poor passing efficiency: he has an average depth of target of just 5.4 yards and has completed only four passes that traveled at least seven air yards in the last two games, severely limiting Waddle's upside.NegativeValueOct 21, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is listed as a faller in the rest-of-season fantasy football rankings at WR36.NegativeProjectionOct 21, 2026
Waddle is ranked No. 28 among wide receivers for Week 7 in Freedman's rankings.NegativeProjectionOct 18, 2026
Matthew Berry ranks Jaylen Waddle at No. 63 in Week 6 fantasy football rankings.NegativeMatchupOct 15, 2026
Matthew Berry is fading Jaylen Waddle vs. Seattle in Week 6, ranked WR28. Berry's reasoning centers on Seattle being a problem matchup for Waddle, combined with the Dolphins' shaky quarterback situation.NegativeProjectionOct 15, 2026
Waddle has 204 receiving yards this season; 138 of those yards (67%) came in Week 2. In the other 4 games, Waddle is averaging 16.5 yards and has surpassed 20 yards only once. Matthew Berry expresses frustration with drafting Waddle this season.NegativeProjectionOct 15, 2026
Waddle is recommended to start in Week 6 (WR24 ranking), despite the broader weakness in Denver's passing game. Like Sutton, Waddle has received minimal volume (8 total targets at an aDOT of just over seven), but the source still prefers him over other Denver options.NegativeProjectionOct 14, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is highlighted as one of the 8 largest downgrades in Week 6 wide receiver rankings; the source is downgrading him due to unfavorable betting factors, situational spots, disadvantageous defensive matchups, or decreased usage expectations. Waddle's current PPG is 7.9 with a Week 6 projection of 9.0.PositiveRoleOct 10, 2026
Waddle could see a boost in value with Pat Bryant placed on IR through at least Week 9. Bryant had 63% route participation and 10% target share, making him a legit factor in the Broncos' passing attack. Waddle was expected to serve as the team's No. 1 receiver after acquisition from Miami and has two top-25 finishes through four weeks, but his 22% target share is disappointing. If he can get above 25% following Bryant's injury, he has potential to be the biggest winner. The source projects him at WR24 and consensus WR18 against the Chargers in Week 5.NegativeProjectionOct 9, 2026
Waddle co-led the Broncos' WRs in targets but fell out of the Top 24 despite scoring a TD in Week 4, suggesting volume alone did not translate to fantasy production.PositiveProjectionOct 7, 2026
Ranked No. 17 among wide receivers for Week 5 in Matthew Freedman's rankings, indicating strong projection and favorability for the week.PositiveProjectionOct 6, 2026
Jaylen Waddle earns targets more often than Rome Odunze, making him a more reliable fantasy option.PositiveValueOct 6, 2026
Waddle is cited as earning targets more often than Rome Odunze, indicating superior opportunity and value relative to Odunze.PositiveProjectionOct 4, 2026
Jaylen Waddle ranked as a top-50 flex play in Week 4 rankings, positioned at WR50 overall in the flex tier.NegativeMatchupOct 3, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is listed among WRs with notable WR/CB matchups to target or fade in Week 4, with the source noting that matchups are critical for decision-making.NegativeMatchupOct 2, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is mentioned in the player roster with a current PPG of 8.0 and Week 4 projection of 10.4, indicating he is part of the Week 4 WR/CB matchup analysis.NegativeMatchupOct 2, 2026
Waddle faces San Francisco in Week 4 with strong positional outlook despite injury concern. OC Davis Webb has moved Waddle across formations (backfield, slot, outside, motion) to create openings and help Bo Nix anticipate defenses. Waddle's target share has climbed to 25% or greater in Weeks 2-3 after a 12% share in Week 1. The 49ers rank 27th in pressure rate (down from 6th in Week 1) and 11th in fewest receiving yards per game allowed, but have given up at least two explosive gains each week. With Waddle leading Denver's pass-catching corps in looks and facing improved but still vulnerable San Francisco secondary, he projects for a top-12 result.NegativeInjuryOct 2, 2026
Waddle suffered a seemingly minor in-game injury in Week 3 against Denver, appearing to be stepped on exiting a congested backfield and briefly limping before returning to play. Video surfaced of him in a boot after Denver's comeback win, warranting monitoring of his practice participation heading into Week 4.NegativeProjectionSep 30, 2026
Waddle is ranked No. 18 among wide receivers in Freedman's Week 4 rankings.PositiveMatchupSep 29, 2026
Jaylen Waddle put up 8-138-0 in Week 2 but was held to 2-10-0 by the Rams secondary last week. However, he still ran 80% of the routes and got a 25% target share, confirming he's a major part of the offense. A potential shootout in San Francisco with an over/under of 46.5 should mean more targets going Waddle's way, warranting a bid for a WR1 off a down week.PositiveValueSep 29, 2026
The source lists Waddle among players to bid on in Week 4 Guillotine Leagues, indicating he is a recommended waiver wire target.NegativeProjectionSep 28, 2026
The source references 'the highs and lows of the Jaylen Waddle experience,' suggesting inconsistent performance and volatility in his fantasy output.NegativeMatchupSep 24, 2026
Kendall Valenzuela is fading Jaylen Waddle vs. Rams in Week 3. While Waddle had an impressive Week 2 (21.8 fantasy points), the Rams are on an upward trajectory and Waddle faces Trent McDuffie, who according to ESPN has given up only 9 targets and 4.2 fantasy points. Despite Waddle's strong recent performance, the matchup scares Valenzuela.PositiveUsageSep 23, 2026
Waddle bounced back in Week 2 with 8 of 10 targets for 138 yards and 153 air yards (6th in NFL), nearly scoring on a 49-yard catch at the 1-yard line. He saw three targets from motion and ran nearly 60% go or out routes, accounting for nearly 35% of Denver's targets. Sean Payton delivered on his promise to get Waddle his touches after a disastrous Week 1.PositiveProjectionSep 21, 2026
Jaylen Waddle bounced back from a disappointing Week 1 (1-2-0) with strong Week 2 production of 8 receptions for 138 yards. The source notes this performance 'made things a lot better. A LOT better,' and highlights the source Adam Pfeifer's relief after touting Waddle all offseason, validating his preseason hype as a Broncos WR1.PositiveUsageSep 21, 2026
Waddle bounced back in Week 2 with 8-of-10 targets for 138 yards and a near-touchdown (tackled at 1-yard line on 49-yard catch), accounting for nearly 35% of Denver's targets against Jacksonville. Sean Payton delivered on his promise to get Waddle more involved, and when Waddle is on the field, he will draw targets despite the Broncos playing a ton of wideouts.PositiveValueSep 18, 2026
Waddle wrecked his fantasy managers in Week 1 with just 1 reception on 5 targets for 2 receiving yards, but with no formal analysis to support it, a correction is anticipated in Week 2; Waddle will likely be targeted early and often next week. Week 1 may be the absolute worst performance he has all season, making him a potential trade target for panicking owners.NegativeMatchupSep 18, 2026
Waddle faces a Jacksonville defense that was one of six teams with a top-12 pressure rate while giving up just two catches to slot options; combined with Bo Nix's struggles (31st EPA per play, 27th passing success rate, 28th CPOE), the source suggests it might take another week for Waddle and Nix to get back on track.PositiveUsageSep 18, 2026
Despite an 82% route rate, Waddle operated as a low-priority target in Denver's passing game with an 11% target-per-route-run rate; the source notes you'd have to go back to 2024 to find the last time Denver's high-profile acquisition played a full snap allotment while sitting at a TPRR of 11% or less, indicating this is an anomalously low target share for his workload.NegativeMatchupSep 18, 2026
Despite a high route rate of 82%, Waddle sat at a target-play rate of 11% or less in Week 1—a mark you'd have to go back to 2024 to find the last time Denver's high-profile acquisition played a full allotment of snaps while posting such low usage. Bo Nix's performance compounds the issue: EPA per play ranked 31st, passing success rate 27th, and CPOE 28th. On 18 attempts of five air yards or less, the Broncos generated only 89 yards and four first downs, with other pass catchers keeping the offense moving. The source notes: 'I don't believe Waddle will sit as the fifth option in the passing game every week,' but the Week 2 matchup against Jacksonville remains a concern.NegativeProjectionSep 18, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is projected at 9.8 PPG for Week 2 despite posting only 0.7 PPG in Week 1, suggesting minimal expected involvement in the Broncos offense in this matchup.PositiveProjectionSep 16, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is ranked 20th in the source's Week 2 WR rankings.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
Jaylen Waddle was expected to post a top-12 WR season after his trade to the Broncos and preseason hype, but got chopped after Week 1 when the Denver offense looked out of sorts on Monday night in Kansas City; bid conservatively in case the offense needs time to gel.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is mentioned in the player list with Week 1 utilization data showing 0.7 PPG and a projected 10.8 PPG for the season, indicating he is a key player under discussion for FAAB bidding in Week 2 guillotine leagues.PositiveValueSep 15, 2026
Waddle posted only 1.2 fantasy points in Week 1 but the source is more inclined to bid on him than Drake London because he plays in a much better offense that sputtered in a brutal road spot at Arrowhead. He ran 82% of routes and posted a team-high 33% target share on third/fourth downs. The source trusts the offseason drumbeat of Waddle being the fixture of the passing game with movement all over the field in an offense that will pass frequently. Week 2 matchup vs. Jacksonville should be a back-and-forth affair. Recommended bid (Average): $83 (8.3% of FAAB).NegativeMatchupSep 14, 2026
Waddle is facing a tough debut with the Broncos in Week 1, with the source noting projections should be consulted for his expected output.NegativeProjectionSep 9, 2026
Ranked No. 18 among wide receivers for Week 1 in Freedman's rankings.PositiveProjectionSep 3, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is the only wide receiver to average at least 9.0 yards per target in each of the past four seasons, demonstrating elite efficiency and consistency.PositiveValueSep 2, 2026
Jaylen Waddle appears on the Fantasy Life rankings staff's 'My Guys' list for 2026, selected by both Dwain McFarland and Zain Dhanani; Waddle benefits from a new team and improved QB value, exemplifying the staff's theme that situation changes equal value.PositiveProjectionAug 27, 2026
In 2021 and 2022, when Waddle saw 115-plus targets, he finished as a top-15 WR in PPG. Matthew Berry sees Waddle getting back to that level of production in Denver. Over the past two seasons, the Broncos rank sixth in WR fantasy points and 10th in WR target share.NegativeRoleAug 27, 2026
Jaylen Waddle moving to the offensive line is not expected to happen, indicating this is a humorous reference and not a serious role change.PositiveValueAug 27, 2026
Adam Pfeifer continues to draft Waddle ahead of Tetairoa McMillan, Luther Burden, and Emeka Egbuka with zero hesitation, despite Sleeper's ADP reflecting the opposite with everyone but Burden coming off draft boards ahead of Waddle. Pfeifer states Waddle would headline a list of five players he is 100% planting his flag on. Denver OC Davis Webb, who had a front-row seat to Waddle's talent, likened his potential Broncos impact to Stefon Diggs when he was traded to the Buffalo Bills.NegativeProjectionAug 21, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is ranked 36th in the top-100 player rankings with a bye week in week 10.NegativeProjectionAug 21, 2026
Jaylen Waddle ranked 36th in Fantasy Life consensus top-100 rankings; bye week 10 (Denver).NegativeDepth ChartAug 21, 2026
The Broncos traded for Waddle in the offseason, which makes the WR room more competitive and could limit Courtland Sutton's target share despite his continued role and red-zone opportunities.NegativeProjectionAug 20, 2026
Jaylen Waddle projects for 189.5 fantasy points in 2026 with 10.0 PPG utilization, placing him among the mid-tier wide receivers in Matthew Berry's rankings framework.PositiveProjectionAug 18, 2026
Jake Trowbridge recommends holding Jaylen Waddle on middle-of-the-pack teams until seeing him in action, expecting especially Waddle to see a bump in value and become more appealing to contenders.PositiveValueAug 17, 2026
Waddle was selected in the Saints stack build as one of three elite wide receivers acquired in the first five rounds alongside Chris Olave and Davante Adams, demonstrating the flexibility of the Saints stack.PositiveValueAug 15, 2026
The source is moving Waddle up in rankings due to the Denver upgrade and his alpha WR profile. Waddle has been ranked as high as WR23 and as low as WR17 this offseason, but the source believes drafters are undervaluing his potential as the clear WR1 in a significantly improved offense with Sean Payton.PositiveProjectionAug 15, 2026
The source projects Waddle with 122 targets leading the Broncos offense, ahead of Courtland Sutton's 108 projected targets. Waddle's move from Miami to Denver represents a significant quarterback upgrade (Tua Tagovailoa to Bo Nix) and the Broncos have a top-6 projected dropback rate of 61.8%. Waddle has maintained steady efficiency at 9.1 yards per target in 2025 and 9.0 in 2024, and the source believes he will be the WR1 in this offense under Sean Payton.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
Waddle's arrival as new WR1 in Denver is driving Courtland Sutton's ranking decline; Waddle is the primary beneficiary of the Broncos' WR room overhaul and should be heavily targeted in drafts.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Waddle's target-earning ability (23.8% TPRR) significantly exceeds Courtland Sutton's (19.1%), despite both operating at similar depths (13.2 versus 13.3 aDOT). While Sutton and Waddle have role overlap, they get downfield differently, with Sutton as the straight-line guy and Waddle winning on breaks. The TPRR gap indicates Waddle has been winning targets more consistently and should be the preferred option if the two are competing for the same work.PositiveValueAug 11, 2026
Jaylen Waddle's Underdog ADP of 38.3 (WR19) undervalues his role and production potential. Sean Payton has talked about using Waddle inside and outside, comparing that flexibility to how he once used Michael Thomas. Waddle has already demonstrated he can handle both versions of the role: as a rookie in 2021, he ran 61% of his routes from the slot with a 7.0 aDOT and caught 104 passes; in 2025, he won more often from the outside with a 13.2 aDOT, finishing No. 11 among 76 qualifying WRs with 2.19 YPRR while earning a 23.2% target share in a bad Miami offense. The source's June flag plant has not changed, and he believes Waddle is still being drafted too low.NegativeProjectionAug 9, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is listed with a projected PPG of 10.0 and season projection of 189.5 points.PositiveValueAug 9, 2026
The source notes Waddle has been volatile in rankings, ranging from WR23 to WR17, and is currently consensus WR20. Despite this volatility and concerns about Courtland Sutton's presence, the source is moving Waddle up the ranks, viewing him as undervalued relative to his projected role as the true alpha WR in a significantly upgraded Broncos offense.PositiveProjectionAug 9, 2026
The source projects Waddle to lead the Broncos with 122 targets, positioning him as the WR1 in the offense despite Courtland Sutton's presence (108 projected targets). Waddle's move from Miami to Denver represents a significant upgrade; the Broncos have a top-six projected dropback rate (61.8%) and a quarterback upgrade from Tua Tagovailoa to Bo Nix. Waddle has maintained steady efficiency (9.1 yards per target in 2025, 9.0 in 2024), and the source believes Sean Payton will not waste this significant investment, warranting an upward ranking adjustment.NegativeValueAug 9, 2026
Despite elevated injury risk, the source asserts Waddle's upside outweighs any possible concerns, positioning him as a value target despite detractors' focus on injury history.NegativeInjuryAug 9, 2026
Waddle carries injury risk: he is currently nursing a strain that will sideline him for 4-5 days; he has missed six NFL games due to injury; and he frequently appears on injury reports while exiting games early, though the source contends his upside outweighs these concerns.PositiveBreakoutAug 9, 2026
The source argues Waddle's fit with Denver is perfect to maximize his skill set and breakout as a legitimate WR1 in fantasy football, drawing a parallel to George Pickens' trajectory from Pittsburgh to Dallas—always good in role but capable of much more.NegativeInjuryAug 9, 2026
Waddle is currently nursing a strain that will sideline him for 4–5 days. While he has only missed six NFL games due to injury, he has been on the injury report frequently and has exited games early quite often. The source acknowledges this injury history as a detractor but argues that his upside outweighs the elevated risk.PositiveValueAug 9, 2026
The source is extremely bullish on Waddle's draft value, citing historical precedent that talented wide receivers traded to new teams dominate in fantasy football. Examples include Stefon Diggs in Buffalo (29.1% target share in 2020), A.J. Brown in Philadelphia (29.0% in 2022), Tyreek Hill in Miami (31.6% in 2022), and George Pickens in Dallas (22.6% in 2025). Denver's offensive coordinator Davis Webb, who was on the Bills' practice squad during Diggs' 2020 season, has likened the Waddle trade to Diggs' move to Buffalo. The source states Waddle's upside outweighs any concerns and that his best football is still ahead of him, making him a strong draft target despite injury history concerns.PositiveBreakoutAug 9, 2026
Waddle is primed for a WR1 breakout in Denver after being underutilized in Miami. In his rookie season (2021), he posted 104 catches for 1,015 yards and 6 TDs as Miami's clear WR1, but from 2022–2025 ranked just WR32 on a PPR PPG basis (12.9 PPG) due to the arrival of Tyreek Hill and De'Von Achane, who received more designed motion looks and screen passes in Mike McDaniel's scheme. Waddle's TPRR in Miami was 22.6% compared to Hill's 29.2% and Achane's 22.5%. However, when Hill was off the field in 2025, Waddle's TPRR climbed to 27% and he accounted for 25% of Miami's targets from Week 5 onward. The source projects Waddle for 122 targets in Denver—the most since his rookie season—and expects him to immediately assume the WR1 role, relegating Courtland Sutton to 5–6 targets per game. The Broncos' faster pace (10th in average seconds per snap, 6th in no-huddle rate since 2023) and higher pass volume (57.8% neutral script pass rate since 2023, 7th-highest) compared to Miami's 32nd-ranked plays per minute and 31st plays per game should unlock Waddle's explosive playmaking ability.NegativeInjuryAug 9, 2026
Waddle has injury history concerns and training camp buzz indicates he is dealing with an injury; however, Martin is buying the opportunity in the Dolphins offense with Bo Nix at the helm. Waddle is projected for 122 targets, and Martin notes that 'WR1 options are dwindling, so I'm jumping on this one here,' suggesting the upside outweighs the injury risk at the Round 4 pick.NegativeInjuryAug 7, 2026
Jaylen Waddle, an offseason acquisition for the Broncos, appeared to be nursing a leg injury earlier in the week. However, Waddle's targets are pretty much assured in the Broncos' high-volume passing attack, which led the NFL with 612 attempts last year. Waddle and Courtland Sutton are the only WRs projected for more than 100 targets.PositiveRoleAug 7, 2026
The Broncos traded for Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to serve as their true WR2, providing Courtland Sutton with support and taking pressure off him; Waddle is positioned as a much better WR2 option than Jordan Addison is for the Vikings with Kyler Murray.