Sometimes, the business side of the NFL gets in the way of player loyalty. Longtime favorites bid farewell and sign elsewhere, usually due to salary cap constraints.
This happened in 2023 when the Minnesota Vikings parted ways with wideout Adam Thielen. The Detroit Lakes, MN, native played his college football at Minnesota State before signing as an undrafted free agent in 2013. But the Vikings had to shed older players with large cap numbers, including Thielen, who had $13.5 million in dead money in the 2023 books.
Thielen signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Carolina Panthers that offseason. Although he still has one year left on his contract, the Panthers could save $6.3 million with a post-June 1st cut designation.
According to the Daily Mail, Thielen, 34, may not be ready to walk away from football if they cut him. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison form a dynamic 1-2 punch at wideout, but the Vikings could use a savvy veteran presence in the receiver room.
The reunion could be more than a fun homecoming for Thielen. He mentioned in 2023 that he wanted a ring. Although choosing the Panthers may not have been the best team for that to play out, Thielen won’t be commanding a big contract at this point in his career. And the Vikings went 14-3 in 2024. Could they take the next step in 2025?
Thielen is among the top five in most receiving categories in Vikings history. His 6,682 receiving yards are fifth all-time, and he ranks third in receptions (534) and touchdowns (55).
