Vikings Superstar Happy to Save Adam Thielen

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Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings need for wide receiver help came to a head in the days leading up to the 53-man roster cutdown. Quickly, it became clear that Adam Thielen was target number one for GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

Convincing the Carolina Panthers to send their adopted “one of us” pass-catcher back home, however, proved much more difficult that originally expected. But the Vikings were determined. before that Tuesday afternoon.

It took a couple days longer than expected but too much groundwork had been laid to let Thielen slip through the cracks. After both teams found creative ways to meet in the middle, the Vikings and Panthers finally agreed to terms on a trade Wednesday morning and the Thielen family celebrated.

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

About 24 hours later, the Vikings + Panthers deal was officially announced by the team. A few hours later, the Minnesota kid was reintroduced to most of the same media members who covered him as a Viking for a decade.

Since his arrival in Eagan, Thielen has shared a nice message about his time in Carolina and his optimism surrounding the future of that team, on the arm of 3rd year quarterback, Bryce Young, who he clearly has a ton of respect for.

Adam Thielen rescued by Minnesota Vikings

Despite the love he developed for those in the Panthers organization, when an opportunity presented itself for the Mankato State alum to return home and play for an NFC contender, in the Vikings, he quickly shifted gears, mentally.

Suddenly, Thielen was the fairy tale princess in need of a knight in shining armor to swoop in and save him from a 7-34 W/L tower in Carolina that he could not escape on his own. And as soon as help arrived, his old friend Justin Jefferson was there to greet him with that big diamond-filled pearly-white smile.

Jefferson: “Hey man, I’m glad to get you up outta there. Now you can come join the squad back.”

Theilen: “Bro, I can’t wait bro. I’m gonna see you in a couple hours.”

Jefferson: “Congratulations, gang!”

Minnesota Vikings (X)

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Jefferson knows how much of an upgrade Thielen is inside the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver room, especially during the first three weeks while Jordan Addison serves his “Wet Reckless” suspension. Having his good friend back in the locker room is the ultimate bonus, too.

What’s realistic for Adam Thielen in 2025?

Adam Thielen turned 35 years old last week. This will be his 12th NFL season. He’s not getting any younger, either. The reality, though, is that the 11-year vet has never been known for his speed or athleticism.

Thielen is a route-running savant who catches everything he gets his hands on, something that cannot be said about the receivers now sitting below him on the Vikings depth chart. Nobody outworks him either.

The kid out of Detroit Lakes has posted at least 615 yards receiving in every season since 2020. Three times in those five years he was not available for the full slate of games. For the most part, though, Adam has been available, getting open, frustrating cornerbacks and catching a ton of footballs.

Related: MN Vikings Wide Receiver Went Under the Knife

The thought of paying Adam Thielen a boatload back in 2022 may not have been appealing to the MN Vikings, so they let the Carolina Panthers do it instead, a deal that was revised just a handful of months ago (March 2025) and one he and the Vikings are in the midst of re-working again.

It will be on Jalen Nailor to earn a role back in the offense. Even with Addison and Jefferson onboard, Thielen will only complement them and force the defense to remain honest. If there was a move that could have came out looking like perfection, it was this.

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