The Adam Thielen Trade Has Reached an Ugly End

As the Minnesota Vikings prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, there were already plenty of storylines heading into the matchup. Even before J.J. McCarthy suffered a concussion and ceded the starting job to Max Brosmer, much of the focus was on Sam Darnold’s first meeting with his former team.

The Vikings come into the game at 4-7, while the Seahawks sit at 8-3, yet the matchup still carries plenty of intrigue. Then Kevin O’Connell released his inactives list, and Adam Thielen’s name unexpectedly jumped into the spotlight.

Minnesota Vikings Make Adam Thielen a Healthy Scratch

Entering the season, Justin Jefferson was injured during training camp, and Jalen Nailor was at risk of missing Week 1. Thielen wanted to return home, and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah found a way to make it happen. Less than a full season later, he’s no longer viewed as a viable starting option.

Two veterans who are healthy scratches today: #Steelers CB Darius Slay and #Vikings WR Adam Thielen.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 30, 2025

When Minnesota began pursuring a trade for Thielen, the Carolina Panthers were hesitant. Bryce Young needed competent wide receivers, and the veteran was considered an important piece of that group.

Despite being injured last season and appearing in just 10 games, Thielen still managed 615 yards and five touchdowns. Minnesota traded for him anyway, expecting him to contribute as a depth receiver while Jordan Addison served a three game suspension.

Now 11 games into the season, Thielen has just 69 yards on eight receptions and has yet to score a touchdown. Last week, in an embarrassing loss to the Green Bay Packers, he also recorded an ugly drop.

Since Jordan Addison returned from suspension, here are Adam Thielen's game-by-game snap counts. WR has been arguably the Vikings' healthiest position.

Week 4: 13
Week 5: 13
Week 6: Bye
Week 7: 8
Week 8: 12
Week 9: 4
Week 10: 9
Week 11: 8
Week 12: 3
Week 13: inactive

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 30, 2025

Thielen has been virtually unused by Minnesota, making it clear the move was driven more by sentiment than strategy. He hasn’t contributed on the field, and the Vikings appear ready to stop pretending he will. Adofo-Mensah also sent a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to acquire him.

A Likely Final Chapter

This season seemingly marks the final chapter of Thielen’s career. Over 173 games, he carved out a remarkable path after going undrafted out of Division II Minnesota State-Mankato. There’s no doubt he’ll one day be inducted into the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor.