Adam Thielen Wants to Come Home; Vikings Trying…

When rumors began swirling that the Minnesota Vikings were on the hunt for help at wide receiver, it wasn’t long before Adam Thielen was floated as a possible candidate for job.

The connection makes sense. Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings offense is desperate for wide receiver help in 2025, especially during the first three games, while Jordan Addison serves his suspension. Plus, nobody loves a good ‘one of us’ storyline more than Minnesota sports fans.

But rumors, wishes and predictions are one thing. Late last week, fans across Vikings Territory began getting their hopes up when news broke that Minnesota was actively in trade talks with the Carolina Panthers on a possible Thielen deal.

Over the weekend, chatter around Adam and the Vikings quieted down. But that doesn’t mean Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has given up. According to Ben Goessling (Star Tribune), talks between the Vikings and Panthers are ongoing. While talks are beginning to drag out a bit, it sounds like Minnesota is still determined.

Are the Minnesota Vikings going to trade for Adam Thielen?

What’s the hold-up? It comes down to compensation. The Vikings can afford to take on all of Thielen’s contract, but at 35 years old, that should mean less going back to the Panthers in draft pick compensation.

The Panthers are playing a bit of hardball, though, and that’s because Adam Thielen is still very valued in Carolina, where he’s played a large role in raising and helping develop former top pick, Bryce Young. Thus, they don’t want to give him up on the cheap.

Trade talks between the Panthers and Vikings are "ongoing" still regarding WR Adam Thielen, says @BenGoessling.

Goessling also noted that there's still "a lot of interest" in getting the trade done and Thielen is "excited" about the idea.

(Via: @AccessVikings) pic.twitter.com/AqnUTJAtd1

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 25, 2025

“The Vikings have been talking with Adam Thielen for a trade. My understanding is, at this point, it’s a matter of what’s the draft pick compensation going to be? Can they get to a spot where everybody is happy with it, especially when you throw in the consideration of Thielen’s contract.

I think he’s a base salary of $6 million this year. How much of that will the Vikings pick up? They can afford to pick up all of it. But then, [the Vikings are probably saying to the Panthers] ‘guys, that has to affect the level of draft pick we are sending back to you.’

I think the negotiations are kind of ongoing. Along those terms, this is probably a day three draft pick, if it gets done, then the Vikings pick up some of the salary and I would imagine that is where we end up, based on what we’ve heard.”

Ben Goessling – Access Vikings Podcast (Star Tribune)

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We all know Adam’s football story by now. A Minnesota kid out of Detroit Lakes, who started his college football career at DII Mankato State. After he set a bunch of Maverick records, Thielen earned a rookie tryout the Vikings, which he spun into the unlikeliest of NFL careers.

Eleven years later, Thielen has racked up 685 receptions, 8,311 receiving yards and 64 receiving touchdowns. He’s also made $83.2 million playing in the National Football League, and he’s scheduled to make another $6-8 million in 2025.

Thielen wants to come home

In the above video, Goessling also reports that the Vikings’ new 5th round pick, which they received for trading Sam Howell, could be the key to getting a Thielen deal done. Adam knows Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system and he has already built offseason rapport with new Minnesota Vikings QB, JJ McCarthy.

And even though a trade home would likely mean less targets and less playing time (after week three) than what Thielen is set to receive in Carolina, Goessling reports that Adam would still very much welcome the move.

“The fact [the Vikings] have another 5th round pick now, I think matters in this. That could be part of what helps get that trade over the line. I think there’s a lot of interest in doing it. I think Thielen is open to the idea, excited about the idea. So we’ll see if it happens.

Ben Goessling – Access Vikings Podcast (Star Tribune)

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Maybe it’s time for Adam Thielen to go full Carlos Correa on the bit, and start pulling strings on his end in Carolina, in order to get the Panthers to back down on their high asking price.

Now that going back home and playing for a playoff team like the Minnesota Vikings has been planted in Thielen’s head, it will be awfully difficult for him to refocus his brain back to leading a bad Carolina Panthers team through its latest “rebuild” project.

At this point, it feels like the Vikings + Thielen reunion has gotten too real to reel back. Fans are too excited, it’s obviously in Adam’s head now too. But of course, it’s not over until it’s over. MN Vikings fans know that better than anyone. So until the fat lady sings, we’ll wait.