Thielen Believes There's a 'Real Chance' the Panthers Can Win a Super Bowl
Panthers GM Scott Fitterer stated shortly after the 2022 season came to an end that this was going to be an offseason where they began to "take some shots" and so far, he's delivered by trading up for the No. 1 pick in the draft and signing quality free agents such as RB Miles Sanders, TE Hayden Hurst, S Vonn Bell, and WR Adam Thielen.
Thielen has been arguably the biggest signing for Carolina to this point simply due to the lack of depth and proven commodities currently in the wide receiver room. Following the trade of DJ Moore to Chicago, the Panthers' receiver room consisted of Terrace Marshall Jr., Laviska Shenault, Shi Smith, and Preston Williams.
Thielen had nine productive years with the Minnesota Vikings, totaling 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns on 534 receptions. The big question is, how does a team like Carolina, which has struggled to win games over the last few years land someone like Thielen?
He explained what led to his decision during an interview on The Pat McAfee Show earlier this week.
"Honestly, I wasn't really planning on going to the Panthers," said Thielen. "I went on a visit there just to see, just to hear them out. Because I wanted to go somewhere where I had an opportunity to win a Super Bowl. And when I went there, I sat down with Coach [Frank Reich], I sat down with the GM, and sat down with all of the coaching staff and I felt like Carolina was the place to do that. I feel like there is a real chance to win a Super Bowl and that gets me so excited."
Another reason why the Panthers stood out is because of the contract. No, not the money. The length of the deal. Thielen said that he had conversations with the Broncos, Cowboys, and a few others but most teams didn't want to give him anything more than a one-year deal because of his age.
"That was a big factor into the decision as well. I didn't want to be a one-year kind of gap filler. You know, come in, thanks for your service, see you later. I want to be a part of something special. I want to be a part of building something. I wanted to go somewhere where I could be a part of it for a few years. That was their plan for me from day one when I stepped in that building. They said that's what they want. They want me to be a part of the long haul."
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