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Panthers WR Xavier Legette reveals reason why Adam Thielen wanted trade to Vikings

Legette says Thielen knows that this is going to be his final season in the NFL, and he wanted to finish his career where it started.
Tim Weaver|
Aug 2, 2025; Charlottle, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) chats with wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium.
Aug 2, 2025; Charlottle, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) chats with wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium. | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

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Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers pulled off one of the biggest pre-season trades around the NFL this year, sending veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen back to the Minnesota Vikings. In return they got the equivalent of a fourth-round draft pick, around $7 million in salary cap relief and a clarified picture in what had been a murky wide receiver room.

Then again, the Panthers also lost the only proven pass-catching weapon that had on their roster, and Bryce Young's lone reliable target over the last two seasons. As talented as their receiver corps is, it's not difficult to imagine Thielen's absence being a problem.

According to second-year wide receiver Xavier Legette, Thielen knew that this was going to be his last year in the NFL, which is why he wanted to return to the Vikings.

Xavier Legette on Adam Thielen trade

Legette stands to gain by earning a significant share of the targets that Thielen got last year (just over six per game), but the biggest beneficiary should be rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who's projected to be the team's new No. 1 option in the passing game.

Thielen spent most of his time in Carolina in the slot, and that spot would have gone to second-year receiver Jalen Coker. However, Coker will be starting the season on injured reserve after suffering his second major quad strain in as many years. For now, veteran Hunter Renfrow will be taking over as the Panthers' starting slot receiver.

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Tim Weaver
TIM WEAVER

Tim Weaver has been writing about the NFL since the 2013 season for multiple teams and outlets, including USA Today and The Sporting News. He currently covers the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers for On SI.