ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Thursday that Thielen’s release was a “real possibility.” The 32-year-old is coming off of a 70 reception season with 716 yards and six touchdowns.

He has two years left of his four-year, $64 million deal with the team. If retained, Thielen would make $11.8 million in base salary and $1.5 million as a roster bonus in 2023. He carries a cap hit of over $19 million for the year, according to Spotrac.

Pelissero adds that the two sides discussed a restructured deal to lower that cap number, but instead he will look for a new start elsewhere.