Former Vikings WR Adam Thielen Signing Three-Year Deal With Panthers
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Former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen is signing with the Carolina Panthers, he announced on Instagram. It's a three-year deal, according to multiple reports.
One of the greatest receivers in Vikings history has his found his next home. Thielen spent a decade in Minnesota, working his way up from the practice squad and eventually making two Pro Bowls. He ranks third in franchise history in receptions and receiving touchdowns and fourth in receiving yards.
Now, for the first time, Thielen will wear a different NFL uniform. He's joining a Panthers team that recently traded for the No. 1 overall pick, which they'll use to select a quarterback like Ohio State's C.J. Stroud or Alabama's Bryce Young. Thielen, who turns 33 this summer, will be a valuable mentor and presence for that quarterback in the early stages of their career. Carolina has also added running back Miles Sanders and tight end Hayden Hurst to its offense this offseason.
Thielen has lost a step athletically, but he remains a detailed route-runner with incredible hands. His route-running and knowledge of leverage and spacing help him excel in the red zone; his 30 touchdown catches over the past three seasons trails only Davante Adams, Mike Evans, Travis Kelce, and Tyreek Hill.
A native of Detroit Lakes, MN, Thielen starred at D-II Minnesota State in Mankato and ended up on the Vikings via a regional camp and a rookie tryout. He started on the practice squad and became an impactful special teams player, scoring his first career touchdown on a blocked punt against his new team — the Panthers — in 2014. Thielen made the Pro Bowl following 1,000-yard seasons in 2017 and 2018. He played under three different head coaches in Minnesota, seeing the end of the Leslie Frazier era and the start of the Kevin O'Connell era in addition to Mike Zimmer's entire eight-year tenure.
Thielen was released earlier this month. The Vikings and his representation looked into a restructured deal that could've kept him around, but couldn't make something work.
Thielen is a Minnesota icon and an all-time underdog success story. He's a lock for the Vikings Ring of Honor when his career ends, and you'd imagine there's a good chance he eventually signs a one-day contract to retire as a Viking. How much longer he plays in the NFL is unclear, but for now, he's got a three-year deal with the Panthers.
The Vikings will likely look to add to a wide receiver room that features Justin Jefferson, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Nailor, and Jalen Reagor as the current top three options.
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