The Minnesota Vikings made a trade with the Carolina Panthers Wednesday afternoon to reunite with long-time wide receiver Adam Thielen.
However, it's quite obvious Minnesota was shopping for receivers, not Thielen. This makes complete sense, as Jordan Addison is the only proven threat behind superstar Justin Jefferson. Addison is suspended for the first three games of the 2025 NFL season, so it makes even greater sense why the front office was pursuing a receiver to help inexperienced quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
More news:49ers Linked to Bringing Back Recently Released Wide Receiver
CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones reported a trade between the Vikings and New England Patriots for veteran WR Kendrick Bourne nearly took place.
"After a potential trade with the Vikings fell through, WR Kendrick Bourne requested and received his release from the Patriots, source tells@NFLonCBS," Jones posted to his X account. "The 49ers, his former team, appear to be a top suitor, but Bourne could draw interest from others like Miami and Pittsburgh."
It's impossible to know why the deal fell through, but it's possible Bourne came at a greater price than Thielen. The Vikings sent a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Panthers for 35-year-old Thielen, who recorded 48 receptions, 615 receiving yards, and five touchdown catches last season.
Bourne is roughly five years younger than Thielen but did put up underwhelming statistics compared to Thielen.
Minnesota was going to end up as winners of whatever deal it decided to make because the move filled a major void in their offense. Having a quarterback who is yet to take a snap in the NFL regular season means the Vikings' front office needs to be putting in overtime.
While Thielen is by no means the Pro Bowl wideout he once was in Minnesota, McCarthy should be able to use him as a safety blanket underneath.
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