Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings need for wide receiver help came to a head in the days leading up to the 53-man roster cutdown. Adam Thielen was target number one. Ultimately Kwesi Adofo-Mensah couldn’t get a deal done with the Carolina Panthers before that Tuesday afternoon.
Too much groundwork had been laid though, and they veteran wideout was destined to come home. After upping the offer and completing the deal, Thielen’s family went crazy.
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
He wasn’t the only one excited. Superstar Vikings wideout, and former teammate of Thielen’s Justin Jefferson was right along with them.
Adam Thielen rescued by Minnesota Vikings
The thought of paying Adam Thielen a boatload back in 2022 wasn’t appealing to the MN Vikings. They let the Carolina Panthers do it instead. The deal was revised in March 2025, and now Minnesota is bringing him back after two years of losing.
Jefferson, so excited about the reunion of his running mate, laughed at the quiet part out loud.
Jets talks to Thielen following the trade pic.twitter.com/p0xEAEbx32
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 29, 2025
“Hey man, I’m glad to get you up outta there. Now you can come join the squad back.” – Justin Jefferson
“Bro, I can’t wait bro. I’m gonna see you in a couple hours.” – Adam Thielen
“Congratulations, gang!” – Jefferson
Minnesota Vikings (X)
I’m sure the Panthers organization has some really great people in it. Thielen shared a nice message about his time there and the future of the team. He also said some really nice things about Bryce Young.
It’s also true they haven’t had a winning season since 2017. Last season the Minnesota Vikings won 14 games. Carolina has won 14 games in the past three seasons combined. While employed by Carolina, Thielen saw the team win 7-of-34 contests. If you’re getting out of somewhere, that’s absolutely the place you want to do it from.
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Jefferson knows how much of an upgrade Thielen just experience for the prospects of his season. He also understands that Thielen can come in and help the MN Vikings offense. Fans are excited, but players are too.
What’s realistic for Adam Thielen in 2025?
Adam Thielen turned 35 years old last week. This will be his 12th NFL season. Although he has surpassed 1,000 yards three times, he’s not getting any faster. The reality though is that none of that should matter.
Thielen has always succeeded because of hard work, great hands, impressive routes, and a desire to push for more. He’ll immediately be the Vikings WR2 while Jordan Addison is suspended. He’ll slide back to WR3 duties once he returns.
ADAM THIELEN WOW
📺: #TBvsCAR on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/KNAGqBEbUk
— NFL (@NFL) December 2, 2024
The veteran has posted at least 615 yards receiving in every season since 2020. Three times in those five years he has not been available for the full slate of games. When he’s only the field, he’s going to produce. Expecting more than 600 yards and a handful of touchdowns isn’t a stretch at all.
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It will be on Jalen Nailor to earn a role back in the offense. Even with Addison and Jefferson onboard, Thielen will only complement them and force the defense to remain honest. If there was a move that could have came out looking like perfection, it was this.
Mentioned in this article: Adam Thielen Justin Jefferson More About:Minnesota Twins