Justin Jefferson
Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 22: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on August 22, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
Thanks to a video shared by the Minnesota Vikings‘ social media team, we got a glimpse of Vikings WRs Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen‘s conversation on Friday after Thielen’s return to Minnesota was made official.
The Carolina Panthers sent Thielen, a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Vikings for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-rounder. Thielen then agreed to a reworked contract, reducing his base salary by $2 million and removing $4 million in incentives.
Lots of laughs were shared between the two men as Jefferson walked through the Vikings tunnel on a video call with Thielen. “Hey man, hey, I’m glad to get you up outta there. Now you can come join the squad back,” Jefferson said with a big smile.
“I can’t wait, I’m gonna see you in a couple hours,” was Thielen’s response that could be heard over the phone.
“Congratulations man,” Jefferson concluded in the short clip.
Adam Thielen Provides Important Depth for the Minnesota Vikings
Adam Thielen
Stephen Maturen/GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 15: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings attempts to catch a pass during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
It’s been the summer of injuries for the Vikings’ wide receiver corp. The top two receivers are set with Jefferson and Jordan Addison, though Addison will be serving a three-game suspension to open the season. When on the field together, they form arguably the best wide receiver duo in the sport. Behind them, however, there are a lot of question marks.
Free agent signee Rondale Moore suffered a serious knee injury in training camp and has already gone on season-ending Injured Reserve (IR). Third-round rookie Tai Felton and Jalen Nailor are dealing with injuries of their own, leaving undrafted free agent rookie Myles Price as the only other healthy receiver on the roster.
Thielen will take over starting slot receiver duties next to Jefferson and Addison, and together, the three of them will form a potent trio to spark the offense.
Thielen’s Heyday in Minnesota was Something to Behold
Thielen spent the first nine years of his career in Minnesota, before spending the last two in Carolina. A former undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State in 2014, his 2017 and 2018 seasons were among the best in the league at that time. In 2017, he had 91 receptions for 1,276 yards and four touchdowns, earning a second-team All-Pro nod after the season. He upped those numbers in 2018, with 113 receptions for 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns.
During that span, Thielen was among the most consistent players in the league. He earned back-to-back top-40 placements in the NFL Top 100. While he never hit those production highs again, he was a critical part of the Vikings’ offense, and he spent three years playing next to Jefferson.
In Carolina, Thielen was critical support for the Panthers’ young quarterback, Bryce Young. He could always be relied upon to get open from the slot and deliver clutch catches as needed. He might not be the player he once was, but he can still produce in a complimentary role in this league.