Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings saw a suspension handed down for Jordan Addison. Then they watched Jalen Nailor undergo a procedure to fix an issue with his hand. Ultimately they decided to bring Adam Thielen home and rescue him from the mess that is the Carolina Panthers.
The two sides understand each other, and Thielen knows what he’s coming into. He doesn’t have to be the guy anymore, and it’s best suited that he isn’t in the Vikings offense. That doesn’t mean he can’t be a guy though, and Kevin O’Connell will utilize him plenty.
Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Still, we’re drawing close to the end of the line for the fan favorite. Thielen can hang them up and walk right into the Ring of Honor from there.
Adam Thielen thinking next steps with Minnesota Vikings
It’s not lost on anyone that Adam Thielen is 35 years old. Wide receivers don’t typically stay on the field deep into their 30’s and the athleticism changes. He’s in the final year of a contract that he just lopped $2 million off of to help the Vikings as well. Local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson thinks we may be watching his final swan song.
How Thielen is used by the Vikings this year remains to be seen. We know that for the first three weeks he’ll be a prominent part of the offense. Minnesota has no choice while they are without Jordan Addison. It’s also possible that Thielen forces his way into a more prominent role from Week 4 and beyond as well.
Yes, it’s obvious that Thielen won’t have the same burst he did a decade ago. However, he has never thrived in the NFL by being a speed guy. He creates separation with quickness, efficient route running, and hauls in passes because of his elite hands. Those skills still play.
Average seperation & catch pct:
Justin Jefferson – 3.1 yards, 66.8%
T.J. Hockenson – 3.1 yards, 66.1%
Adam Thielen – 3.0 yards, 77.4%
Jordan Addison – 3.0 yards, 63.6%
Thielen is still playing at a high level at 35 years old! #Skol
pic.twitter.com/qg20GKiMpK
— 𝑻𝒚𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝑰𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 🍀 (@TylerTalksBall) August 27, 2025
Last year Thielen missed time for Carolina and played in just ten games. He still put up 615 yards and five touchdowns. During his first season with the Panthers, Thielen played in all 17 games and hauled in 103 passes for 1,014 receiving yards despite shaky quarterback play.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Banking on Key Wide Receiver
It’s unlikely that Thielen will push Addison down the depth chart. but a strong start could keep Jalen Nailor off the field. Last season the Vikings WR3 left production on the table, and Thielen is a good bet to not let that happen.
A special year to end on for Thielen and the MN Vikings
Whether or not this is it, the Minnesota Vikings could do something special with Adam Thielen coming back home. Harrison Smith is also entering what may be the final year of his career, and the duo going out on top would be magical.
The reality is that Minnesota has a roster built to win now. There is some concern surrounding the cornerback position, but the rest of the 53-man roster is ripe with strong position groups.
No one will know what Minnesota has in J.J. McCarthy until the lights come on. Once they do though, there are plenty betting on him to achieve a high level of success. If the Michigan product can be the next great young quarterback, then the Super Bowl drought for the Vikings may disappear.
Related: QB Expert Would Take JJ McCarthy Over Everyone
Thielen may not yet know whether he is entering his final professional season. If he wraps it up with a ring after returning home though, there’s probably no way to write a better fairytale ending.
Mentioned in this article: Adam Thielen More About:Minnesota Vikings