This NFL Insider has multiple sources confirm a reunion could be in place. The Carolina Panthers just finished their preseason campaign 0-3 as they eye a potential trade.
An NFC North team housed this receiver from 2014 to 2022. He’s spent the past two seasons on the Panthers as he seems to be trending back in the right direction. At 35-years-old, he may have a chance to end his career where it started.
Adam Schefter Confirms Reports of Vikings Eying a Trade for Adam Thielen
Speculation has run wild as to how the Minnesota Vikings were going to respond to the Jordan Addison suspension. Not only is Addison out for the first three-games, but he’s dealing with a few injuries as well.
While Adam Thielen did miss seven games last season, his 2023 campaign was promising. The longtime Vikings player put up his first 1,000+ yard season since 2018. He was targeted 137 times in ’23, the third most of his career.
Schefter wrote, “Vikings have inquired about trading for Panthers WR Adam Thielen, per league sources.
Vikings have inquired about trading for Panthers WR Adam Thielen, per league sources.
With WR Jordan Addison serving a three-game suspension and Jalen Nailor dealing with a hand injury, Thielen could wind up starting opening night for the Vikings if they can complete the trade. pic.twitter.com/ep7lrSbYo2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 22, 2025
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“With WR Jordan Addison serving a three-game suspension and Jalen Nailor dealing with a hand injury, Thielen could wind up starting opening night for the Vikings if they can complete the trade,” he added.
This coincides with a report just a few days ago that Minnesota was looking to add a veteran wide receiver. It’s been a few years since he’s played on the team, but Thielen would make an immediate impact back in Minnesota.
With J.J. McCarthy suiting up as QB1 for the first time in his career, a veteran presence could be just what he needs to get to that next level. Thielen would re-unite with Justin Jefferson, who’s always in contention for the league’s best receiver.
Looking at a Beneficial Trade to Both Sides
Thielen quickly established himself as one of the top receivers on the Panthers roster. He needed no time to mesh with Bryce Young, who didn’t have the best 2023 rookie season. Regardless, the addition of Tetairoa McMillan may change their thoughts on Thielen.
There’s no doubt that Thielen could be a crucial part of this Panthers offense. Ultimately, Dave Canales may decide to pivot should the Vikings offer make sense. Currently, rumors are floating around that the Panthers could land Kyle Pitts.
The Vikings have inquired about trading for Panthers WR Adam Thielen, per @AdamSchefter.
Thielen spent the first nine seasons of his career in Minnesota before signing with Carolina in 2023. pic.twitter.com/X6zGhJw4UN
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 22, 2025
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Adding a receiver at No. 8 overall is no joke. The Panthers know what they have in McMillan, it’s just a matter of that translating to the regular season. Should McMillan not pan out for whatever reason, Thielen would be a clear security blanket.
At this point, even Jefferson is listed as questionable for the Vikings. With Jalen Nailor being week-to-week due to a hand injury, the team cannot afford to have him miss Week 1. It’s no surprise to see them acting quickly on a receiver, as Schefter believes Thielen could start in the Vikings regular season opener.
Minnesota finishes their preseason campaign at Tennessee on Friday, August 22. From there, they play Monday Night Football in Chicago on September 8. Carolina completed their preseason slate as they eye their September 7 opener in Jacksonville.
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