The Carolina Panthers saw a career resurgence from their $25 million wide receiver in 2023. Though he played just 10 games last season, expectations are once again high heading into 2025.
Now, he may not even be on the team. The Minnesota Vikings are in the market for a wide receiver after Jordan Addison is set to miss time due to a suspension. Not only that, but he’s dealing with numerous injuries as well.
Adam Thielen Could See a Vikings Reunion Should the Panthers Decide to Trade Him
Adam Thielen is entering his 12th-year in the National Football League. The star receiver posted career best seasons in 2017-18, though he totaled 24 combined touchdowns from 2020-21.
The veteran receiver spent his first nine seasons in Minnesota. Immediately, he became Bryce Young’s favorite target in Carolina. The Panthers receiver room includes rookie Tetairoa McMillan who has already asserted himself as one of, if not the top receiver on the team.
Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, Hunter Renfrow, and David Moore make up the remaining key receivers on this team. Jimmy Horn Jr. is the only other notable name as Tommy Tremble lines up at tight end.
With Jordan Addison suspended and multiple injuries, the #Vikings are seriously exploring veteran receivers in the trade market, per sources.
All-Pro Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is on track for Week 1. His early-season running mate may not be on the roster. pic.twitter.com/9dRToHdgvY
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 20, 2025
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Tom Pelissero reported, “With Jordan Addison suspended and multiple injuries, the Vikings are seriously exploring veteran receivers in the trade market, per sources.”
“All-Pro Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is on track for Week 1. His early-season running mate may not be on the roster,” he added.
Addison’s three game suspension will be served at the start of the season. Cut day is quickly approaching, with Pelissero mentioning there’s a chance he won’t make the roster. At this point, that all depends on if the Vikings go through with a trade.
Thielen’s Vikings Reunion May Not Work for the Panthers
Carolina put themselves in a unique situation by giving Thielen a raise this past offseason. Set to earn more of a base salary in 2025, the team doesn’t have him under contract past this season. Knowing his contract, the 34-year-old could indeed be the perfect trade candidate.
“Bring Adam Thielen home,” one fan wrote in response to Pelissero. Another commented, “The use of the word ‘veteran’ sounds like a reunion with Adam Thielen.”
One Panthers fan commented, “Y’all could bring him home for a small price of a 2nd rounder.” Their Thielen gif was met with backlash as it would be incredibly difficult to ask that much for a 34-year-old receiver.
No trade is imminent. But Minnesota is actively looking, with six days to cutdown. https://t.co/8ENzxE8Pil
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 20, 2025
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Pelissero clarified, “No trade is imminent. But Minnesota is actively looking, with six days to cutdown.”
If the Panthers want to be taken seriously in the NFC South, they’re going to need all the talent they can get. There’s no denying Thielen’s age and health, though he did play all 17 games in both 2022 and 2023. Even though he played seven games last season, he still had more touchdowns (5) than he did in ’23 (4).
Averaging 12.8 yards per reception, there’s no doubt Thielen would’ve once again reached 1,000 yards had he played the other seven games. Carolina drafted McMillan No. 8 overall to surround Young with the best talent possible. Trading Thielen could negate all of that.
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