After listing Adam Thielen as a healthy scratch in Week 13, the Minnesota Vikings have officially parted ways with the beloved franchise staple with four games remaining in the 2025 NFL season.
Acquired in a trade with the Carolina Panthers, Thielen’s reunion with Minnesota did not match expectations. He was tapped to help replace Jordan Addison, who started the season with a three-game suspension.
But since the Vikingsâ Week 6 bye, Thielen has played just 44 snaps in six games. Heâs caught eight of 18 targets this season for 69 yards receiving and has three drops.
The Vikings issued a statement following Thielen’s release, revealing the reason for the abrupt roster move.
âLast week, Adamâs representation approached the team and asked if we would be willing to release Adam, expressing his desire to play a bigger role in the remaining weeks of what he has indicated will be his final NFL season,” general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah wrote. “Following discussions through the weekend and out of respect for Adam, we have agreed to give him the opportunity to pursue more playing time elsewhere. Adam is one of the all-time great Vikings, and we wish him and his family continued success.â
Kevin O’Connell Addresses Adam Thielen’s Healthy Scratch Against Seahawks
After a 26-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the decision to make Thielen a healthy scratch for the game.
âIâd just file it under a coachâs decision. Looking at where we were at some other positions around our roster, youâre just trying to do what you think is best to win and make sure youâve got some depth at some other spots where guys were dealing with some things. That receiver positionâs one that has stayed pretty remarkably healthy this year,â O’Connell said.
Thielen’s involvement in the offense had diminished over several weeks coming out of the bye. He played just three snaps in a Week 12 loss to the Green Bay Packers that looks to be his final game with the Vikings.
Adam Thielen’s Departure Serves as a Harbinger for Vikings’ Lost Season
The Vikings entered the 2025 season with unbridled optimism. They splurged in free agency to build an offensive line that would enable J.J. McCarthy to be his best self.
But injuries and simply inexperience at quarterback have crumbled any chances at making the postseason.
If there is any need for a temperature check in the locker room, a face of the franchise wanting off with a month left in the season is all you need to know.
Thielen’s departure is a harbinger of what a lost season this was for the Vikings, who are facing vital questions this offseason.
The quarterback position needs to be addressed as McCarthy cannot be the only option as he was this year. Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell will also certainly be on hot-seat watch.
Years of forward thinking and culture building led to this season that has the potential to set the franchise back four or five years if the quarterback situation cannot be solved next offseason.
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