The Minnesota Vikings are bringing home one of the state’s favorite sons, two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen, agreeing to a trade with the Carolina Panthers to bring the 12th-year veteran back to the franchise with which he began his NFL career.
A Detroit Lakes native, Theielen entered the league with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State in 2013.
Now that he is back, there is another step Thielen and the Vikings are working to clear.
“The #Vikings and Adam Thielen are still finalizing a revised contract,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on X on August 27. “Once that’s done, Thielen — who just turned 35 — will be back in Minnesota for one more run.”
Thielen is on an expiring $8.7 million contract. Both sides made some financial ramifications that add context to the return from the Vikings.
At any rate, Thielen, the Vikings fan favorite, is back to help with the 2025 push for the playoffs.
Vikings Reunite With Adam Thielen in Trade With Panthers
GettyAdam Thielen #19 of the Carolina Panthers and Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings meet up after a game.
“Homecoming: Panthers and Vikings are finalizing a trade for WR Adam Thielen to return to Minnesota, sources tell ESPN,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on August 27. “Thielen starred for the Vikings from 2013-2022. Now he returns.”
Here is the full trade breakdown:
Vikings get:
- Adam Thielen
- 2026 conditional seventh-round pick
- 2027 fifth-round pick
Panthers get:
- 2026 fifth-round pick
- 2027 fourth-round pick
The Vikings had to convince the Panthers to relinquish Thielen, whom they need. The idea seemingly took a hit amid complications over the compensation and other roster moves.
Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson Reunite as Vikings Address WR Woes
GettyAdam Thielen #19 of the Carolina Panthers smiles before playing the Dallas Cowboys.
Thielen is stepping into a system that he knows under Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, and he reunites with All-Pro fellow wideout Justin Jefferson, with whom he was teammates for three seasons.
“Reunion!” Pelissero posted on X on August 27. “Thielen and Justin Jefferson were teammates from 2020-2022. Now, they’re back together again.”
Thielen also addresses the Vikings’ extensive issues at receiver to a significant extent.
“Expect Adam Thielen to play a prominent role, and perhaps start, Week 1 at the Bears on MNF,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert posted on X on August 27. “An aggressive move from the Vikings following Jordan Addison’s suspension and Jalen Nailor’s hand injury. Justin Jefferson (hamstring) missed almost all of training camp as well.”
“Thielen returns to Minnesota — where he earned two Pro Bowl appearances while amassing nearly 6,700 yards receiving and 55 TDs,” Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz posted.
Thielen’s knowledge of the system and area is one thing, but they are amplified by his preexisting connection with new starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The new Vikings teammates worked out together in each of the past two offseasons.
They have also heaped praise on one another, helping to incentivize the Vikings.
“Adam Thielen and J.J. McCarthy have a great relationship and this was carefully orchestrated by the #Vikings,” Schultz said in another post.
Thielen logged 615 yards and 5 touchdowns on 48 receptions with the Panthers in 2024. If he can hold the line until the Vikings are whole, then the trade will be a success, especially considering the Vikings were able to offset their lost draft capital.
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