Pro Football Rumors
TODAY, 9:40pm: The two sides continue to discuss a potential Thielen trade, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. However, the Vikings and Panthers continue to disagree on compensation. At the very least, it sounds like they’ve overcome any financial concerns that may have been holding up a deal.
FRIDAY, 1:18pm: Panthers head coach Dave Canales has confirmed no serious trade discussion have taken place yet on this front, and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports finances represent a barrier to any deal being finalized. The deadline for roster cuts is Tuesday afternoon, and it would come as no surprise if a resolution one way or the other were to be in place by then.
10:33am: The Vikings are known to be among the teams seeking a receiver addition in time for Week 1. An Adam Thielen reunion has been named as something to watch for, and efforts to make one happen are indeed underway.
[RELATED: Vikings Send Harrison Phillips To Jets]
Minnesota has contacted Carolina about a Thielen trade, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Nothing is imminent at this time, per Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune. Nevertheless, this will be a situation to monitor closely over the coming days.
The Vikings’ skill-position group has largely remained the same compared to last season, but their receiver depth chart has been dealt a number of blows recently. Rondale Moore will miss the season due to a knee injury, and projected No. 3 wideout Jalen Nailor is dealing with a hand ailment. Jordan Addison is set to reprise his role as WR2 when on the field, but he will miss the first three weeks of the campaign due to suspension.
While Justin Jefferson is at full strength (after dealing with a hamstring injury earlier in training camp), Minnesota could stand to add help at the position for the early portion of the 2025 campaign. Third-round rookie Tai Felton is in place to handle at least a part-time role on offense – especially until Addison returns – but a more established option would no doubt be welcomed by the Vikings. As such, Thielen represents a logical trade target.
The former UDFA joined Minnesota in 2013, and he began establishing himself as a valued member of the team one year later. Thielen played with the Vikings for nine seasons, earning two consecutive Pro Bowl nods during that span. A downturn in production helped inform Minnesota’s decision to release Thielen in 2023.
The Minnesota State alum signed with the Panthers in free agency and recorded the third 1,000-yard campaign of his career during his first season with the team. Thielen was limited to 10 games last year, although he still managed to operate as a full-time starter. Thought was given to retirement after the season, but the 35-year-old will suit up for at least one more campaign.
As things stand, that will consist of a third Panthers season. Carolina has invested first-round picks at the receiver spot in consecutive years, though (Xavier Legette, Tetairoa McMillan), and...
