Minnesota Vikings Eye Return of Adam Thielen

There’s a chance that Minnesota could see Adam Thielen donning the purple and gold again in the 2025 season.

The Vikings and Panthers are in talks over a deal that might bring Thielen back to Minnesota. The Minnesota Star Tribune is expected to provide more details soon.

Thielen, who hails from Minnesota, is currently in the last year of his contract with the Carolina Panthers. He joined the Panthers as a free agent in 2023 after spending his first nine NFL seasons with the Vikings.

The Vikings are in need of a receiver after Jordan Addison received a three-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, compounded by an injury to Jalen Nailor.

Interestingly, Thielen’s wife sparked some speculation with an Instagram post, excitedly sharing “Big News!!!” just hours ago. Although her post was lighthearted, mentioning their dogs learning to swim, it added a layer of intrigue about Thielen’s future.

The 35-year-old Thielen originally made a name for himself in Mankato, Minnesota, joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2013. During his time with the Vikings, he formed a formidable duo with Stefon Diggs, accumulating 6,682 receiving yards and 55 touchdowns, notably achieving 1,200 yards in back-to-back seasons in 2017 and 2018.

In his two seasons with Carolina, he has wrapped up 1,629 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, proving to be a reliable target for quarterback Bryce Young.

If the deal goes through, it could help pave the way for younger receivers like Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan to step up.

In addition, there’s veteran Hunter Renfrow, who’s looking to make a comeback this season after battling an autoimmune condition last year.

The deal for Thielen isn’t the only news coming from Carolina; the Panthers have reportedly extended right tackle Taylor Moton with a $40 million guarantee in a two-year, $44 million contract.