Vikings release Adam Thielen after he asks for his release in his last season.

Adam Thielen’s Departure from the Vikings

Adam Thielen has officially parted ways with the Minnesota Vikings. The long-anticipated move transpired on Monday when the team waived the 35-year-old wide receiver, who expressed a desire to finish his NFL career with a different team.

Both Thielen and the Vikings confirmed the decision through a social media announcement. In a heartfelt statement, Thielen mentioned that this season would be his final one in the league.

Currently, the Vikings are 4-8 and face long odds for a playoff berth, prompting Thielen’s wish to join a team with better prospects. He aims to contribute to a squad that hopes to reach the Super Bowl.

“It’s tough to put this into words, and honestly, none of us envisioned it ending like this,” Thielen wrote. “Being from Minnesota, wearing this uniform and representing this community has meant everything to me over the years. This organization is part of who I am.” Thielen acknowledged that he realized last spring would be his last chance to play in the NFL, but the Vikings offered him the opportunity to explore options elsewhere during his final weeks.

Interestingly, Vikings’ Max Blasermer is set to start against the Seahawks, marking the 19th backup quarterback to kick off this season.

Thielen, a Minnesota native, joined the Vikings as an undrafted free agent back in 2014. He quickly proved his worth, becoming a go-to target on the team. His breakout came in 2016 with 967 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Following that, he made back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances in 2017 and 2018, amassing impressive stats in both seasons.

Thielen later took on a secondary role when the Vikings drafted Justin Jefferson, who’s now considered one of the premier receivers in football. Despite the shift, Thielen remained a vital piece of the Vikings’ offense.

In 2023, he signed with the Carolina Panthers after nine seasons in Minnesota. Although the Panthers were in a rebuilding phase, Thielen showcased his skills with over 1,000 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Last season saw him appear in ten games for Carolina before returning to the Vikings for his twelfth year.

With players like Jefferson and Jordan Addison needing touches, Thielen has struggled to find a consistent rhythm, especially given the recent quarterback changes with JJ McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer having rough outings.

While uncertainty lingers about where Thielen will land next, he could be claimed by another team if he passes through waivers. Regardless of his future, he reassured Vikings fans of his intent to retire with the organization he cherishes.

“Minnesota will always be our home, and I’m thankful to the Wilf family and everyone at the Vikings for their support. This team means the world to me,” Thielen noted.

Vikings’ general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed praise for Thielen, commenting on his immense contributions to the franchise. “After discussions over the weekend, we respected Adam’s wishes to find more playing time elsewhere. He is one of the all-time great Vikings, and we wish him the very best.”