Vikings Eyeing Reunion with Adam Thielen Amid WR Struggles

The Minnesota Vikings have designs on reuniting with two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen and he could immediately step into a significant role. An undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State in 2014, Thielen has spent the last two years with the Carolina Panthers.

Thielen had 48 receptions for 615 yards and 5 touchdowns for the Panthers in 2024, but he is one year removed from a 103-1, 014-4 line.

The 34-year-old veteran is once again on the Vikings’ radar.

“Vikings have inquired about trading for Panthers WR Adam Thielen, per league sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on August 22. “With WR Jordan Addison serving a three-game suspension and Jalen Nailor dealing with a hand injury, Thielen could wind up starting opening night for the Vikings if they can complete the trade.”

The Vikings have been linked to a potential trade for Thielen amid their myriad issues at the position. Thielen is on a one-year, $8.7 million contract, while Over The Cap has the Vikings at $30.1 million in space.

Vikings’ WR Woes Spark Adam Thielen Trade Inquiry

The Vikings’ trade interest in Thielen is sparked by a revolving door of targets currently at second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s disposal.

“In an ideal world, J.J. McCarthy would have spent his first training camp as the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback throwing to one of the NFL’s best receiving trios: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor. In the real world, however, that happened for only two of the Vikings’ 18 open practices during the 29-day camp,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wroteESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote on August 22.

“Instead, McCarthy has worked with eight different receivers on the first team. Prompted by injuries to Jefferson (hamstring) and Nailor (hand), along with Addison’s three-game suspension (stemming from a 2024 DUI citation) to start the regular season, the carousel carried multiple implications. While it familiarized McCarthy with some receivers he might otherwise not have thrown to, it minimized his opportunities to cement a rapport with the players who will accompany his Week 1 debut at the Chicago Bears — whoever they may be.”

Vikings free agent pickup Rondale Moore is also out for the season with a knee injury.

Thielen has developed a rapport with McCarthy, working out with the QB over the past two offseasons. He also has experience in Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system, which would further ease Thielen’s transition in a trade.

O’Connell has also praised ThielenO’Connell has also praised Thielen and left the door open for speculation about a Vikings reunion, which would require a trade this season.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Leaning on Supporting Cast Amid WR Woes

McCarthy would be in fine shape if Jefferson, who returned to practice last week, is available Week 1 with Thielen lining up opposite him after a trade with the Panthers.

In the meantime, McCarthy has leaned on other options, like Jeshaun Jones and Lucky Jackson at receiver. He also has Pro Bowlers in running back Aaron Jones and tight end T.J. Hockenson at his disposal.

Clearly, though, the Vikings feel as if they need to address their current situation, hence why trade chatter around options like Thielen has picked up in recent days.