The Minnesota Vikings are looking for another wide receiver before the 2025 campaign. Almost immediately, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen was linked with a move back to where it all began.
And the momentum has skyrocketed ever since.
There aren't many people associated with the Vikings that doesn't think trading for Thielen is a good idea. He's experienced, loves the franchise, remains beloved by the fan base, and is still performing at a high level. The Panthers potentially letting their most consistent pass-catcher leave is a contentious topic, but it cannot be completely ruled out if the compensation is sufficient.
Momentum is building around Adam Thielen leaving the Carolina Panthers via trade
Clues are building. First, it was head coach Kevin O'Connell's unmistakable smile and glowing praise of Thielen when talking to Kay Adams from the Up and Adams Show. Then, it was a report from Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, who claimed that the former undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State was a name to watch.
"There are a bunch of wide receivers who could be available. The Vikings have been working the phones. There are several names that it could end up being, but one of them is someone that Vikings fans know well — Adam Thielen in Carolina. The Panthers have not wanted to give him away, going back to the trade deadline last year when they got calls. But potentially, could they find a way to bring Thielen, the Minnesota native, back home? That is one of the names to keep an eye on."Tom Pelissero
If that wasn't enough, Thielen's wife liked an Instagram post regarding O'Connell's comments about the wide receiver. That was met with the inevitable overreactions, but it's starting to look like the Vikings might shoot their shot in pursuit of bringing the two-time Pro Bowler into the fold.
Adam Thielen’s wife liked my reel about this video on Instagram 👀 https://t.co/iJ0TfsoYYl pic.twitter.com/GQGo6b1yPH
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 21, 2025
All these rumors and hearsay are one thing. Getting a deal done with the Panthers for their most accomplished receiver is something else entirely.
The Panthers are counting heavily on Thielen this season. They need Bryce Young to take off, and the veteran's exceptional chemistry with the signal-caller is only going to help his cause. Carolina's inexperienced weapons need to step up at some stage, but this isn't a bad security blanket to call upon.
Thielen's influence on the field and behind the scenes is pivotal. But if the Vikings do come calling, Morgan might do right by the player and permit his emotional return if the deal's terms work for all parties.
Losing Thielen would be disappointing. But nobody would begrudge him one last shot at the Super Bowl with his boyhood club.