It's no secret that the Minnesota Vikings are looking for another wide receiver before the 2025 season. Carolina Panthers veteran Adam Thielen remains hotly linked with an emotional homecoming, and the NFC North club laid the groundwork to make an offer with a surprising outgoing.
Thielen remains an important part of the team's plans. He put off retirement this offseason to help quarterback Bryce Young reach new heights, but the Panthers have a surplus in their receiver room right now. If the Vikings made an acceptable offer, general manager Dan Morgan would no doubt consider the possibility.
Trading Thielen would be a mistake. He's still the Panthers' most consistent pass-catcher. Many in the wideout unit are gifted but unproven. There is also a lot to be said for his ability to mentor the next generation, which is an overlooked yet integral part of his contribution.
Vikings are in a better position to make Carolina Panthers an offer for Adam Thielen
Perhaps the Panthers would think of the bigger picture if the Vikings come calling. Thielen is out of contract next spring and will probably retire. Placing more trust in the young core, getting something back in return, and giving the former undrafted free agent a chance to finish his career where it began seems feasible if it works for all parties.
The Vikings are in a stronger position to make a move after trading defensive tackle Harrison Phillips to the New York Jets. Minnesota is receiving a 2026 sixth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-rounder as part of the deal, with the formidable run-stopper and a 2027 seventh-round pick going the other way.
This gives general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah some extra ammunition to make an offer for Thielen or another productive wideout who may be available. More importantly, it frees up around $4 million in salary-cap space to help absorb any incoming salary.
Thielen is due to make $6.25 million in base salary this season after the Panthers raised his pay. The Vikings have $26.41 million in available resources, so there is more than enough to take on this financial outlay.
Whether the Panthers would be willing sellers is another matter.
There is an enormous amount at stake for the franchise in 2025. Young needs to take another step forward, so removing his primary security blanket is a big gamble. There needs to be 100 percent confidence in the team's other options before pulling the trigger, and the lack of offensive execution over the last fortnight is enough reason to pause.
It promises to be a fascinating few days. But the smart money suggests Thielen will be on the Panthers when Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars arrives.