Vikings Comment on Adam Thielen’s Release
Dustin Baker
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A “where were you when moment” indeed, the Minnesota Vikings cut ties with wide receiver Adam Thielen Friday after a decade with the club.
The release saves Minnesota about $6.4 million in cap funds and inflicts a $13.5 million dead cap hit.
Vikings Comment on Adam Thielen’s Release
Thielen’s release arrives amid an offseason of change as general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah attempts to make the 2023 roster younger, faster, and more affordable in spots. Thielen didn’t adhere to any of those criteria and will test free agency as early as now.
With the Vikings, Thielen was marvelous, especially from 2016 to 2022. All told, he leaves the Vikings as the team’s third-leading receiver in catches (534), third in receiving touchdowns (55), and fourth in receiving yards (6,682). In addition to Adrian Peterson in the near future, Thielen will likely grace the franchise’s Ring of Honor sometime in the next decade.
Vikings leaders were quick to tribute Thielen, starting with Adofo-Mensah, who wrote on the Vikings website, “Adam will forever be a part of the Minnesota Vikings family and history. Setting the standard with his play on the field, being a selfless teammate, and making a permanent impact in the community, Adam’s influence is significant.”
“We are grateful for everything he brought to the Vikings organization since arriving in 2013, and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to work with him over the last year. He is the best representation of what the Minnesota Vikings should stand for. I wish nothing but the best for Adam, Caitlin and their entire family,” Adofo-Mensah added.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell was right behind Adofo-Mensah with the send-off, “Adam’s story is one many know and admire and an incredible example of what a relentless pursuit of a goal can ultimately accomplish. For over a decade, Adam honed his craft to become one of the most well-recognized wide receivers in the NFL. Over that same time, he poured so much of his time into his home state, which made it even more special for him to earn our 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination.”
“I personally leaned on Adam for his work ethic, leadership and counsel multiple times to help get our team where we wanted it to be last season. I appreciate Adam’s contributions and will be pulling for continued success for him, Caitlin and their children,” O’Connell concluded.
Thielen is expected to command ample interest on the open free-agent market. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, or an Aaron Rodgers’ team to be named later could engage Thielen about a 2023 relationship.
Thielen will turn 33 this summer.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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