Top Reporters Validate Popular Vikings Trade Theory
The Minnesota Vikings are looking for a new wide receiver, and we’ve known that to be the case since Tom Pelissero voiced via social media on Wednesday, “With Jordan Addison suspended and multiple injuries, the #Vikings are seriously exploring veteran receivers in the trade market, per sources. All-Pro Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is on track for Week 1. His early-season running mate may not be on the roster.”
Top Reporters Validate Popular Vikings Trade Theory
Ever since that post saw the light of day, everyone wanted to find the correct player who could join the purple squad ahead of the Week 1 matchup versus the Chicago Bears in less than three weeks. Well, one name just keeps making headlines, and Pelissero certainly gave the rumor some wings.
He said on NFL Network: “The Vikings have been working the phones; there are several names that it could end up being, but one of them is somebody that Vikings fans know well, Adam Thielen, in Carolina. The Panthers have not wanted to give him away, going all the way 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 out here.”
Thielen has spent most of his career with his hometown Vikings; that story has been told a million times. In 2023, Minnesota axed him to save cap space, and he signed with the Carolina Panthers. The rebuilding Panthers haven’t had much success during his time there, but he became a mentor for quarterback Bryce Young and the inexperienced receiving group.
That mentorship makes Thielen a vital piece for the Panthers, but on the field, first-rounders Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette, as well as young receivers Jalen Coker, Jimmy Horn, and veteran Hunter Renfrow, could make Minnesota’s own expendable.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter poured more gas on the rumor fire on Friday morning. He posted: “Vikings have inquired about trading for Panthers WR Adam Thielen, per league sources. 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.”
If Schefter and Pelissero both release intel like this, there’s usually at least some truth to it.
Does a deal make sense for the Vikings? Well, Rondale Moore was stashed on IR with a knee injury, and Jalen Nailor suffered a mysterious hand injury that could take him out of the lineup for a while. Furthermore, Jordan Addison will miss the first three games due to his suspension.
Suddenly, Justin Jefferson will be flanked by the likes of Lucky Jackson, Tai Felton, and Jeshaun Jones. A deal has to be made. Now, does Thielen make sense?
His past speed is long gone, of course. The man turned 35 on Friday. However, his hands still catch anything that’s thrown his way, and he still possesses his savvy. In the last two seasons, Thielen caught 151 passes for 1,629 yards and nine touchdowns in 27 games.
Another wrinkle is that he has some connection with J.J. McCarthy and doesn’t have to start from zero after working out with the new QB1 in each of the last two years. He also knows Kevin O’Connell’s offense to an extent.
All in all, Thielen fits the mold of an experienced veteran receiver who can take over for Addison for three weeks and then drop to WR3 duties. He isn’t too expensive, bringing a salary of $6.25 million with him. Some of that could be paid by the Panthers, similar to what the Vikings did in the Harrison Phillips trade.
It would be a cool story to reunite with a franchise legend, but even that aside, it’s a deal that makes sense for the Vikings. Just the Panthers have to get on board.
Thielen ranks third in receiving touchdowns in franchise history and fifth in receiving yards.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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