An Old Friend of the Vikings Shows Up Once Again
Adam Thielen never strays too far away from the Minnesota Vikings.
An old friend continues to surface in Vikings conversations — this time with kudos for rookie QB J.J. McCarthy. Here’s why the fan-favorite isn’t fading.
The Vikings unearthed Thielen from undrafted free agency 12 years ago, and he rose to power in 2015 with a hometown story and subsequent Pro Bowl production. Thielen left the club after the 2022 campaign, but he always finds a way to remain relevant to all things Vikings.
This week, he worked out with J.J. McCarthy and other purple players and wasn’t afraid to talk the talk about Minnesota’s 22-year-old passer.
A Familiar Face, Adam Thielen, Weighs In on the Vikings’ QB
It’s another endorsement for McCarthy, who has racked up several in the last 15 months.
Adam Thielen Works Out with J.J. McCarthy
Evidently itching for training camp next weekend, Vikings players, including J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson, worked out at Woodbury High School this week — and Thielen attended.
He said about McCarthy, Minnesota’s second-year quarterback who missed his rookie season with a torn meniscus, “He’s got all the things it takes to be a successful player in this league, and kind of the things that we talked about about how I’ve gotten to year thirteen, he’s already got it.”
“He’s got consistency, he’s got that mindset. He’s got all the skills to be able to play at a high level. So I’m really excited now, my second summer working with him, to see him get an opportunity, and to see what he does with the opportunity, because I see it.”
Thielen is merely the latest credible voice to heap praise on McCarthy. The list this offseason and last is lengthy.
“Now, on the field, just his mindset, and all the things that it takes to be a great quarterback in this league, and I’ve been around a lot of great ones. He has everything you need, so I’m excited to see,” Thielen concluded.
Thielen Never Far Away from Vikings Dealings
Whether working out in the summer — like this week — with current Vikings players or getting in front of a microphone to talk about his former team, Thielen is habitually within reach of all things Minnesota.
Thielen signed an impressive deal with the Panthers three offseasons ago, and to an extent, he has performed well in Carolina despite the Panthers’ general losing woes in the last two seasons. Thielen has taken on a mentor role with his new squad, jelling with players like Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and now rookie Tetairoa McMillan.
However, it’s rather evident that his heart never left the North Star State. He’s always there in the Vikings’ news orbit.
The End of the Road in 2025?
Thielen will turn 35 next month, a rather ancient age by NFL wide receiver standards. He hinted this offseason that the 2025 campaign could be his last, which teetered on Captain Obvious territory because most playmakers don’t stay in the league until age 35 in the first place.
He’ll hope the Panthers morph into sudden contenders, especially after quarterback Bryce Young’s late-season growth in 2024.
Fans Can’t Resist Reunion Theory
A mandatory development, at least per social media standards, Thielen’s comments about McCarthy sparked discussion about a Minnesota reunion. The optics are there: Thielen working out with Vikings players and pounding the table for McCarthy.
While a trade is unlikely this summer, and Carolina probably won’t release Thielen during summer roster trimdowns, he will remain on fans’ radar because — you guessed it — he’s routinely close to purple operations. See: Working out with McCarthy, Jefferson, etc.
Thielen may be a name to monitor regarding Minnesota trades if an injury besets Jalen Nailor or rookie Tai Felton doesn’t take off immediately — the “bring him home” angle.
Thielen Trade Fodder?
CatCrave.com‘s Dean Jones hinted last week that Carolina could trade Thielen before the November deadline if the Panthers’ season swirls down the toilet.
He wrote, “The Carolina Panthers expect Adam Thielen to play an important role for the franchise in 2025 once again. That didn’t stop one NFL analyst from touting the veteran wide receiver as a possible trade chip if things don’t go according to plan.”
“Thielen decided to put off retirement after seeing some encouraging growth from quarterback Bryce Young. The two-time Pro Bowler remains one of the league’s most accomplished route runners and an extremely dependable target. If this is his last ride, he’ll want to make it a good one.”
On any Thielen trade, the Vikings would be front and center in the rumor mill when the time comes.
Dean added, “The Panthers could trade Adam Thielen if they’re out of contention early. If the Panthers are in the midst of another campaign that promised much but failed to deliver, removing Thielen from the equation is realistic. Morgan did the same last season with Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo, so the business-first mentality would dictate a similar approach in this scenario.”
“Thielen is much more influential than the two aforementioned departures. His proven consistency on the field is widely respected. The way he’s helping out Carolina’s young pass-catchers cannot be overstated either.”
No matter what, Thielen always finds a way back into the Vikings’ news cycle. He’s never far away.
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