Adam Thielen Talked to Cowboys, Broncos in Free Agency Before Panthers Contract

Prior to signing with the Carolina Panthers, former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen had other options available.

Thielen told Pat McAfee on Monday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show that he had discussions with multiple teams before making the decision to join Carolina.

"I think there was the Broncos, the Cowboys," he said. "You know, I had conversations with those teams and a few others, and again, the Panthers just felt like the best fit and it all kinda just worked out."

Thielen reportedly signed a three-year contract with Carolina on Sunday, helping to fill the void left by receiver D.J. Moore after he was sent to the Chicago Bears as part of the deal that landed the Panthers the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft. Despite joining a rebuilding situation that features a new head coach in Frank Reich, Thielen told McAfee that he expects greatness from his new team.

"Honestly, at the end of the day, again, money was not a big deal," he said. "Of course, yeah, you want to get paid what you feel like you are worth, but at the end of the day, again, I wanted go to a good situation for my family and for myself, and ultimately that I felt like a place seriously had a chance at winning a Super Bowl. And again, I really do feel strongly with that."

Thielen was cut by the Vikings on March 10 after spending his entire 10-year career in Minnesota and becoming one of the most consistent receivers in franchise history. He ranks third all-time in catches (534) and receiving touchdowns (55) and fourth in receiving yards (6,682).

While Thielen has high expectations for the Panthers, they will likely face some adversity while trying to develop their No. 1 pick, which presumably will be used on a franchise quarterback. Having a veteran like Thielen as a safety net will surely be beneficial for a young roster.