Adam Thielen Trade Reportedly Eyed by Vikings amid Jordan Addison's NFL Suspension

With Jordan Addison set to miss the first three games of the 2025 NFL regular season due to a suspension, the Minnesota Vikings are exploring a reunion with Adam Thielen.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Vikings have made inquiries to the Carolina Panthers about a trade for Thielen.

The NFL suspended Addison three games for violating the league's substance abuse policy stemming from his July 2024 DUI citation. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in July that requires him to pay a fine and complete two online courses.

In addition to Addison's suspension, the Vikings have been dealing with injuries to multiple members of their receiving corps. Justin Jefferson returned to practice on Monday after missing nearly a month due to a hamstring injury.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters on Monday that Jalen Nailor is considered "week to week" due to a hand injury.

ESPN's Kevin Seifert noted Tai Felton appeared to suffer a hand injury during Wednesday's practice, though the injury isn't expected to keep him out for a significant period of time.

Thielen has been cited as a potential trade candidate with the deadline for teams to set their 53-man rosters approaching at 4 p.m. ET on Aug. 26.

The Panthers have invested a lot of resources into the receiver position lately. Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette have been drafted in the first round in each of the past two years. Jimmy Horn Jr. was a 2025 sixth-round draft pick. Hunter Renfrow signed a one-year deal as a free agent after sitting out the 2024 season.

Thielen is entering the final season of his contract with a $6.3 million base salary. He caught 48 passes for 615 yards and five touchdowns with Carolina last season.

The 35-year-old Thielen started his NFL career with the Vikings after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He played nine seasons with the club, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2017 and 2018.