Adam Thielen Trade Reportedly Eyed by Vikings After Howell Deal But Panthers Reluctant

The Minnesota Vikings have pursued a reunion with wide receiver Adam Thielen, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter reported Sunday the Carolina Panthers have "been reluctant to deal the respected and productive veteran."

The NFL insider suggested the Vikings "now have added ammunition" to acquire another wideout after agreeing to trade quarterback Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Minnesota got a fifth-round pick in 2026 and a seventh-rounder in 2027.

Thielen spent nine years with the Vikings. A two-time Pro Bowler, he's third in franchise history in receptions (534) and fifth in receiving yards (6,682).

Appearing on the Star Tribune's Daily Delivery podcast (via NFL.com's Bobby Kownack) after his release in March 2023, the 35-year-old expressed his hope to have remained in Minneapolis.

"I think there are like two sides of it," he said. "It was a bummer. I didn't want to leave Minnesota. I wanted to end my career there. Obviously, that would be the perfect fairy tale way to do it, right? But that's not reality. I'm so thankful for that organization, (general manager) Kwesi (Adofo-Mensah) and (Kevin O'Connell) and the staff. The way they handled this throughout the process was first-class."

Thielen has remained an effective aerial option since landing on his feet in Carolina. In 27 games with the team, he has 151 catches for 1,629 yards and nine touchdowns.

Minnesota could use some reinforcements at receiver heading into the regular season. Jordan Addison is suspended for the first three games, while Justin Jefferson missed a lot of time in training camp with a hamstring injury.

Beyond his familiarity with the Vikings, Thielen's age relatively modest $8.5 million expiring salary mean the overall cost to acquire him shouldn't be that high.

Since quarterback Bryce Young is still in an important phase in his development, Carolina may not be keen to let Thielen go, however.

The Panthers used the No. 8 overall pick on Tetairoa McMillan and took Jimmy Horn Jr. in the sixth round. Still, Thielen is a proven option out of the slot and can serve as a bridge until the team is ready to pass the baton to younger receivers.