Adam Thielen Released by Vikings, Top Landing Spots as WR Wraps Up NFL Career

The Minnesota Vikings announced Monday that they have released veteran wideout Adam Thielen.

In a statement released by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the team said Thielen requested to be released for "the opportunity to pursue more playing time elsewhere."

Thielen followed that up with the following message:

As for potential landing spots, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders would make sense as suitors, while a return to the Carolina Panthers could be a possibility as well.

Thielen's return to Minnesota this season didn't go to plan, as the 35-year-old managed just eight catches for 69 yards on 18 targets. He was well down the pecking order in the passing game behind Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor and tight end T.J. Hockenson, and that was likely to change down the stretch.

So a change of scenery makes sense, though Thielen's next destination may be contingent on whether he wants to join a contender or just wants playing time.

The Steelers might be the one team that could scratch both potential itches. The team doesn't have a reliable WR2 behind DK Metcalf and the passing game has been pretty atrocious this season (187.8 YPG, 24th in the NFL). While it's fair to question whether Thielen has much left in the tank at this point, it's hard to imagine Aaron Rodgers calling him out for missing film sessions or running the wrong route.

If the two-time Pro Bowler is OK playing more of a mentor role (while still seeing a potential uptick in playing time), there are plenty of rebuilding teams like the Giants or Raiders who could use more playmakers at receiver.

And then there's the Panthers. Thielen had a fantastic 2023 season with the team (103 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns) before injuries limited him to 10 games in 2024, though he still posted 48 catches for 615 yards and five scores.

He already has a rapport with quarterback Bryce Young and the 7-6 Panthers are very much in the hunt for the NFC South title and a playoff berth. A reunion would make sense.