Minnesota Vikings player Adam Thielen agrees to a reduction in his salary, maintaining a local connection with his team.
Adam Thielen Returns to Minnesota Vikings After Two-Year Stint with Carolina Panthers
After spending two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, wide receiver Adam Thielen has returned to his original team, the Minnesota Vikings. The trade, which took place on August 27, 2023, involved no other NFL teams.
Thielen, a lifelong Minnesotan and alumnus of Minnesota State, signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He spent his entire career with the team until he was released in March 2023 to save salary cap space.
In his second season with the Panthers, Thielen finished with 48 catches on 62 targets for 615 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games (all starts). However, his tenure with the team was marred by a hamstring injury that occurred in September 2022 while making a 31-yard touchdown reception against the Las Vegas Raiders. The injury caused him to miss seven games.
To facilitate the trade, Thielen agreed to restructure his contract, reducing his annual salary by $2 million. His restructured contract also wipes $4 million in incentives off the Vikings' books.
The trade involved a seventh-round 2026 pick, a 2027 fifth-round pick from the Vikings, a 2026 fifth-round pick, and a 2027 fourth-round pick from the Panthers.
Thielen has played in 162 regular-season games (128 starts) in his career, amassing 685 receptions, 8,311 yards, and 64 touchdowns. Despite missing seven games last season, his career statistics remain impressive.
Thielen's return to the Vikings is a welcome addition for the team, as they look to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. His experience, talent, and familiarity with the team will undoubtedly contribute to their success.
