Vikings Will Immediately Put Adam Thielen to the Test in His Return

The Minnesota Vikings finalized their 53-man roster on Tuesday but it was obvious that they still needed another receiver. With Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games of the season and other receivers failing to step up to the No. 2 role in the offense, the Vikings needed someone that could come in and make an impact but also knew the details of Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

In the end, the target was just as obvious as the need. Kay Adams was the first to bring up Adam Thielen’s name as a trade candidate and it was reported shortly after that the Vikings were in discussions with the Carolina Panthers that would bring the Minnesota native home. 

The deal became official on Wednesday morning and everybody from veterans hopping on social media were excited about the move. But when the nostalgia wears off and Thielen lines up during the Week 1 meeting against the Chicago Bears, the 35-year-old will immediately be put to the test for a team that has Super Bowl aspirations.

Adam Thielen Has No Time to Waste in Return to Vikings

There were several receivers available that could fill the need for depth but the Vikings zeroed in on Thielen over the past several days. While some could say the Vikings tipped their hand with their tunnel vision, Thielen brings a few things to the table that others like Odell Beckham Jr. or K.J. Osborn couldn’t.

Thielen played for O’Connell during the 2022 season and came up with a solid stat line of 70 catches for 716 yards and six touchdowns. While he was a solid No. 2 receiver, the Vikings didn’t want to pay him the $19.97 million cap hit due to his age and what they believed was a declining ability to separate on the field. 

The two sides parted ways and Thielen signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Carolina Panthers the following spring. While many believed he would slow down, he turned in a 1,000-yard season in his first campaign with the Panthers and although hamstring injuries limited him to 10 games last season, his 2.06 yards per route run was his best mark since averaging 2.10 yards in 2018 according to Pro Football Focus.

Thielen also worked out with quarterback J.J. McCarthy each of the past two offseasons, giving him an instant rapport as the young quarterback enters his first season as a starter.

With the Vikings looking for players that could contribute immediately, Thielen was the best option available. But his return also comes with some challenges.

Adam Thielen Must Accept Role Upon Jordan Addison’s Return

Thielen’s split from Minnesota wasn’t a clean one as the Vikings looked to save some money against the cap. He also admitted the team had a “different vision” for his role as he was the clear No. 2 receiver behind Jefferson. The 107 targets still suggested that Thielen had a key role in the offense but he still chose against taking a pay cut and opted in for one final payday with the Panthers.

Players should get their money when they can, but concerns about his role remain unsettled. Thielen’s status as the No. 2 receiver will only last for three games and he’ll slot into the No. 3 role when Addison returns for the Week 4 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland. 

If Thielen wasn’t thrilled with his role back in 2022, he might not like it now. Jalen Nailor filled that spot last year and was fifth on the team with 42 targets. K.J. Osborn received 75 targets at WR3 during the 2023 season but that was aided by a hamstring injury that limited Jefferson to 10 games.

Perhaps Thielen has done some maturing and realizes that going back to his hometown team could be his best chance to win a Super Bowl at age 35. While his veteran leadership will be a boost to that pursuit, Thielen has to produce right away and accept his role when Addison returns to give the Vikings the best chance to accomplish their goals.

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