Minnesota Vikings WR Adam Thielen's future with the team up in the air
In all nine seasons of his career, WR Adam Thielen has played his entirety with the Minnesota Vikings. The Minnesota native was undrafted out of Minnesota State in 2014. All-time, Thielen currently ranks third in catches (534), fourth in yards (6,682) and third in touchdowns (55) in franchise history. Thielen, who will be 33 in […]
In all nine seasons of his career, WR Adam Thielen has played his entirety with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Minnesota native was undrafted out of Minnesota State in 2014. All-time, Thielen currently ranks third in catches (534), fourth in yards (6,682) and third in touchdowns (55) in franchise history.
Thielen, who will be 33 in August, wants to continue to play for his childhood team and finish his career with the Vikings. However, he knows it's not always up to the player.
Financially, it doesn't make a ton of sense to release Thielen. A pre-June 1st cut would only open $6.4 million in cap for 2023, with $13.6 million in dead money. However, that hasn't stopped the thought that the Vikings will look to upgrade the position regardless.
Now there is even a report that the relationship is in the air.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is reporting the relationship between both sides is amicable but still in question.
"The Vikings are open to Thielen returning in 2022. Sides have had preliminary talks. But his $19.967 million cap hit is an issue (probably more so than his $13.3 million in cash), and he would have trade interest, so the team and player must find a sweet spot for him to retire a Viking. Seems like something they can work out…"
A fan favorite, Thielen likely only has one season left before the Vikings move on entirely without question. As he still provides value, it creates the interest from inside the building to the rest of the league.
Assuming the Minnesota Vikings want to retain Thielen, he rejoins All-Pro Justin Jefferson and KJ Osborne as one of the best WR trios in the game. If he moves on or is traded, he continues to display good hands and route running to occur interests from plenty of teams in need.
Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn of USA TODAY Sports
