Vikings receive:
Adam Thielen
conditional 2026 7th
2027 5th
Panthers receive:
2026 5th
2027 4th
The negotiations took a while for the simple reason the Panthers didn’t want to part with Thielen. Despite being 35, or because he’s 35, the Panthers saw the veteran receiver as an important part in the development of young quarterback Bryce Young. In their two years together, Thielen had been Young’s most reliable target. The Vikings really wanted Thielen for the simple reason they really needed him. The Vikings were set to enter the season with a receiver availability problem. Jordan Addison will miss the first three games of the season due to his suspension. Jalen Nailor suffered a hand injury a couple weeks ago and his early-season availability has been a mystery ever since. Rondale Moore was signed in the offseason to supplement the receiver position. Unfortunately, he was lost for the season with a torn ACL in the first preseason game. For the first few games of his NFL career, quarterback J.J. McCarthy was going to have few assets at the receiver position. It was Justin Jefferson, third-round rookie Tai Felton and a bunch of questions. The Vikings needed Thielen. Yesterday, they finally pried him away from the Panthers.
Adam Thielen was the Vikings top receiver target for the simple reason he can step right into the lineup with a modest amount of preparation. He’s familiar with the offense as he played in it in 2022. He’s even familiar with J.J. McCarthy as he’s worked out with the young quarterback each of the last two offseasons. Introductions aren’t really necessary for Thielen. Despite his 35 years, he’s remained productive. He was productive for a Panthers team with a young quarterback that won few games. Thielen caught 103 passes for 1014 yards in 17 games in 2023. In ten games last season, he caught 48 passes for 615 yards. Now, he gets to line up opposite old friend Justin Jefferson. A concerning three-game stretch to start the season no longer feels so daunting. Jefferson and Thielen, supported hopefully by Jalen Nailor as well as rookie Tai Felton, can be a productive group. After the first three games, a trio of Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Thielen might be among the league’s best. Thielen should become more than just a three-game rental. If he stays on the field, he should be a productive, reliable part of the offense for 17+ games.
When the Adam Thielen rumors started about a week ago, I was a little skeptical. I only saw the addition as a three-game rental and I was uneasy with that rental being a slowing, 35-year old receiver. I eventually warmed to the idea. Even if he’s only a three-game rental, the Vikings really needed him for those three games. A younger receiver wouldn’t have Thielen’s “ready-to-go” experience in the offense. By the time a younger receiver is up to speed in the Vikings offense, Jordan Addison is probably returning to it. That alone is worth the draft pick cost. By the time the trade was announced, I was celebrating it.
Welcome back to Minnesota, Adam Thielen.
No comments:
Post a Comment