Trade speculation continues to rise about the Minnesota Vikings potentially acquiring wide receiver Adam Thielen. The Carolina Panthers are holding firm, but the NFC North club is loading up on assets before potentially striking.
Several respected national insiders reported that the Vikings had inquired about Thielen’s availability. This would be an emotional homecoming for the veteran, who rose from undrafted obscurity to become a two-time Pro Bowler in Minnesota. However, general manager Dan Morgan isn’t going to give the accomplished pass-catcher away just for sentiment.
The Panthers know how valuable Thielen is. He’s quarterback Bryce Young’s most consistent weapon in the passing game by a considerable margin. He’s an exceptional leader and mentor in the locker room. Until those with less experience prove capable of filling the void, the fact remains.
Carolina Panthers remain reluctant sellers amid Adam Thielen trade buzz
Everyone has a price. The Panthers have one in mind for Thielen. He might be firmly on the tail-end of his playing journey after being coaxed away from retirement this offseason, but he’s an important part of the team’s plans. If the Vikings want him back, they have to pay accordingly.
Minnesota now has more bargaining chips after trading quarterback Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Vikings only acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks this spring, but a rollercoaster preseason from the North Carolina product saw the team go in a different direction with their backup option behind J.J. McCarthy.
This leaves the Vikings with more than enough disposable picks to acquire Thielen. Whether they are willing to meet the Panthers’ valuation is anyone’s guess, but fans are clamoring for the organization to bring the beloved player into the fold for a final dance.
Morgan is a tough negotiator. He has all the leverage in this instance. The Panthers won’t be shedding any tears if Thielen is around the squad in 2025. If the front-office leader gets an offer he can’t refuse, he’ll pull the trigger.
Thielen isn’t the only receiver Minnesota is reportedly looking at. If general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah doesn’t believe enough progress is being made in talks, he’ll turn his attention elsewhere. This is all about finding some middle ground for the Vikings, but the fact that Carolina is a reluctant seller makes this more difficult.
It’s a fluid situation that will have a quick resolution one way or another. But the Panthers have every right to stand their ground, regardless of whether Thielen would welcome a move or not.