There is a contingent of Minnesota Vikings fans who wanted one of Minnesota’s native sons, Adam Thielen, to return to the purple and gold. That didn’t happen, and it likely won’t happen, at least not this year.
Minnesota Vikings v Green Bay Packers
Thielen was mulling over retiring but announced a few weeks ago he plans to return for his 12th season, and his third in Charlotte with the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina Panthers v Tennessee Titans
That is good for the Panthers because Thielen has been the leading receiver the last two years. When Thielen left Minnesota, the Panthers needed an experienced, dependable wide-out for incoming franchise quarterback Bryce Young.
Even though the Panthers have been, shall we say, bad, and Young only started to perform near the expected level toward the end of last season, Thielen was the most reliable piece on an offense that sputtered a lot.
Plus, Thielen’s experience has been good for others in the Panthers locker room as well. And with that Panthers have decided to show Adam some appreciation. Well, sort of.
Arizona Cardinals v Carolina Panthers
What I mean is that it was reported yesterday that Carolina will be giving Adam Thielen a bump in pay. He was already scheduled to make $6.75 million dollars this season according to Joe Person who covers the Carolina Panthers for the Athletic.
The increase includes a $1.5 million dollar bonus that comes due this Saturday.
Remember when I said the Panthers were “sort of” showing some appreciation, the one thing they didn’t do was add any time to Thielen’s contract. The current contract will become void at the end of this season.
With Thielen not being sure he was going to play again this season, that part probably isn’t surprising. But since we are in a time where “older” workers who are well paid, normally don’t get the benefit of the doubt, it’s nice to see someone take care of a good employee, especially since he’s one of the good guys in the sport.
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