The Minnesota Vikings appear to be very serious about keeping Adam Thielen for 2017, reportedly planning to tender him with a 2nd round draft value.
Adam Thielen continues to impress the Minnesota Vikings with each passing season. As he develops into even more of a weapon, his future with the team is up in the air a bit as he is scheduled to become a restricted free agent.
However, don’t expect the Vikings to let him walk. After Thielen’s offensive explosion during the previous season. Minnesota isn’t about to let him go easy and appears to be willing to do whatever is necessary to keep him around.
According to a recent tweet from Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press, Minnesota wants to get an offer on the table while a possible long-term deal is in place. Here is the tweet with the reported rumor from Mr. Tomasson:
Source #Vikings most likely placing 2nd-rnd tender on restricted FA Adam Thielen worth roughly $2.8M Still possible signing him soon to deal
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 4, 2017
Odds are that Thielen himself wants to stay with the Vikings going forward. As a native of Detroit Lakes. Minnesota who attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, he was picked up as an undrafted free agent by his home state team who watched him develop over the years, making the connection strong.
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If nothing, this tender would keep teams from attempting to sign the wide receiver and special teams ace in free agency while allowing the Vikings and Thielen some time to work out a mutually beneficial deal without the distraction of opposing teams.
However, even if an offer is made, the Vikings will be able to match the offer if they see fit. And if a long-term deal isn’t made before the season or another team doesn’t sign him, the second round tender would be valued at $2.8 million for the 2017 NFL season.
Adam Thielen led the Minnesota Vikings in receiving yards during the 2016 season and provided many amazing catches and plays, so it is possible that a team might be willing to take a shot on Thielen at a 2nd round value.
Next: Vikings salary cap numbers for the 2017 season
Of course, a majority of Minnesota Vikings fans will be hoping for the team to lock down Thielen to a long-term deal. However, if this rumor is correct, this is a great step in keeping negotiations alive and showing the rest of the league that the franchise is serious about keeping such a talented player around.