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Minnesota Vikings reach deal to retain WR Adam Thielen

By Dominique Clare

Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates a first down during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates a first down during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings have reached a deal with restricted free agent Adam Thielen that will keep him a Viking for  the next 3 years.

The Minnesota Vikings lost two unrestricted free agent wide receivers this month to free agency. Because of that they made it a priority to come to terms with an important restricted free agent on their roster. That player is Adam Thielen, and he is coming off of a stellar season just short of 1000 yards receiving.

Thielen has been a pleasant surprise for the Vikings since making the team in 2014. His journey to the NFL was not your typical path. In fact, Adam didn’t go to a division 1 college or get an invite to the NFL Combine.

Adam played college football at Minnesota State University, Mankato which competes at the division 2 level. He finished his career with 2802 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. Despite an amazing college career, he was not projected to make it to the NFL.

Thielen ending up getting an invite to rookie camp for his home state team, the Minnesota Vikings. Undrafted players that go to rookie camp are bodies to get a look at the draft picks. Thielen was never a camp body because of his talent and work ethic. Because of that, the coaching staff made the decision to keep the rookie receiver.

Here is a tweet from Adam Schefter announcing the deal on twitter

This past season Adam did it all for the Vikings on offense. He was an excellent blocker, route runner, natural catcher, and displayed good speed. He has official worked his way up from the bottom of the depth chart. Likewise, heading into next season he will be the Vikings second option after the electrifying Stefon Diggs.

Next: Terence Newman returns to the Vikings for 2017 season

Inking in a three-year deal with Adam Thielen is a happy ending for both parties involved. The Vikings have secured a solid producer at receiver for the next three years. Furthermore, Adam Thielen has shown the world that no matter where you start, you can get to the top and accomplish your dreams. Receiver depth is still a concern heading into next season but this is a step in the right direction.

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