It still feels a bit weird thinking about Adam Thielen with a team other than the Minnesota Vikings. The undrafted pass catcher seemed like a lock to retire in a purple and gold jersey, but things didn't quite work out that way for the Minnesota native.
Currently a member of the Carolina Panthers, Adam Thielen is playing well while helping a young team find a new identity. Last season, he caught 103 passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns while playing in all 17 games.
While playing with the Vikings for nine seasons, Thielen worked his way from the practice squad to the starting lineup, even earning two Pro Bowl nods for his play. There is little doubt that he is a player who fans will remember fondly.
Adam Thielen reveals AFC East team tried to trade for him in 2019
Recently, Thielen was a guest on Pardon My Take and spoke about his time with the Minnesota Vikings. The conversation shifted to being about former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and how he could have used a player like him.
Surprisingly, the former Minnesota receiver shared some insight about the former AFC powerhouse who had inquired about trading for his services during the 2019 offseason. Although he didn't end up playing for New England, Thielen has a massive amount of respect for the former Patriots head coach and spoke positively about his defenses.
It would have been interesting to see a great route runner with excellent hands like Adam Thielen catching passes from Tom Brady. Many refer to Brady as being the GOAT of the NFL and having a weapon like Thielen at his disposal would have been a huge asset to work with.
Adam Thielen will turn 34 years old this season but continues to be a productive pass catcher. He will team with rookie Xavier Legette in Carolina to help make things a bit easier for young quarterback Bryce Young as the Panthers attempt to find their new identity and come together to compete in the NFC South.
The Minnesota Vikings do not have a head-to-head game scheduled against the Carolina Panthers for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. While it would have been nice to see Adam Thielen return to Minneapolis to play at U.S. Bank Stadium, the veteran wide receiver will still be a player to watch this year.