Adam Thielen is getting exactly what he asked for in Carolina
By Adam Patrick
After ending a 10-year relationship with the Minnesota Vikings, Adam Thielen was able to find a new NFL home this past offseason when he signed a deal to play for the Carolina Panthers.
Under new head coach Kevin O'Connell in 2022, Thielen's role in the Vikings' offense certainly wasn't what it was during the previous few seasons. By the end of the 2022 campaign, the veteran wide receiver was arguably the fourth or fifth option in Minnesota's offense.
So it wasn't too surprising when Thielen made it clear to the public after the 2022 season that he was hoping to play for a team in 2023 that would give him more opportunities.
The Vikings ultimately decided to release the veteran wide receiver last March, and shortly after the start of the 2023 free agency period began, he landed a multi-year contract with the Panthers.
Well, so far, Thielen has been one of the few bright spots for a Carolina team that is still searching for its first win this season.
Through six games, the former Minnesota wide receiver ranks second in the NFL in catches (49), ninth in receiving yards (509), and third in receiving touchdowns (4).
Unfortunately, Thielen's personal success on the field hasn't translated to success for the Panthers in the win column this year. Carolina is currently 0-6, but they should have some good opportunities to get their first win during the next few weeks with matchups against the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Chicago Bears.
It's safe to assume that Thielen is disappointed by the Panthers' lack of success this season. But they were one of the few teams (if not the only one) that was willing to give him a significant role in their offense this year, so it's not like he had a ton of options to choose from during the offseason.
Last season, Thielen was a member of a Vikings team that went 13-4 and won the NFC North, but he was unhappy with his role in the offense. This year, the veteran pass-catcher has some of the best numbers among all NFL wide receivers, but he's a member of a winless Carolina team.
In terms of personal success, Thielen got exactly what he said he was looking for this past offseason. But is he happy with his decision, or does he wish he would've accepted a lesser role to chase a championship with a team that actually has a shot at getting a ring this season?