The Minnesota Vikings have one of the most lethal wide receiver duos in the NFL, as Justin Jefferson is among the league's very best, and Jordan Addison is already a star. These two need to be on the field, however, if they want to make the impact that they're capable of.
Addison is suspended for the first three games of the 2025 NFL season, and Jefferson is just now returning to the practice field after being sidelined with a hamstring injury, the same thing that caused him to miss seven games in 2024.
With other key pass-catchers like Jalen Nailer and Tai Felton banged up, the Vikings have reportedly been kicking the tires on several veterans at the position. The obvious name that is in every Minnesota fan's mind is Adam Thielen, and they got a promising update on that front on Friday.
Vikings reportedly in trade talks to acquire Adam Thielen
Given how the wide receiver battle is shaking out for the Carolina Panthers, Thielen could be deemed expendable down there. That would present the perfect trade for both sides if the Vikings were to send a late-round pick to the Panthers for Thielen.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported on Friday that the Vikings have actually inquired about a trade for Thielen, which means the gears are already turning in Minnesota. Reporter Ben Goessling also noted that the two sides need to agree on a price, but there is mutual interest.
In his nine years with the Vikings, Thielen turned into a mythical figure in the franchise's history. Born and raised in Minnesota, he went from an undrafted Division II player to a multi-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro in 2017 for his hometown team.
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He amassed 534 catches for 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns in 135 games with the franchise. These rank third, fifth, and third, respectively, in Vikings history, and he would have a chance to ascend more if he returns to Minnesota this season.
Thielen would need to work quickly to establish a rapport with quarterback J.J. McCarthy and reintegrate himself with Jefferson and Addison. But he could be in line to start in Week 1 if Nailer's injury drags on.
A reunion here makes sense for both sides, as the Panthers don't need him, and the Vikings sorely do. One last hurrah in Minnesota could be the perfect ending to Thielen's career, and it would fill a two-year void in the hearts of Vikings fans.