Adam Thielen is back where it all began, igniting a wave of nostalgia and excitement among Vikings fans!
The Minnesota Vikings have traded a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft in exchange for Thielen, a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, the teams announced Wednesday.
Thielen, who played the past two seasons (2023-24) with the Carolina Panthers, originally signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent following the 2013 NFL Draft. He spent 10 seasons (2013-22) with the team, leaving behind a legacy of 534 receptions, 55 receiving touchdowns, and 6,682 receiving yards, ranking him third all-time in each category
Entering his 13th NFL season in 2025, Thielen has appeared in 162 games, including 128 starts, and has recorded 685 receptions for 8,311 yards and 64 touchdowns. The two-time Pro Bowler has posted 26 100-yard receiving games in his career, the third most in NFL history among undrafted players (since 1967). He also ranks third all-time among undrafted players in touchdowns (64) and is just one of four undrafted players to reach 8,000 career receiving yards since 1967 (Antonio Gates, Rod Smith, and Wes Welker).
Thielen, who started all 27 games he played in Carolina, was productive with the Panthers, recording 151 receptions for 1,629 yards and nine touchdowns.
The 35-year-old led the Panthers with 103 receptions and 1,014 yards while totaling four touchdowns in 2023. His 103 receptions marked the second most in a season in his career, trailing only his 113 catches in 2018 with the Vikings.
Thielen remains a solid player, and his return to the Vikings is a reason for optimism. His experience and skills should bolster Minnesota’s offense in 2025.
The Vikings begin the regular season in Chicago against the Bears.
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