Minnesota Vikings have acquired Carolina Panthers’ wide receiver Adam Thielen, along with a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick, in exchange for a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick and a fifth-round pick in 2027. The move reunites the Vikings with Thielen, who spent the first nine years of his career in Minnesota, earning two Pro Bowl nods during his time there.
Thielen, 35, joined the Panthers in 2023. In his debut season with Carolina, the veteran wide receiver delivered 103 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns while starting all 17 games. Last year, his production dipped slightly as he battled a hamstring injury, finishing with 48 catches for 615 yards and five scores in just 10 appearances.
The Athletic’s Joe Person reported Wednesday that Thielen was due $8.75 million in 2025, the final year of his contract, which will primarily be paid out by the Vikings, The Panthers have already paid out $1.75 million in bonuses, while the Vikings will be responsible for the remaining $7 million.
The Vikings open their season on Sept. 8 against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
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