A lifelong Minnesota Viking might no longer be with the team next season.
According to a report by NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Vikings are reportedly considering parting ways with veteran wideout Adam Thielen.
There’s a real possibility that the Vikings and Adam Thielen will part ways in the coming days, allowing the two-time Pro-Bowl WR to become a free agent, per sources. The two sides will talk in coming days, but his time in Minnesota could be coming to an end.
—Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2023
Schefter stated that both parties are expected to talk in the next few days, but all signs point towards his release.
Needless to say, some fans were heartbroken to hear the news.
It’s 100% going to happen. He only stays if he re-structures contract to a team friendly deal.
—Nate (@SuhSuhSweet) March 9, 2023
Great Career in Minnesota ❤️❤️❤️❤️ thanks for the loyalty unlike diggs ❤️
—Cameron (@JustinJefferHIM) March 9, 2023
Love Thielen. big football guy
— Alberto Caballero (@7_Bert) March 9, 2023
We already know Adam😞
—Ant-EdWrld (@AntForThree) March 9, 2023
I’ve got a bad Thielen about this.
— Samuel D. James (@samueld_james) March 9, 2023
The 32-year-old has been with the team since 2013.
He was signed as a free agent out of Minnesota State Mankato, becoming one of the most steady contributors to their offense and one of the most underrated wide receivers in the game.
But his contract now carries a $19.9 million cap hit for next season, and parting ways with him before June 1 could save the team as much as $6.4 million.
Also, his contract would become fully guaranteed on March 16, so it makes sense for them to cut ties with him right now.
Thielen understandably took a backseat to Justin Jefferson in the passing game, hauling in just 73 passes for 766 yards and six touchdowns last season.
Overall, he’s logged 534 receptions for 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns in 55 games for his hometown team.
Notably, the Detroit Lakes, MN native could find a somewhat big role somewhere else, but after a nine-year career with just one organization, he might not even have the desire to wear another team’s jersey for the remainder of his career.
As for the Vikings, they’ve talked about staying competitive while rebuilding, and they’re all set in the passing game with Jefferson and KJ Osborn, but this will still be a big blow for the fans.
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