After making his return this season to the Minnesota Vikings, the team will cut the legendary wide receiver Adam Thielen to give him a chance to compete elsewhere. According to the breaking news, the Vikings will cut Thielen, who will be looking to join a contender before next month, and this season will be his last. It’s a no-brainer for the Hall of Famer to leave Minnesota, where he originally wanted to push for a postseason contention with his hometown, but things didn’t go the way that JJ McCarthy’s offense favored. This stems from their blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks this past Sunday, which put the nail in the coffin that the wide receiver knows the Vikings aren’t going to compete in the playoffs at 4-8 in a competitive NFC North.
Vikings Cut All-Pro Legend Adam Thielen; Top Suitors Emerge
According to his agent, the wide receiver was looking to leave since last week. The legend is eyeing for an opportunity to win a Super Bowl before his career his over. Thielen ranks No. 3 in touchdown catches, fourth in receptions and fifth in receiving yards. He is way past his prime, but he should be a solid name in the market to catch interest from a team.
This gives teams the flexibility to sign him on a short-term, cheap deal. The wide receiver had one of the most productive seasons as a Carolina Panther during his stint in 2023-2024, so one can only imagine what he can do when he’s put in a better situation. Here are four teams that could give him one last run.
Possible Destinations
Top Four Fits
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have three solid pass-catchers in Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and veteran DeAndre Hopkins, but the team is still 6-6 and tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. Despite the 1-5 record earlier this year, the team could use an upgrade at the receiver position. Last postseason, the Ravens were without Flowers for one playoff matchup, which is something Baltimore would want to avoid. Thielen isn’t the same, but he could kick the tires in a situational role to pair with Hopkins as a true veteran presence.
New England Patriots
Meanwhile, the Patriots’ offense is on fire. Quarterback Drake Maye has several offensive weapons to play with, but it makes sense to sign someone like Thielen for his experience. Stefon Diggs and Thielen were one of the best duos once upon a time in Minnesota, and they could reunite in New England. Thielen doesn’t need a huge role for the Patriots, but one to help move the chains.
Philadelphia Eagles
Unfortunately for the Eagles, the passing offense chemistry for Jalen Hurts and his receivers continues to lack. With Jahan Dotson barely getting any touches, it makes sense to acquire Thielen. While they’ve been struggling offensively even with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, the team’s signing Thielen could give the team a boost, as the Eagles are never afraid of being aggressive in improving the team before the postseason, and the acquisition of Jaelan Phillips on defense is a perfect representation of that.
Buffalo Bills
Even after signing veteran Brandin Cooks, quarterback Josh Allen is still trailing behind true star power in the receiver unit. They haven’t had a star since trading Stefon Diggs in 2024 to Houston. Thielen won’t change anything drastically or be better than Khalil Shakir or Joshua Palmer, but it gives them the emergency help they could need, especially with Keon Coleman having a shaky 2025 campaign.
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