Since moving on from the Minnesota Vikings two seasons ago, Adam Thielen has continued to carve out a legacy with the Carolina Panthers.
In his first season in Carolina, Thielen paced the Panthers with 103 receptions and 1,014 yards receiving — becoming just one of eight receivers age 33 or older to reach 100 receptions in a season.
He has been a steady contributor and catalyst for the development of Bryce Young, who took major strides in his second season.
However, entering the final year of his contract, Thielen, who turns 35 in August, admitted that he is bracing for a change.
Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
On Friday, May 2, Thielen admitted he’s facing the reality that the 2025 season may be his swan song, saying he’s “definitely winding down” his career.
“It could be, yeah,” Thielen told The Athletic’s Joe Person, addressing that this might be his final year as a player. “I told you guys at the end of the season, like every year, you look back and you say what left do I have to give to this game? I talked to my family, and they wanted me to keep playing. So it’ll be the same process. I’m not gonna think about that right now.”
The process-driven Thielen has maintained that he’s continued to gauge his interest in playing every offseason, including discussing it with his family.
However, Thielen is the oldest active wide receiver in the NFL, and his expiring contract could be the writing on the wall. If no team offers him a deal that he sees worthwhile next offseason, he may consider hanging up the cleats for good.
Regardless, Thielen touted his excitement about the upcoming season and “what could happen” for a Panthers team that went 5-12 last season but ended the year averaging 31.3 points and going 2-1 in its final three games.
Thielen will also play a mentor role for No. 1 wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian, who was selected No. 8 overall by Carolina.