By adding an extra pick via trade this morning, the Vikings now have added ammunition to go trade for a wide receiver. They have inquired on former Vikings WR Adam Thielen, but Carolina has been reluctant to deal the respected and productive veteran. https://t.co/LE7ABd5jfi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2025
Is Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen closer to a homecoming?
The Minnesota Vikings were notably (and perhaps suspiciously) busy on Sunday morning, making a few adjustments to their quarterback room. They began by trading away backup Sam Howell and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2026 fifth-rounder and a 2027 seventh-rounder, and followed that swap with the addition of free agent Carson Wentz.
With the Vikings having been linked to Thielen since Friday, the extra draft capital they’ve now acquired may turn out to be an interesting detail for the Panthers. Here’s what ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted about a possible progression in trade talks for the 35-year-old veteran:
Panthers head coach Dave Canales was asked about the rumors regarding Thielen on Friday afternoon.
“Honestly, I’m letting Dan [Morgan] kinda handle all that right now. I’m focused on our team, our football and Adam’s a part of that,” Canales told reporters. “The plans, the plays—just all those things is just stuff that we’re focused on right now.
“And again, we have a lot to talk about in the next couple of days in terms of the roster and all that. But that’s something that I’m gonna let them handle. And for me, right now, it’s just focusing on this entire roster and being able to make decisions there.”
Thielen, who led the Panthers in receiving in both of the last two seasons, is entering the final season of his three-year contract.
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