The plot surrounding wideout Adam Thielen has thickened as the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings try to strike a deal.
In a new development on the trade talks for the 35-year-old receiver, ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on Monday night that Thielen “would like to return to Minnesota.” He does, however, add that the Panthers and Vikings have struggled to agree upon compensation in a potential swap.
Schefter first reported on Minnesota’s interest in Thielen this past Friday, noting that the team inquired on the veteran pass catcher in hopes of boosting their offense.
A Detroit Lakes, Minn. native and Minnesota State University product, Thielen spent the first 10 years of his NFL career with the Vikings. Over nine official seasons at home, he notched 6,282 receiving yards (the fifth-most in franchise history) and a pair of Pro Bowl selections (2017 and 2018).
Thielen then signed with the Panthers on a three-year pact in 2023. He’s gone on to lead the team in receiving in both of his first two campaigns in Carolina, and was given a pay raise for his third back in March.
The Vikings have been quite active on the trade market in the past few days, acquiring additional draft capital for next spring through multiple deals. While factoring in projected compensation for departed free agents Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, Minnesota is currently expected to have 11 picks for 2026—including three fifth-rounders.
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