Vikings Acquire Veteran WR Adam Thielen for 2025 Season

The Minnesota Vikings have reacquired veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen from the Carolina Panthers for the 2025 NFL season, marking his return home to Minnesota where he began his career. Thielen, 35, is adapting to the Vikings' new offense under head coach Kevin O’Connell, describing it as unfamiliar but expressing enthusiasm about being back with a team and city that mean a lot to him. Multiple sources, including former teammate Xavier Legette, have indicated that Thielen likely plans for the 2025 season to be his final year in the NFL, making this homecoming a potential farewell tour. Thielen has taken a pay cut to facilitate the trade and join a Vikings receiving corps in need of experienced hands due to injuries and suspensions. Despite the transition challenges for Thielen and his family, he remains excited to contribute as a veteran presence supporting younger players like first-year starter J.J. McCarthy. The trade has sparked optimism among fans and the organization, hoping Thielen can finish his career strongly in the state where he grew up and made his name.