Adam Thielen’s nine-year run with the Minnesota Vikings is expected to end before the official start of NFL free agency next week.
Thielen has had a very memorable career with the Minnesota Vikings. The 32-year-old went undrafted out of Minnesota State in 2014 and was a back-of-the-depth chart player for the team over his first two seasons. However, by his third year, he firmly established himself as a starting-caliber player with a 967-yard and five-touchdown showing in 2016.
Over the next two seasons, Adam Thielen would become the anchor of the Vikings’ pass game. Earning Pro Bowl honors and his lone seasons with over 1,000 yards receiving. However, since 2019 he has had some difficulties staying on the field and has seen his stats take a steep decline with fellow receiver Justin Jefferson’s rise to superstar status.
Related: Bold predictions for 2023 NFL free agency: Destinations for over 50 top players
That is why it is not surprising that ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that “There’s a real possibility that the Vikings and Adam Thielen will part ways in the coming days, allowing the two-time Pro-Bowl WR to become a free agent, per sources.”
Where Minnesota Vikings veteran Adam Thielen could land in NFL free agency
While Thielen is years removed from his peak, he is still a player that can be a difference-maker on many teams around the NFL. Either as a solid WR2 or slot receiver, there will likely be many playoff contenders kicking the tires on the Minnesota Vikings veteran.
- Adam Thielen stats (2022): 70 receptions, 716 yards, 6 TD, 42.1 YPG
Two teams that could certainly use a player like Thielen are both the New York Giants and the Jets. The Jets have a use for a proven veteran to pair up with offensive rookie of the year Garrett Wilson. While the Giants are badly in need of receiver upgrades and Thielen would be an affordable target that could be a mentor to the receiver they likely take with their first or second pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.