The Minnesota Vikings have signed restricted free agent wide receiver Adam Thielen to a three-year deal, according to Adam Schefter.
Big restricted free-agent deal:
Vikings and WR Adam Thielen reach agreement on three-year deal, per source.
Thielen stays in Minnesota.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2017
Though this may largely go unnoticed outside of Minnesota, this was likely a big priority for Minnesota heading into the offseason.
Thielen, quietly, was one of the better receivers in football last season. In addition to putting up nearly 1,000 yards on 69 receptions, Thielen ranked sixth in efficiency and ninth in yards above replacement when adjusted for defense, per Football Outsiders. He was also in the top 20 among receivers in Pro Football Focus grading.
Stefon Diggs has gotten more press as a fantasy football darling, but Thielen will likely be Sam Bradford’s top target next season. With question marks across the rest of the offense, it’s likely Thielen who will be asked to carry much of the load in Minnesota next season.