Minnesota Vikings veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen could be on the move this offseason. Needing to clear some cap space, there is a chance that Adam Thielen is released to help the Vikings get under the salary cap.
While releasing a long-time player is never easy, it would be hard to argue against Minnesota making such a move. Adam Thielen has nearly a $20 million cap hit for the 2023 season and the Vikings can save $13,417,647 by designating him as a post-June 1st cut. That is a large cap hit for a player who has seen his production fall off in recent seasons.
The last time that Adam Thielen recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in a season was in 2018. Still a more than capable possession receiver and sure-handed, he remains a solid contributor. However, at that price, it would be tough for the Vikings to stomach.
Should Minnesota choose to move on and release Adam Thielen, he already has his eyes set on teams that he wants to join. According to JPA Football on Twitter per Matt Verderame, a contending team with a top quarterback would be his preferred landing spot.
One of the teams that would make sense as a potential suitor is the Kansas City Chiefs. The Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills were also mentioned.
The Chiefs are the reigning Super Bowl champions and the other three teams mentioned have aspirations to reach that level. Kansas City could very well have a need at wide receiver this offseason with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Mecole Hardman and Justin Watson all hitting free agency.
The Cowboys are going to be in a market for a wide receiver to help CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. However, with Dalton Schultz likely departing in free agency, their attention could be more on the tight end position.
Unless Lamar Jackson is re-signed, it is hard to imagine the Ravens being a legitimate suitor for Adam Thielen. But, if he is retained, the veteran slot receiver would be an excellent addition to their wide receiver group.
The Bills are going to look to add another impact receiver this offseason behind Stefon Diggs. Gabriel Davis has had some monster games during the playoffs but is a boom-or-bust play throughout the regular season.
