Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen is on the search for a new home. After spending nine seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, the two sides parted ways this offseason. Adam Thielen was released so the team could save some money as he was set to have a cap hit of nearly $20 million.
The move isn’t all too surprising as Minnesota needed to make some tough decisions to get under the salary cap. The production no longer matched the cap hit as he will now be seeking an opportunity somewhere else.
The last time that Adam Thielen had a 1,000-yard season was in 2018, which was also the last time that he made the Pro Bowl. While certainly still dependable, as he played in all 17 games in 2022, catching 70 passes for 716 and six touchdowns, age has certainly caught up with him.
Turning 33 in August, Adam Thielen is no longer a No. 1 receiver, but can still be a solid complement to a wide receiver depth chart. He is reportedly seeking out a contending team to play with, but it sounds as if he is keeping his options open.
The Kansas City Chiefs were mentioned as a potential landing spot, along with the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens. According to Evan Massey of NFL Analysis Network, you can add at least two more potential suitors; the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants.
Both the Colts and Giants could certainly use an upgrade to their wide receiver depth charts. Indianapolis would be the better fit of the two, as Adam Thielen would be a nice veteran complement to Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce.
In New York, it would be tough to forecast a role for him. The Giants re-signed Sterling Shepard to a one-year veteran’s minimum deal, which should cover them in the slot, especially if they are able to re-sign Richie James Jr.
What Big Blue needs is a go-to No. 1 receiver on the perimeter, which Adam Thielen no longer is. While his veteran leadership would certainly be welcomed with open arms, they should look elsewhere for a wide receiver upgrade.
