The Minnesota Vikings are going to look to make some moves this offseason, but some of those moves could be cost-cutting moves. At this point in time, the franchise is in some financial trouble. Adam Thielen could be a player the Vikings consider trading and the Indianapolis Colts would make perfect sense as a potential landing spot.
Granted, in an ideal world, the Vikings would be able to keep everyone and add players. But, that is not the reality of their situation.
With the breakout season that rookie wide receiver Justin Jefferson just had, the Vikings would have to consider trading Thielen.
This season with the Vikings, Thielen ended up catching 74 passes for 925 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is still a legitimate No. 1 kind of target. That is exactly what the Colts need, especially with TY Hilton and Zach Pascal possibly leaving town this offseason in free agency.
Let’s take a look at how the Colts could potentially acquire Adam Thielen from the Vikings.
The Hypothetical Trade
Colts Receive: Adam Thielen
Vikings Receive: 2021 Second-Round Pick
Obviously, the Vikings would love to get more in return for Thielen. But, being able to net a second-round pick and save a lot of money would be something they would have to consider.
Thielen is currently owed $11.1 million in 2021, just over $12 million in 2022, just over $13 million in 2023, and $14 million in 2024. Minnesota cannot afford to keep him at that price and still make other sizable moves. The Colts, on the other hand, have a ton of cap space and need a top wideout.
Chris Ballard has been shrewd with his roster moves since taking over as GM for the Colts. This would be another quality addition. Thielen is 30 years old and still have a good four years left in him playing at a high level.
Should the Vikings put Thielen on the trade block, plenty of teams would have interest. The asking price would be at least a second-round pick. If that is the price tag, the Colts should go all-out trying to acquire him and the Vikings would ship him out of the NFC with this move.
Expect to hear quite a few rumors surround both the Vikings and Colts this offseason. Coming together on an Adam Thielen trade may not happen, but it is certainly a possibility.
