The Minnesota Vikings will release receiver Adam Thielen on Friday, according to a source, concluding a storied tenure for the Minnesotan who captured the hearts of fans throughout the region.
Born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and having played collegiately at Minnesota State Mankato, Thielen signed with the team in 2013 after serving as a tryout player at rookie minicamp. By the end of the 2022 season, he had more career catches (534) than any player in team history other than Cris Carter and Randy Moss, both of whom are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
But as he approached his 33rd birthday, Thielen began to lose ground to younger players in the Vikings’ offense. Over the final five games of last season, he ranked fourth in targets behind Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson and K.J. Osborn.
That dynamic, along with a contract that imposed a $19.97 million cap number for 2023, led to the decision. The Vikings spoke to him this offseason about a potential contract restructure that would include a pay cut, and it was clear that Thielen would have had a diminished role in their offense moving forward.
Thielen told ESPN last month that he hoped to retire as a Viking. But he added: “I also want my opportunity to show that I can play at a high level.”
Given the relatively thin free agent market at receiver, he should generate interest from teams that can offer more playing time and targets.
Thielen, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, had 70 catches for 716 yards and six touchdowns last season. He has 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns in his career.