Vikings part ways with Adam Thielen after brief tenure
Just three months after making a splash with a trade from the Carolina Panthers, the Minnesota Vikings have waived veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen. The decision came after Thielen approached the team last week, requesting his release in hopes of finding a new opportunity to close out what he has indicated will be his final NFL season. The Vikings, recognizing his desire, granted his request, which included making him a healthy scratch for the previous Sunday’s game.
A Farewell with Appreciation
The release of Thielen and the events leading up to it dominated the conversation during head coach Kevin O’Connell’s weekly press conference on Monday. O’Connell expressed his gratitude for Thielen’s contributions, saying, “What I will say is just how much I appreciate Adam… I think Adam Thielen’s a special person and a special player. I just wish him nothing but the best over these final few weeks of the year.” O’Connell acknowledged the possibility that these weeks could mark the end of Thielen’s illustrious career, emphasizing the team’s commitment to accommodating his wishes.
The Trade That Didn’t Pay Off
The Vikings’ move to acquire Thielen in late August stemmed from a pressing need at the wide receiver position. With Justin Jefferson sidelined during training camp, Jalen Nailor nursing an injury, and Jordan Addison facing a suspension for the first three games of the season, the Vikings traded the equivalent of a fourth-round pick to bring Thielen back to Minnesota. Initially, it seemed a justified decision given the circumstances.
Reflecting on the acquisition, O’Connell noted, “If you look back on it… when we acquired Adam, Justin had missed most of training camp with his hamstring, Speedy (Nailor) was dealing with an injury, and we knew we would be without Jordan for the first three weeks.” However, as the season progressed, the trade began to unravel.
Thielen’s Struggles on the Field
Thielen’s initial involvement in the first three games was limited, managing just two receptions. Upon Addison’s return in Week 4, Thielen’s role diminished significantly, averaging fewer than nine offensive snaps per game over the next eight contests. Nailor’s emergence as a reliable option further restricted Thielen’s opportunities. His season statistics reflect a disappointing performance: eight receptions on 18 targets for 69 yards, coupled with three drops.
The Vikings were aware that Nailor’s injury was not serious and that Addison would be back shortly. What they perhaps underestimated was the durability of their top three receivers, all of whom remained healthy throughout the season. In hindsight, the organization might have been better served by signing a temporary free agent instead of sacrificing draft capital for Thielen.
Conversations and Decisions
The conversations leading up to Thielen’s release revealed that his discontent was not rooted in frustration with the Vikings but rather a desire for more playing time on a contending team. O’Connell remarked, “It was more so the competitor in him, and he wants to finish this thing off the right way.” He highlighted the positivity in their discussions, noting that Thielen recognized the success of his teammates, stating, “Speedy’s playing great and Jordan and Jets are Jordan and Jets.”
O’Connell expressed admiration for Thielen, saying, “He’s one of those players that will always hold a spot in my heart.” The decision to part ways, while ultimately disappointing for GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, was framed as a mutual agreement that honored Thielen’s request.
Looking Ahead
The trade is undeniably a misstep for the Vikings, who invested valuable draft capital for a player whose impact was minimal. However, as the team moves forward, O’Connell emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive relationships and doing what is best for players, even in less-than-ideal circumstances. While this chapter closes, Thielen’s influence on the organization remains a point of reflection for all involved.
