Vikings release hometown star Adam Thielen

Thielen racked up more than 6,600 receiving yards in his time with the Vikings.

Adam Thielen is gone. The Minnesota Vikings have released the veteran wide receiver after he climbed the franchise record books starting as a special teams ace as a rookie in 2013. 

"The sides had discussions about a restructured deal that would've lowered Thielen's $19,967,647 cap number. Instead, he'll be a free agent, and there will be a market," said Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. 

Thielen's contract carries a $19.9 million cap hit in 2023 and the Vikings save approximately $6.4 million against the cap by cutting him now, according to OverTheCap. Trimming $6.4 million should get the Vikings closer to being cap compliant, though they're still an estimated $8.6 million over the cap. 

Related: Report: Vikings have received a trade offer for Dalvin Cook

"Adam will forever be a part of the Minnesota Vikings family and history. Setting the standard with his play on the field, being a selfless teammate, and making a permanent impact in the community, Adam's influence is significant," said Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in a prepared statement. 

"We are grateful for everything he brought to the Vikings organization since arriving in 2013, and I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to work with him over the last year. He is the best representation of what the Minnesota Vikings should stand for. I wish nothing but the best for Adam, Caitlin and their entire family."

What a run for Adam Thielen. No matter how many times his story was told, it’ll always seem unfathomable. I also cannot imagine how many times Adam accepted our interview requests and provided insight and that’s greatly appreciated. There won’t be another Viking like him

— Matthew Coller (@MatthewColler) March 10, 2023

Thielen was an undrafted free agent signed by the Vikings after his standout career at Division II Minnesota State-Mankato, having committed to the Mavericks after starring at Detroit Lakes High School in west-central Minnesota. 

"Adam's story is one many know and admire and an incredible example of what a relentless pursuit of a goal can ultimately accomplish," Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said. 

"For over a decade, Adam honed his craft to become one of the most well-recognized wide receivers in the NFL. Over that same time, he poured so much of his time into his home state, which made it even more special for him to earn our 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination. I personally leaned on Adam for his work ethic, leadership and counsel multiple times to help get our team where we wanted it to be last season. I appreciate Adam's contributions and will be pulling for continued success for him, Caitlin and their children."