Vikings Release Two-Time Pro Bowl WR, Minnesota Legend Adam Thielen
It's official: The Vikings are releasing legendary wide receiver Adam Thielen after ten seasons, according to multiple reports Friday morning. The team has confirmed.
Thielen and the Vikings had discussions about a possible restructured deal that would've lowered his $19.97 million cap hit, but instead, he'll hit the open market. In a weak free agent receiver class, Thielen should have an opportunity to earn a solid pay day and a sizable role somewhere else.
This marks the end of an incredible ten-year run for a Minnesota icon and one of the state's all-time great underdog stories. Thielen grew up watching the Vikings play as a kid in Detroit Lakes, MN. He played college football at Minnesota State in Mankato, then earned his way onto the Vikings via a regional combine and a rookie tryout. From there, he worked his way up from special teams contributor to two-time Pro Bowl receiver.
Thielen broke out in 2016, his fourth year in the league, racking up 967 yards and five touchdowns. He had his first Pro Bowl season in 2017 with 1,267 yards and four touchdowns. Then, with the arrival of Kirk Cousins in 2018, Thielen had the best year of his career. He opened the 2018 season with eight consecutive 100-yard games, catching a touchdown pass in six of them — and finished the year with 1,373 yards and nine TDs.
Injuries slowed Thielen in 2019, but he made one of the biggest catches of his career to set up the Vikings' game-winning touchdown against the Saints in the wild card round of the playoffs. He bounced back in 2020 and '21 by catching 24 touchdown passes across those two seasons, becoming one of the league's best red zone weapons even as his yardage totals slipped while playing alongside Justin Jefferson.
In 2022, at age 32, Thielen's receiving yardage per game fell to just 42.1. Recent reports have indicated he was frustrated with his role, despite receiving 107 targets.
Now Thielen, who turns 33 in August, is moving on. Expect him to sign with a contending team and pursue his first Super Bowl ring.
Thielen ranks third in Vikings history in receptions, fourth in receiving yards, and third in receiving touchdowns. Not only is his Vikings career an amazing story, he's one of the best receivers in franchise history and will be a shoo-in for the team's Ring of Honor someday. Thielen was also a team captain and locker room leader, as well as a major figure in the community who was the Vikings' 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.
With Thielen joining defensive mainstay Eric Kendricks in being released this week, the Vikings are truly signaling that this is the end of one era and the beginning of another.
“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. 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.” – Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
“Adam’s story is one many know and admire and an incredible example of what a relentless pursuit of a goal can ultimately accomplish. 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.” – Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell
“Adam’s tremendous impact goes well beyond the Vikings organization. His rise from a tryout player to one of the best players in the history of our franchise has encouraged so many young athletes and is a testament to hard work and perseverance. While Adam had a competitive fire on the field, he showed grace, compassion and humility within his community. The commitment he and his wife, Caitlin, have shown to Minnesota through the Thielen Foundation has and will continue to provide real change. Adam’s energetic, contagious personality will be missed inside the facility, but we are grateful for the foundation he built. He was a Minnesota Viking long before we signed him and he will be always considered a part of this team. We sincerely wish Adam, Caitlin and their entire family continued success.” – Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf and Owner/President Mark Wilf
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