The solution to receiver issues?
During training camp, the Minnesota Vikings experienced a series of problems at wide receiver.
Jordan Addison – the clear number two receiver on the team – has been handed an expected but inconvenient three game ban to start the season.
Superstar Justin Jefferson has been nursing a hamstring strain throughout the preseason.
Rondale Moore who was signed as a return specialist who could also provide a deep threat with elite speed suffered a season ending knee injury in his debut appearance.
And to top it all off, Jalen Nailor who was a viable third option during the 2024 season has been dealing with an unspecified hand injury.
None of the other wideouts really made a case to step up and play a meaningful role.
Rookie Tai Felton looks like he may have to start on special teams before earning any time with the offense. The likes of Lucky Jackson, Thayer Thomas and Tim Jones all had opportunities to earn a spot in the depth chart, but no-one really shone in preseason.
Finding the right target
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell realised that another piece was needed.
Ideally the right option would be experienced, familiar with the offense and a high-level contributor. A few names were bandied around, the likes of Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne were mooted as trade targets.
A reunion with K.J. Osborn was also suggested after his release from the Washington Commanders.
There was however, one name which kept appearing. Kay Adams went so far as to ask O’Connell about a potential trade for Minnesota native and Carolina Panther Adam Thielen.
O’Connell tried to hide his excitement at the idea of the reunion, but I would suggest he does not have a future as a poker player when his coaching career ends.
Once the target was identified the only thing left to work out was the price. Initial conversations with the Panthers were not fruitful and delayed the trade for a few days.
Eventually they agreed a swap of picks which ultimately net off to a late fourth round pick on most draft value charts. Which should be the value of the Vikings compensatory pick for losing Daniel Jones to the Indianapolis Colts for context.
What to expect
Over his two seasons in Carolina Adam Thielen had over 1,600 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
That would be impressive enough but in that time he only played 27 games. Now 35, he might not be as explosive as he once was, but he can still play a big role.
One of Adam Thielen’s greatest abilities is finding holes in coverage, particularly in the red zone. If he can provide that option as the safety net for J.J. McCarthy while Jefferson and Addison are covered this could well prove to be a masterstroke.
Further to that there is the emotional side of the signing. Thielen was born in Minnesota, went to college at Minnesota State and earned his way into the NFL after a rookie try-out with the Vikings in 2013.
He has worked hard to get where he is and truly embodies the best of Minnesota and the Vikings.
His departure two years ago left a feeling of unfinished business. Now he has the chance to make that right and finish his career as a Viking.
