Vikings Insider Sends Clear Message on Adam Thielen Trade Rumors
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Minnesota Vikings need help at wide receiver immediately, given the upcoming three-game suspension for Jordan Addison and a string of injuries depleting J.J. McCarthy's pass-catching core.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero confirmed that the Vikings are "seriously exploring" veteran receivers in the trade market as Addison's replacement to begin the year, Jalen Nailor, suffered a hand injury last week.
Carolina Panthers veteran Adam Thielen is considered a top target, given the homegrown Minnesotan's ties to the team and familiarity with Kevin O'Connell's offense.
Read more: J.J. McCarthy Faces Brutally Honest Take After Vikings Camp
Minnesota Star Tribune beat reporter Ben Goessling addressed the possibility of a reunion with Thielen, who may be too expensive for what would essentially be a three-game rental before Addison returns.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 01: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 01, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 01: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 01, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Photo by"How expensive of a solution do you want to find," Goessling said on KFXN-FM on Aug. 19. "This is the thing with Adam Thielen, he has a $6M base salary. Do you want to spend that much on somebody you may only use in that significant of a role for a few weeks... It would be fun... I don't see it, but it would be fun."
The Vikings have the cap space to take on Thielen's contract, but whether he would be willing to take a step back into the third wide receiver spot once Addison returns from suspension remains to be seen.
Read more: Vikings Get Major Justin Jefferson Development as Season Nears
Thielen is considered a trade target due to the Panthers' wide receiver room overhaul over the past two years. Carolina has spent back-to-back first-round picks at the position in Xavier Legette and No. 8 overall pick Tetairoa McMillan.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, Nailor's outlook to start the season remains a major question. He is considered week-to-week with a hand injury that the team is continuing to assess.
For more Vikings and NFL news, head to Newsweek Sports.
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