The Minnesota Vikings recently released star wide receiver Adam Thielen, after the two failed to reach a mutual agreement.
Thielen spent nine seasons with the organization, and stated in a previous interview that he would love to “Retire a Minnesota Viking”, but a deal was not reached, leading to his release.
During his nine-year career with the Vikings, Thielen totaled 534 receptions 6,682 receiving yards, and 55 touchdowns. There are plenty of teams in need of a wide receiver with the skill set that he possesses.
The 32-year-old veteran will be on the search for a new home this offseason. Here are 5 potential landing spots for Adam Theilen
ATLANTA FALCONS
Since losing Julio Jones two years ago, Atlanta has struggled to find a veteran at WR to make an impact. Calvin Ridley was once poised to take the reins but then received a year-long suspension from the NFL for betting on games.
Drake London is the only wideout on the Falcons roster, currently under contract that had any production this past season. Atlanta ranked 30th in passing first downs per game in 2022.
Thielen’s precise route running, would add some much needed help to move the chains.
HOUSTON TEXANS
The Houston Texans ranked at nearly the bottom of the league in every offensive category last season.
Making Houston another team in dire need of wide receiver help and a potential landing spot for Adam Thielen. Brandon Cooks is the Texans clear #1 WR, but he can’t shoulder the load all by himself.
Second year wide receiver Nico Collins appears to be Houston’s #2 wideout across from Cooks, which then leaves the door open for the Texans to add a slot specialist like Adam Thielen.
Even with the recent signing of Robert Woods, Thielen would be an intriguing addition .
Carolina Panthers
After trading away DJ Moore and multiple 1st round picks, for the first overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, The Carolina Panthers now top the board for a potential Adam Thielen signing.
Carolina is projected to take a QB with the #1 overall pick in the draft. Bringing in a sure-handed veteran to the team would be a huge key for the development of their young QB, especially after they ranked 29th in 1st down percentage last season.
Third-year WR Terrace Marshall Jr will now be the lead receiver for the Panthers, leaving that Carolina locker room short of WR talent.
Arizona Cardinals
Deandre Hopkins could potentially be on his way out of Arizona. Hopkins is set to make $19.45 million (with a cap hit of $30.75 million), it is very likely they look for a trade partner.
Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore and Greg Dortch all have potential with big play ability, but all have been hindered by injury.
Thielen has faced injuries of his own, but expects to make an immediate impact where ever he ends up. That could possibly in Arizona, after AJ Green has announced his retirement, the Cardinals now lack that veteran leadership in that Thielen brings.
Depth at wide receiver is something the Cardinals desperately need.
Cleveland Browns
Adam Thielen’s best season’s were during Browns Head coach Kevin Stefanski’s tenure as Offensive coordinator for the Vikings.
Making sense that Thielen to the Browns would reunite him with his former OC, they would hope to pick up where they left off in the land of a thousand lakes.
Amari Cooper has showed he still has big play ability and great route-running, but injuries have hindered Cooper’s production and availability.
If Cooper and Donavan Peoples Jones could stay on the field, Thielen would be a great addition as a slot receiver.
More potential landing spots: Dal, NYJ, NYG, NE