Early Friday morning, a host of rumors began to emerge about the possibility that the Minnesota Vikings were busy working on a trade that would bring back fan-favorite receiver Adam Thielen. Thielen currently plays for the Carolina Panthers, who are stacked at the receiver position, making a trade that much more possible.
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Fans began to speculate on whether a trade could materialize after the Vikings are set to be without Jordan Addison due to a suspension, and Jalen Nailor, who is suffering from a hand injury.
With more needed at the receiver position, Thielen could be the right person to pair with J.J. McCarthy. Even Thielen’s wife set the internet ablaze when she stated “Big news,” on her Instagram page.
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Despite all the hype surrounding the trade, an NFL insider has provided a brutal update.
Josina Anderson posted on X per The Exhibit, that the potential Vikings-Panthers trade for Thielen is “not likely, at this point.”
Is #Panthers WR Adam Thielen reuniting with the #Vikings? #TheExhibit pic.twitter.com/8x9VbPbALw
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 22, 2025
Her post reads, “While the Vikings are in the market for a veteran wide receiver that won’t command top-tier money, I’m told a trade between the Panthers and Vikings for Carolina WR Adam Thielen is ‘not likely, at this point,’ a league source said early Friday afternoon.”
Apparently, what could be stopping the Thielen trade has to do with the contract that he signed with the Panthers. He remains in the final year of said contract, and it might be that Carolina would eat some money if they traded him right now.
The Vikings do need wideout help, and while a trade to the team where he played for nine years would be fantastic, that might not be the case.
Anderson revealed as much, though that does not mean it’s the end of the story. The Vikings might have to up the offer and take on Thielen’s contract if they are to make a stronger move to land the fan-favorite veteran.
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