Adam Thielen Hints At Future Beyond Vikings
K. Joudry
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Recently, Adam Thielen made an appearance on NFL Network. A notable part of that exchange involved Minnesota’s WR2 looking ahead to his NFL future.
He notes that the recent deals for receivers “makes me want to play the game a few more years” before quipping that it’s “going pretty well for wide receivers.” Shortly thereafter, Thielen explains that “it doesn’t hurt my future opportunities at all.” Indeed.
Thielen, very reasonably, is looking at the deals and thinking about his own future. He’ll be back with Minnesota in 2022, but his status in uncertain beyond this season. Per Over the Cap, Thielen will carry nearly a $11.7 million cap hit into this season. That’s a number that grows to just under $20 million in 2023 and then more than $21.6 million in 2024.
In other words, there’s very little chance Adam Thielen is kept around beyond 2023. Justin Jefferson will sign a humongous deal, and the Vikings are likely syncing their contracts. As Thielen moves on, Minnesota will devote the free cap space (and more) to Jefferson.
The hope is that Kevin O’Connell’s presence in Minnesota helps Thielen continue his strong career. By no means poor in recent seasons, Thielen has nevertheless taken a step back. His 74.6 PFF score was 35th last year. Previously, he has been top 10 (2018 & 2020). Part of the issue rested in injury; he missed four games last year. One has to wonder if this will be his new normal given his age, especially since he has missed time in three-straight seasons. He’ll be 32 once the season arrives.
If Minnesota moves on, Adam Thielen will generate a lot of interest. One thinks of New England, Kansas City, and Green Bay as teams that make sense. The final team on that list will make Vikings fans upset, but it’s hard to ignore the friendship with Aaron Rodgers. Regardless, Thielen appears to have an eye on what life will be like beyond this current deal. Don’t be shocked if he ends up in a different uniform.
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