Minnesota Vikings Release WR Adam Thielen
News 3/10/23
The Minnesota Vikings have let go of a local product and a productive receiver.
The Vikings released two-time Pro Bowl receiver Adam Thielen on Friday, freeing up money that will be needed to extend star receiver Justin Jefferson.
"While Thielen has been a productive player, the Vikings have to prioritize extending Justin Jefferson," said analyst Mike Tannenbaum of The 33rd Team. "And with the emergence of KJ Osborn, he just became a necessary cap casualty."
At 32 years old, he had a $19.97 million cap hit for 2023. The transaction will leave the team $13.55 million of dead cap space, freeing up $6.4 million of space in 2023, according to Spotrac.
An undrafted free agent from Minnesota State, Thielen ranks third in team history in receptions (534) and receiving touchdowns (55) and fourth in yards receiving (6,682).
"Adam's tremendous impact goes well beyond the Vikings organization," owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said in a statement. "His rise from a tryout player to one of the best players in the history of our franchise has encouraged so many young athletes and is a testament to hard work and perseverance.
"He was a Minnesota Viking long before we signed him, and he will be always considered a part of this team."
Thielen, born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, signed with the team in 2013 after serving as a tryout player at rookie minicamp.
Recently, he began to lose ground to younger players in the Vikings' offense. Over the final five games of last season, he ranked fourth in targets behind NFL Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson and K.J. Osborn.
There should be plenty of interest in Thielen, as the free agent and NFL Draft receiver groups are not expected to be as strong as in previous seasons.
>> READ: Top 150 Free Agents