Carolina Panthers Agree to Terms With WR Adam Thielen

Nine-year NFL veteran receiver Adam Thielen has a new home.

The Carolina Panthers agreed to terms with the free-agent wide receiver, the team announced on Sunday. The former Minnesota Vikings star is expected to sign a three-year deal with the Panthers and could be a key weapon for Carolina in 2023.

The deal comes in the wake of the Panthers' move to acquire the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Carolina gave up first- and second-round picks in 2023 and 2024, as well as WR DJ Moore, to move to the top of the draft.

The 33rd Team's most recent mock draft has the Panthers selecting Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud (scouting report) as the No. 1 pick. Carolina will need reliable offensive targets to take full advantage of any potential rookie quarterback.

Though Thielen no longer fits the typical profile for a No. 1 option at wide receiver, he's still a reliable target for the Panthers' offense. Thielen started all 17 games for Minnesota in 2022, catching 70 passes for 716 yards and six touchdowns.

The move helps the Panthers continue to reinforce their offense as they prepare for the 2023 season. Carolina added running back Miles Sanders and quarterback Andy Dalton and retained center Bradley Bozeman during the first week of free agency.