The Minnesota Vikings have reacquired veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen in a trade with the Carolina Panthers, orchestrating a homecoming for the Minnesota native. Star receiver Justin Jefferson is among those celebrating the return of his former teammate.
The deal, which followed more than a week of negotiations centered on draft pick compensation, was ultimately facilitated by Thielen accepting a $2 million pay cut. The Panthers, who had awarded Thielen a $1.5 million raise in the offseason, declined to cover a portion of his salary to finalize the trade.
In the complex agreement, Minnesota sent a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to Carolina. In return, the Vikings received Thielen, a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Jefferson praised Thielen’s veteran presence and positive influence in the locker room.
“It’s been great, honestly, just having that happy vibe back in the building,” Jefferson said. “He’s always ready to work and comes prepared every single day, and that’s what I love about him most. He was that big brother to me, keeping me under his wing, and that’s the same type of vibe I try to have for him as well.”
Thielen shared his own excitement about rejoining the organization and community that mean so much to him.
“Obviously, you guys know without me saying it, how much this place means to me,” Thielen said. “The state, the city, this organization, [ownership], coaches, players. I couldn’t be more excited, and there’s nothing I could say to tell you how excited I am to be back home in my family.”
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