The Minnesota Vikings have released wide receiver Adam Thielen, the team announced Friday (March 10).
The move saves the Vikings $6.4 million against the salary cap.
You've given everybody a reason to believe their dreams can be a reality 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/UFreA0hBg9
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 10, 2023
A native of Detroit Lakes, MN and a standout at Minnesota State Mankato, Thielen spent 10 years with his hometown team, amassing more career catches (534) than any player in team history other than Cris Carter and Randy Moss — both of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He remains third in team history in receiving touchdowns (55) and fourth in receiving yards (6,682).
“To go from a kid growing up in Detroit Lakes to playing for the Minnesota Vikings has been a journey beyond what I could have dreamed of,” Thielen said in a post to his Instagram. “I want to thank everyone within the Vikings organization — coaches, teammates, the Wilf family and fans — for all the love and support I have received over the years. I poured everything I had into these last 10+ years in presenting and playing for this team and state. My family and I will always cherish the memories we created on and off the field. Minnesota is — and will always be — home to us.”
I have always felt a brotherly kinship with Adam from the day we met. So grateful I got to play with him. Lots of great football left up ahead in his career. @athielen19 pic.twitter.com/upfKMaP76S
— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) March 10, 2023
Thielen’s contract, which holds a nearly $20 million cap hit, is set to expire after the 2023 season. The Vikings spoke to him about restructuring his deal this offseason, similar to what he did in March of 2022, but with the emergence of receivers such as Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn it was clear Thielen would have a diminished role next season. Over the final five games last year, Thielen finished fourth in targets behind Jefferson, tight end T.J. Hockenson and Osborn.
Originally an undrafted free agent, the 32-year-old Thielen worked his way from a tryout at rookie camp in 2013 to back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2017 and 2018, earning two Pro Bowl selections. He is beloved by fans, both for his on-field plays and his charitable efforts in the community, which earned him his team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination in 2022.
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