Adam Thielen News

The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly released wide receiver Adam Thielen on Friday. Thielen will become a free agent after playing nine seasons for the Vikings. Expect the 32-year old to draw interest as a potential WR3 on a contending team after Thielen logged 70 receptions for 716 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2022. On 103 targets last season, Thielen ranked 68th among his position with a 65.5 Pro Football Focus offensive rating while accounting for 1.06 yards per route run.

Thielen, a former undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State, logged a remarkable 10-year stretch with the Vikings but will now have to continue his NFL career elsewhere. The two-time Pro Bowler and Minnesota discussed a potential contract restructure, per Pelissero, but the 32-year-old will ultimately test free agency as one of the top veterans on the market. Though Thielen's statistical production declined across 17 appearances in 2022, he still managed to log 70 catches for 716 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Thielen was Minnesota's second-leading receiver despite finishing fourth in targets Sunday. The 32-year-old appeared to lose a step in 2022, experiencing a decline in receiving yards (716) and touchdowns (six) despite playing four more games than last season. The deadline acquisition of T.J. Hockenson also cut into the veteran wideout's production. Thielen's natural decline coupled with a smaller role on offense should have the former fantasy star's stock down in 2023.

Thielen had a touchdown catch in the first quarter and then sat in the second half as Minnesota rested most starters ahead of the playoffs. Thielen finished the season with six touchdowns, down significantly from the 14 and 10 touchdown seasons he posted the prior two years, even though his other receiving stats were mostly similar to his previous two seasons.

Thielen's role in the offense has declined the past three games while T.J. Hockenson's grows larger. Thielen has just five receptions and 15 targets his last three games, while Hockenson has 37 targets. Neither player may get many targets this week against Chicago as Minnesota may decide to rest or even bench their starters ahead of the playoffs.

Thielen's underwhelming performance came on a day when quarterback Kirk Cousins attempted 48 passes. Though his five targets were the second-most of any Minnesota pass catcher, the veteran was only able to reel in just one catch. Meanwhile, both Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson saw 16 targets and turned in outstanding fantasy performances. The Vikings remain a high-volume passing offense, so Thielen will look to bounce back when the Vikings visit the Packers in Week 17.