Wed, Aug 27, 2025 at 12:00pm

THIELEN MOVES BACK TO MINNESOTA

The Minnesota Vikings acquired wide receiver Adam Thielen, a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2026 and a fifth-round draft pick in 2027 from the Carolina Panthers for a fifth-round draft pick in 2026 and a fourth-round draft pick in 2027.

What does it give the Minnesota Vikings
For young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who will make his NFL debut this season after a lost rookie year due to injury, Thielen should be a great safety net. Thielen returns to Minnesota and adds more firepower to a Vikings offense that is already good. With Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Adam Thielen as the top three wideouts, McCarthy has no excuses.

What does it give the Carolina Panthers
McCarthy's gain is definitely Bryce Young's loss here. Quarterback Young came into his own as 2024 rolled along, giving Carolina fans hope for the future. Thielen was a big part of Young's ascent, so now the latter must find new targets that he trusts. The Panthers received two draft upgrades with this trade, but Young is probably not as good without Thielen.

Fantasy impact
Thielen's fantasy impact may remain somewhat limited, since he is mostly a slot receiver for third downs and for keeping drives alive. Draft him with a late pick, at best.