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Adam Thielen is no longer a member Minnesota Vikings.
An unusual situation for Minnesota's fan-favorite wide receiver came to an end Monday when the team waived the 35-year-old after he called for a completion. NFL career elsewhere until retirement.
Thielen and the Vikings confirmed the news in social media posts Monday, with Thielen releasing a statement saying this will be his final season in the NFL.
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With the Vikings currently 4-8 and with very little chance of making the playoffs, Thielen wants to go to a team that could use some receiver depth for an encouraging Super Bowl run.
“This is extremely difficult for me to write about, and certainly not in the way any of us imagine,” Thielen’s statement began. “As a Minnesota native, wearing this uniform over the years and representing this community both on and off the field has always meant so much more to me. This team is in my bones, it is in my heart and part of my DNA. I will ALWAYS be a Minnesota Viking.
“Ever since last spring, I knew this would be my last season in the National Football League. With that in mind, the Vikings gave me the opportunity to travel and compete elsewhere during the last few weeks of my career.”
As Thielen mentioned, being from Minnesota and joining his home state team as an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota, it's difficult for him to make the decision to look elsewhere to finish out his career.
In 2014, Thielen made his first NFL appearance with the Vikings, where he eventually became one of the team's top pass catchers. He had a standout season in 2016: 967 yards on 69 receptions with five touchdowns.
Thielen then had back-to-back Pro Bowl campaigns in 2017 and 2018, totaling at least 1,276 yards and four touchdowns in each. His best year came in 2018, when he totaled 1,373 yards with nine touchdowns in 16 games for Minnesota.
With Justin Jefferson drafted by the Vikings and clearly becoming one of the best receivers in the game, Thielen moved into the WR2 role, although he remained a vital part of the Vikings' offensive formula.
Adam Thielen of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the Chicago Bears game at US Bank Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Minneapolis. (Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)
However, Thielen signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2023 after nine seasons with the Vikings. Carolina remained a rebuilding team, but Thielen gained 1,014 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games in his first season with the team. After a 10-game season in 2024 with the Panthers, Thielen returned to the Vikings for his 12th season.
With Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor and T.J. Hockenson all required to pass the ball, Thielen played depth for the Vikings, who also haven't found stability at the quarterback position with JJ McCarthy, Carson Wentz and now Max Brosmer, who struggled in his debut on Sunday.
It's unknown where Thielen might end up in the NFL right now, but he'll be available for an addition once he clears waivers.
That being said, Thielen promised the Vikings faithful that he would return at some point to ensure he finished his career with the team he always loved.
“Minnesota will always be our home, and we are incredibly grateful to the Wilf family. [general manager] Kwesi [Adofo-Mensah]KO [head coach Kevin O’Connell], [executive vice president] Rob [Brzezinski] and to everyone in the Vikings organization for bringing us back in August. This organization means the world to us from top to bottom and this locker room is filled with true professionals.
Adam Thielen of the Minnesota Vikings before the Chicago Bears game at US Bank Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Minneapolis. (David Berding/Getty Images)
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“With gratitude and love I will return to retirement!”
Adofo-Mensah released a statement on the Vikings' social media platforms praising everything Thielen has done for the organization.
“Following discussions over the weekend and out of respect for Adam, we have agreed to give him the opportunity to spend more playing time elsewhere. Adam is one of the greatest Vikings of all time and we wish him and his family continued success.”
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