As first reported by insider Tom Pelissero, the Steelers have claimed Adam Thielen off waivers. The 35-year-old wideout had been recently waived by the Minnesota Vikings, in hopes of one last shot at the Vince Lombardi trophy in the NFL.

The Steelers’ wide receiver depth chart now features: DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, Ke’Shawn Williams, and Adam Thielen.

Much-needed help for Rodgers and Steelers

A quick glance at the WR room in the City of Bridges tells NFL fans all they need to know about why the Steelers didn’t hesitate to claim Thielen. While the veteran wide receiver hasn’t had a strong season so far with the Vikings, he can still be a very reliable target for Rodgers.

Most likely, the undrafted wideout can be an effective option in short-yardage situations, where his route running and experience in the slot can be fully showcased. Having faced him for so many years during his time with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers will surely know where to find Thielen in crucial must-have plays.

Rodgers vs Thielen: Head-to-head record

According to StatMuse, Thielen has faced Rodgers’ Packers 16 times in his career. Rodgers and Green Bay hold the upper hand with an 8-7-1 record against Thielen’s Minnesota.

Rodgers and Thielen have gone head to head earlier this season, when the Steelers defeated the Vikings 24-21 in Dublin, Ireland in Week 4. That time around, Rodgers threw 18 completions for 200 passing yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, Thielen recorded two receptions for 11 yards.

“The Vikings and WR Adam Thielen have agreed to terms on a revised contract, reducing his salary by $2 million and removing $4M in incentives, per sources. This wasn’t about money — Thielen wanted to come home, and volunteered to help the team’s salary cap to make it happen,” NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported, via X, formerly Twitter.

The Carolina Panthers have traded veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings, acquiring a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. This trade allows Thielen to fulfill his long-held desire to return to what he considers home, following a two-year absence from Minnesota.

The Vikings, armed with $16.1 million in cap space, have the resources to cover his full salary. However, Thielen’s willingness to reduce his contract gives the team notable flexibility to make additional roster moves. This strategic adjustment enhances their ability to compete for the Super Bowl, aligning with Thielen’s aspiration for Minnesota to be his final professional team.

Adam Thielen’s return to the Vikings is a crucial short-term addition to the roster

Despite boasting a lineup of world-class wide receivers like Justin Jefferson, Jalen Nailor, Rondale Moore, Jordan Addison, and Tai Felton, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a tight spot as none of these stars will be reportedly ready to start in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. This elevates the importance of Adam Thielen’s arrival, set to play a pivotal role in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s strategy.

With the season opener approaching, Adam Thielen provides a seasoned alternative, delivering both leadership and expertise on the field. Even if he does not secure a starting role, head coach Kevin O’Connell might rely on his experience to guide the team through JJ McCarthy’s debut season as QB1 and nurture the young talent.

The Carolina Panthers had a very different wide receiver depth chart a week ago. However, after they cut Hunter Renfrow, and more importantly, they traded Adam Thielen to JJ McCarthy‘s Minnesota Vikings, Bryce Young‘s weaponry looks not as strong. This is not an issue for head coach Dave Canales, who stays optimistic.

Speaking via the team’s website, Canales said, “This is just an opportunity for guys to be there, and to be available for Bryce, whether it’s on a critical third down or whether it’s to win the game, you know, these are incredible opportunities for them.” The head coach is taking a classic ‘next man up’ approach.

The thing is now the WR room in Carolina looks slim. They went from having first rounder Tet McMillan, Adam Thielen, Hunter Renfrow and Xavier Legette, to now having a thin corp. McMillan will be the star, but now Legette will have to make leaps in form to be a respectable WR2 on the team. Jalen Coker and sixth-round rookie Jimmy Horn Jr. will also need to step up heavily if this offense wants to be any good.

Thielen’s trade was shocking, but what about Renfrow?

While Thielen’s trade was shocking because there were reports that it was unlikely to happen, the Renfrow situation is as equally as confusing. Renfrow was a revelation during spring camp and training camp. Coaches were raving about him until he suffered a minor hamstring injury, from which he recovered. However, he got cut.

Dave Canales spoke on the matter too. “We have a couple of things on the table for him and we’re just gonna keep taking it one day at a time and see where he’s at.” He continued to say, “towards the end, like the last stretch of what I saw—I wanna be able to count on Hunter to be as good as he was the whole time. And I just saw some peaks and then I just saw some dips in terms of his performance.”

They went from an above average WR corp to one that must prove they belong

With Thielen, Renfrow and McMillan, this was a sleeper wide receiver room that would create plenty of problems for the rest of the NFL teams. Without Thielen, who will be causing havoc for the Vikings with JJ McCarthy, and Renfrow, it’s now a corp that doesn’t impose fear.

Legette had 497 yards in his rookie season and now he needs to really step up for this offense. One number that could really solidify himself this year is tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. The second-year weapon was starting to get traction last year until he suffered a scary fall on his head. However, reports say he will be a massive weapon, especially when the receivers are not as top-tier as they were two weeks ago.

With these moves, the team is projected to have six wide receivers on its 53-man active roster for the 2025 NFL season: Xavier Legette, Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, David Moore, Brycen Tremayne, and Jimmy Horn Jr.

According to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Panthers will receive a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-rounder for Thielen, while the Vikings get a 2026 conditional seventh-rounder and a 2027 fifth-round pick apart from the veteran wideout, who already played for Minnesota from 2013-2022 before a two-year stint in Carolina.

Why did the Panthers trade Adam Thielen?

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that the Panthers were hesitant to deal Thielen since they appreciated his ability to get the job done in third downs, which is why the front office had high demands to let him go at the beginning. However, since the team is still in rebuild mode with Bryce Young at the helm of the offense, it ultimately prioritized getting draft capital in return.

Still, it will be a tough loss for the quarterback, who appeared to find chemistry with Thielen during their time together. The 35-year-old led the Panthers WR room in 2023 with 103 catches and 1,014 yards, being one of the team’s few bright spots in a terrible rookie year for Young as Carolina went 2-15.

Not even a hamstring injury prevented Thielen from leading his teammates last year, recording 615 yards with five touchdowns in 10 games. Therefore, his departure leaves a huge hole in Carolina. Not only did Thielen produce, but also provided veteran presence in a young WR room. However, the Panthers seem to believe the youngsters are ready to step up.

The Panthers are placing their trust in a young WR group

After many losing seasons, the Panthers used a number of first-round picks to retool their offense, thinking about the long term. In 2024, they drafted Xavier Legette at No. 32. This year, they made Tetairoa McMillan the eighth overall pick of his class.

But Carolina also recruited talent with a lower profile, drafting Jimmy Horn Jr. out of Colorado in the sixth round of this year’s draft. In 2024, the team gave a chance to undrafted free agent Jalen Coker, who is set for a bigger role on Young’s offense after finishing last season on a high note.

Another chance for Renfrow in the cards?

The Panthers made headlines by releasing Renfrow as part of their roster cuts, as the veteran wideout worked for an NFL comeback this offseason after a one-year absence. However, with Thielen now in Minnesota, the former Raiders Pro Bowler could make his way back to Carolina to provide experience in a young WR room.

While Thielen had hinted at the possibility of retiring at the end of last season, the seasoned wideout will play his 12th season in the NFL. However, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of retirement when this season concludes.

“It could be, yeah,” the WR said Friday from a Panthers community event, via The Athletic’s Joe Person. “I told you guys at the end of the season, like every year, you look back and you say, ‘Hey, what left do I have to give to this game?’ I talked to my family, and they wanted me to keep playing. So it’ll be the same process.”

Despite this, and as he begins his final year of contract with the Panthers, one of the most experienced receivers in the league made it clear that he will focus solely on preparing for the upcoming season, and not on other discussions.

“Not gonna think about that right now. I’m gonna focus on being the best football player I can possibly be, and you have to have that mindset in this league,” Thielen said. “And then once the season’s over — evaluate, see where we’re at, see where the team’s at, see where I’m at individually and as a family and figure it out. But definitely, definitely winding down my career. But excited about this year and what could happen.”

Could this be Bryce Young’s year?

Many hopes were placed on the talented QB Bryce Young since his arrival in the NFL, but unfortunately for him and his team, all those dreams faded as the weeks went by.

Panthers HC Dave Canales often chose to rely on the experience of Andy Dalton to lead the first team, although all signs point to the former Heisman Trophy winner in 2021 returning as the starter next season.

The selection of talented wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the latest Draft adds a new weapon to Young’s offense, which could help unlock the full potential of the young quarterback and prove that he came to the league to achieve great things.

The Panthers endured a difficult 2024 NFL season. Questions loomed about whether Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall pick, was the right choice as their starting quarterback. At one point, his future with the team seemed in serious jeopardy.

However, Young managed to regain the organization’s trust during the regular season. Now poised to lead the offense in 2025, he may face the challenge of doing so without one of his most reliable targets.

Panthers may lose a key offensive weapon for Bryce Young

The 2024 season was a pivotal year for the Panthers. Having spent years laying the foundation for Bryce Young’s arrival, they hoped he would solve their long-standing quarterback issues.

Young began the season as the starting quarterback but was eventually benched for Andy Dalton, leading many to believe his tenure as QB1 might be over.

An injury to Dalton gave Young another opportunity, and he made the most of it, delivering an impressive performance in the latter half of the season. This resurgence convinced the Panthers to commit to him for at least another year.

Despite that, a new hurdle has emerged. Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, one of Young’s most dependable weapons, could be on his way out this offseason.

Although Thielen remains under contract for 2025, his salary is non-guaranteed. Rumors suggest the Panthers are considering releasing him after June 1st to save $6.3 million in cap space, which could leave Young without his top veteran target.

Will Adam Thielen retire in 2025?

While Thielen has expressed his desire to stay with the Panthers, his future may come down to financial considerations. At 35 years old, retirement is an option, but he wants to play at least one more year with Bryce Young.

“I think that’s what has enticed me to want to play again is just the progression, the leadership, the type of things that they’re doing to try to create a winning culture,” Thielen said, via Ben Nagle of Daily Mail Sport. “I really believe in what they’re doing. So there’s a lot to look forward to, especially with Bryce and his progression. And then, you know, just being able to add some pieces and see what happens.”

With a record of three wins and seven losses, Dave Canales’ squad is in desperate need of more victories to get their season back on track. While they have a week off next weekend, the Panthers will face no less than the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12.

The good news for the Panthers is that they’ll have the talented tight end Adam Thielen back in the lineup, after he had been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The news was confirmed by NFL insider Ian Rapoport via his X (formerly Twitter) account @RapSheet: “The #Panthers have activated WR Adam Thielen from IR, at the end of his 21-day window to practice. He’s been dealing with a hamstring injury.”

The Bye Week gives the player extra time to recover, and if he returns to full health, he could play an even more prominent role in Carolina’s offense, especially after Diontae Johnson was traded to the Baltimore Ravens.

Can the Panthers turn things around?

Bryce Young started the season as the starting QB in Carolina, but his underwhelming performances forced Dave Canales to make a drastic decision and hand the job to the veteran Andy Dalton.

The former Cincinnati Bengals player brought a breath of fresh air to the team, even securing their first win of the season against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the overall underperformance of the team led the coach to once again turn to the talent of Young, who this time did not disappoint.

Back-to-back victories, against the New Orleans Saints and the aforementioned win over the Giants, have sparked hope among Panthers fans that a season once thought lost could still be turned around. As long as there’s hope, the players will do everything they can to push as far as possible.

What’s next for the Carolina Panthers?

• Bye Week
• vs Kansas City Chiefs, November 24th
• vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, December 1st
• vs Philadelphia Eagles, December 8th
• vs Dallas Cowboys, December 15th

As part of the NFL International Series, Germany will feature a matchup between the Panthers and Giants. While this game may not initially seem compelling, both teams are desperate for a win, which could make for an intense battle.

With identical 2-7 records, both squads are clinging to slim playoff hopes. Unfortunately for Carolina, Bryce Young will be missing a vital teammate for this international showdown.

Bryce Young to miss key teammate for Germany matchup vs. Giants

Germany will host its fourth official NFL game this season. The Panthers are returning to Europe after a five-year absence, while the Giants last played internationally in London two years ago.

Although the matchup might not be highly anticipated, both teams are expected to fight hard to claim a much-needed victory on German soil.

One storyline to watch is Bryce Young. The second-year quarterback has regained the team’s confidence, earning the starting role despite Andy Dalton being available.

However, Young will have to lead the offense against the Giants without wide receiver Adam Thielen, who has been ruled out due to a lingering hamstring injury.

Thielen, who joined the Panthers last season, has been limited to just three games this year. Despite this, he had a stellar debut season in Carolina, recording 103 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns.

Which other players will miss the Panthers vs. Giants game in Germany?

For the Panthers, offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu has also been ruled out. Linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, safety Jordan Fuller, tight end Tommy Tremble, and cornerback Lonnie Johnson are all listed as questionable.

On the Giants’ side, wide receiver Darius Slayton will be the most notable absence. He remains in concussion protocol and didn’t travel with the team, aiming to fully recover for Week 11.

Last season, the Panthers undertook a complete offensive rebuild, aiming to surround rookie quarterback Bryce Young with top-tier talent for immediate success.

However, things have not unfolded as anticipated. The team is far from being a contender, and speculation suggests they may part ways with several players to restructure the roster for the coming years.

Adam Thielen makes his stance clear to the Panthers amid trade rumors

When the Panthers acquired Adam Thielen last year, there were high hopes for his impact as WR1. He was expected to be a crucial weapon for Bryce Young, their new quarterback.

Unfortunately, the situation has not gone according to plan for the NFC South team. Young has struggled to meet expectations, and naturally, his wide receivers have been affected by his underperformance.

This season, Adam Thielen has faced challenges, including a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for multiple games. Obviously, his numbers have not been the best for that reason.

With the trade deadline approaching, rumors are circulating about his potential departure, prompting Thielen to send a clear message to the Panthers regarding these reports.

“For me, I handle my business one day at a time,” Thielen said, via Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer. “That’s why you have an agent, and you have a G.M., right? That’s for them to figure out. I don’t have a no-trade clause, so they can do whatever they want.”

Will the Panthers trade Bryce Young?

Another prominent name in the trade rumors is quarterback Bryce Young. His lackluster performance has led many to speculate that the team may consider parting ways with him soon.

However, the Panthers have now clarified that there is no chance they will trade Bryce Young. It appears the club is prepared to give him one more opportunity to prove himself and become the star quarterback they envision.

After two games this year, the Panthers made the decision to sit Bryce Young. They still have faith in the young quarterback, but the team wants him to learn from Andy Dalton before taking charge of the offense with more knowledge.

In Week 3, the Panthers faced the Las Vegas Raiders, with Andy Dalton making his debut. Surprisingly, the team won its first game of the year, and fans now have high expectations for what the veteran could do for them.

Report: Panthers set to lose a key wide receiver for several games

The Panthers are trying to figure out what to do with their offense. The team decided to bench Bryce Young for Week 3, as the former Alabama standout has been unable to meet expectations so far.

Earlier this year, Carolina signed Andy Dalton as a free agent. The team didn’t anticipate benching Bryce Young, but fortunately, they had a solid backup to fill the starting quarterback role.

In Week 3, the Panthers made the tough decision to sit Young and start Dalton against the Raiders. Dalton surprised everyone by dominating the AFC West team, but now he’s set to face a big challenge for at least the next four weeks.

NFL Media reported that the Panthers are placing Adam Thielen on injured reserve. The 34-year-old wide receiver suffered a hamstring injury while catching a touchdown during the 36-22 victory against the Raiders.

By being placed on IR, Thielen will miss at least four games. He caught three passes for 40 yards and a touchdown last weekend, becoming a key piece in the Panthers’ win against the Raiders.

Which games will Adam Thielen miss?

As Adam Thielen has been placed on injured reserve, he will miss at least four games. A hamstring injury typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to fully heal, but the Panthers didn’t want to take any risks by bringing him back too soon.

Thielen will miss games against the Bengals, Bears, Falcons, and Commanders. If he fully recovers by then, he could return for Week 8 when the Panthers visit the Broncos in Colorado.

The Alabama standout dominated the SEC almost at will during his tenure under Nick Saban, and his high IQ, ability to make reads in real-time, and the way he extended plays made him a no-brainer at the position.

But as impressive as he is as a football player, his preparation is actually what makes him stand out from the rest of the pack, according to former Minnesota Vikings star Adam Thielen.

Adam Thielen Raves About Bryce Young’s Preparation

“You know, first overall pick, with all the hype and all that, you know there’s gonna be a lot of potential and you know he’s gonna have a lot of talent. But I think he just kinda surprised a lot of guys of how prepared he was for the NFL game,” Thielen said, per ProFootballTalk.

“I think sometimes it’s hard in those moments — because you’re in shorts and t-shirt, right? So you don’t wanna too excited about — whether that’s your team or individually — you don’t wanna get too excited in the summer because it’s a different game when you put pads on. But, at the same time, the way he moves in the pocket, the way that he adjusts and can get the ball out on time and accurate and he can make adjustments and things like that. It’s impressive. It gets you excited to get back working together,” he concluded.

That’s exactly what you want to hear about your potential franchise player, especially at the most crucial position in the game. The doubts and concerns will always be there, but hopefully, the effort will pay off.