Vikings release Adam Thielen at his request to finish NFL career elsewhere before retiring

The Minnesota Vikings have officially parted ways with longtime wide receiver Adam Thielen, marking the second time the franchise has released the veteran star. Thielen, 35, requested the move so he could conclude his NFL career with a different team.

The announcement was confirmed by both the Vikings and Thielen on social media Monday. According to the team, Thielen expressed a desire to finish his career in a competitive environment, and the organization agreed to honor that request.

Thielen stated that this season will be his final one in the NFL and that he hopes to compete during the remaining weeks of his career.

While he did not directly mention his goals, it is widely believed that Thielen is aiming for a chance to pursue a Super Bowl before retiringa goal unlikely to be achieved with Minnesota this season. After narrowly missing the NFC North title last year, the Vikings have struggled to 4-8 in 2025, hindered by inconsistent quarterback play and other challenges. With playoff contention out of reach, Thielen will look to join a team still in the hunt.

This season, Thielens role in the Vikings offense has been limited. In 11 games, he has recorded only eight receptions for 69 yards. While he may not start for a contending team, he could offer valuable depth as the postseason approaches.

The next chapter for Thielen depends on how NFL teams assess his current ability. During his prime years, he was known for reliable hands and an ability to get open in the end zone. From 2016 to 2022, he averaged nearly 1,000 yards and 7.7 touchdowns per season with Minnesota, earning two Pro Bowl selections and a second-team All-Pro honor in 2017. Even as his yardage declined in later seasons, he remained a scoring threat, catching 14 touchdowns in 15 games in 2020 and 10 in 13 games in 2021.

Following the 2022 season, Thielen signed a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in his first season. After a down year in 2024, he returned to the Vikings via a trade. Despite the presence of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the roster, Thielen was unable to reclaim a leading role in Minnesota.

If teams vying for the playoffs see potential in him, Thielen could still chase his dream of a Super Bowl before retiring. Even if opportunities are limited, injuries or roster shifts could provide another chance to achieve that goal.

Author: Sophia Brooks