Jordan Addison

Homecoming: Panthers and Vikings are finalizing a trade for WR Adam Thielen to return to Minnesota, sources tell ESPN.

The trade: Vikings get Thielen, a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

Panthers get a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Thielen starred for the Vikings from 2013-2022. Now he returns.

Related Players: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker

This is a good move to ease J.J. McCarthy into the league with Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games. Thielen is heading into his age-35 (!!) season and doesn't offer nearly the run-after-catch ability as he did in his heyday, but he can operate as a consistent option for the young QB. He's unlikely to hit double-digit targets as he did a couple times last year with JJ and T.J. Hockenson around, but he could be playable for desperate deep-league managers.

Back in Carolina, this helps clear the runway for Jalen Coker to operate as the Panthers' primary slot option after a pretty impressive rookie season for a UDFA. He's an interesting stash.