Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen was one of the few bright spots on the 2023 Carolina Panthers. Following a long and successful stint with the Minnesota Vikings, the former undrafted free agent signed a three-year, $25 million deal with Carolina to be Bryce Young’s top option. With D.J. Moore on the Chicago Bears, Thielen stepped up as the only reliable weapon in the passing game. Starting and appearing in all 17 games, Thielen finished his age-33 season with 103 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns on 137 targets.
The Panthers finished the 2023 season with the worst record in football, but they might not have won a game if it weren’t for Adam Thielen. He was easily the best move of the team’s offseason, but a recent interview indicates the wide receiver did not want to sign with the Panthers. While at a golf tournament, Thielen revealed he wanted to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.
#Panthers WR Adam Thielen tells us he wanted to go to Kansas City last offseason but that the #Chiefs didn't want him pic.twitter.com/Jm2J5weCBC
— Starcade Media (@StarcadeMediaKC) July 12, 2024
Panthers Adam Thielen Wanted to Sign With Kansas City Chiefs
This report shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise to anyone. Adam Thielen was a godsend for the Carolina Panthers, but every single receiver in the league would rather play with Patrick Mahomes and a Super Bowl contender than an untested rookie on a rebuilding roster. The Chiefs didn’t want him and, for what it’s worth, Thielen made them look foolish for that decision. Some of Thielen’s production last year came from being the only reliable target in Carolina, so maybe he wouldn’t have hit 1,000 yards with the Chiefs. However, last year proved he can still play and should remain a key piece in the Panthers offense in 2024.
The Chiefs got the last laugh by winning the Super Bowl, but Thielen could’ve gone a long way in addressing their woeful receiver depth. Travis Kelce started to slow down before finding the Fountain of Youth in the playoffs, and second-round rookie Rashee Rice was the only reliable wide receiver on the team. Kansas City addressed their receiver depth with free agent signing Marquise Brown and first-round pick Xavier Worthy, but Thielen could’ve ensured that Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore never saw the field.
Thielen In 2024
Now entering his age-34 season, Adam Thielen might not see the same workload for the Panthers in 2024. While he will remain a key part of the passing attack, Carolina brought in some weapons to make life easier for Bryce Young. Former Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson is one of the game’s more underrated route runners and will likely lead the team in targets, while first-round pick Xavier Legette is a high-risk, high-reward prospect with a superstar ceiling.
However, even if Legette hits the ground running, Adam Thielen should remain a reliable target in the Panthers offense. Terrace Marshall will never justify his draft selection, while Jonathan Mingo had a disastrous rookie season. In a perfect world, Thielen will be the third option behind a fully realized Legette and a reliable chain mover in Diontae Johnson. In a more realistic world, Thielen will probably be the second option as Legette adjusts to the NFL game.
Main Photo: Morgan Tencza – USA Today Sports
