Wide receiver Adam Thielen will sign a new three-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, citing sources. His new pact is for three years and worth a total of $17 million with $11 million guaranteed. Thielen could earn a total of $27 million with incentives. The restricted free agent and former undrafted player spent the last four years in Minnesota.
Big restricted free-agent deal:
Vikings and WR Adam Thielen reach agreement on three-year deal, per source.
Thielen stays in Minnesota.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2017
Adam Thielen Re-Signs With Minnesota Vikings
Thielen earned a contract with the Vikings after an open tryout in 2013 and spent his first year on the practice squad. He then carved out a role on special teams and as a niche offensive contributor. Last season, Thielen broke out, posting nearly 1,000 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Thielen’s path to stardom in the NFL is as amazing as they come. The former DII player earned a contract with his hometown team and has improved every year since entering the NFL. In 2014, his first season on the Viking’s active roster, Thielen blocked and returned a punt for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers. He caught his first receiving touchdown on a deep ball in the season finale against the Chicago Bears. In 2015, Thielen made several crucial plays, including a week 17 face punt which helped the Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers and win the NFC North for the first time since 2009. In 2016, Thielen posted his first two 100 yard games and his first 200 yard game. The latter, which he achieved in a loss to the Packers, was also Thielen’s first two touchdown game.
Before the 2016 season, in joint practices against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Bengals defensive backs refused to face Thielen one-on-one because they wanted to face “some dogs.” After his remarkable season, Thielen should have no problem finding over confident DBs who want to face off against the 6’3 receiver.
As a player who has gotten better every year, there is no reason to expect any drop off from Thielen next season. With targets, Thielen can produce as well as any receiver in the league due to his size, speed, route running, body control and passion for the game. Look for Thielen to make a big contribution for the team next season and beyond.
