The Chiefs, Chargers are likely suitors for two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, Adam Thielen in trade. Thielen could find a new home as soon as next week since he continues to be a part of trade rumors. Originally selected in the 2013 NFL Draft, the veteran was hoping to find his footing in Carolina after being a reliable piece in the disastrous 2023 campaign. Despite that, Thielen was able to put up big numbers that season, recording 103 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns.
However, injuries have been catching up to him and he may no longer be a reliable piece in the NFL anymore as he’s aging. Thielen is still valuable and his veteran status could be worthy for any roster that is a contender. He may not be a starter anymore but he could still be useful as an extra slot receiver for a team that needs one. The veteran still has one more year left on his current deal so the Panthers could use that money to rebuild their passing game for any quarterback taking over in 2025.
With Diontae Johnson moving on, it makes sense to make Xavier Legette the prime candidate for WR1 and begin a new regime in Carolina. The rest of the season for the Panthers is about testing the waters and seeing what their future holds. It doesn’t make sense to keep Thielen around if they don’t see him as part of those plans. Contending teams like the Chiefs and Los Angeles could use someone like Thielen to effectively improve the passing game.
The #Panthers have been getting a lot of calls on veteran Adam Thielen pic.twitter.com/E0Lat1wqU4
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) November 1, 2024
Chiefs, Chargers Likely Suitors for Two-Time Pro Bowler Adam Thielen in Trade
Veteran Help for Mahomes
The Chiefs came into the season hoping to have Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice and rookie Xavier Worthy as their three-piece starters. However, they’re moving on with Worthy as their No. 1 receiver despite acquiring DeAndre Hopkins in a trade. Hopkins is a reliable deep-threat weapon that makes Patrick Mahomes feel comfortable throwing those long-shot balls. Thielen could be a part of the starting lineup ahead of JuJu Smith-Schuster who is dealing with injuries this season.
He doesn’t need to be full-time but Mahomes could bring out the best in Thielen again like in the Minnesota days. The thing about the Chiefs offense is that he could make any receiver look like a star which Andy Reid is expecting Hopkins to be come this Monday night against Tampa Bay. However, they could still use Thielen as a rental veteran to make a final push for a potential Super Bowl three-peat. As long as they can get him in slant routes, he would be a crucial player to make those big plays on third down to get the ball out quickly to avoid pressure from opposing defenses.
Life Support Chargers
Jim Harbaugh must know that while the Chargers are 4-3, they can’t win any more football games if they refuse to address the passing attack. After losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, the team was hoping Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, DJ Chark and rookie Ladd McConkey would be their immediate receiving room for the future. Johnston is still looking like his 2023 self while Palmer and McConkey are probably Justin Herbert’s best weapons. McConkey is their long-term starter but adding a replica of his future veteran self like Thielen could give enough firepower to keep moving the ball down the field.
Jalen Reagor may be stepping in but he isn’t a consistent receiver that the Chargers could depend on. It’s something they can’t do if they have playoff aspirations. Los Angeles could probably see what Thielen has in his tank and he may easily be a full-time starter if he can stay healthy. Herbert is still one of the better quarterbacks in the league so let’s see if the chemistry can work out as a legitimate contender.
