Returning franchise icon wide receiver, Adam Thielen could be auditioning for the rest of the season coming off the injury reserve and the Saints, Chiefs could be his next teams. According to multiple reports, the Panthers are getting more help in their receiving corps by activating Thielen after missing the majority of the season. Even though he’s on a three-year deal that extends him through 2025, he may request a trade this upcoming offseason. Originally selected by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted rookie free agent, the wide receiver was hoping to establish as the main man for the aerial attack.
It was successful for him, recording 103 receptions for 1,014 receiving yards and four touchdowns. However, the season didn’t go the way he wanted after the Panthers had a disastrous year that season only picking up one win. Thielen was a hot trade candidate but nobody was able to get him, the chances of him finding a new team next year are high. He was the only positive component in this entire Panthers offense despite alternating starting quarterback jobs between Andy Dalton and Bryce Young.
However, injuries have been getting the best of him and he’s only getting older. This means the Panthers could cut him which would leave them rookie Xavier Legette and uprising talent Jalen Coker. If Carolina decides to keep him, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he wants out.
Adam Thielen Injury Could Mean New Home – Saints, Chiefs Potential Fits
A Fresh Start
The New Orleans Saints might not be the ideal place for Thielen but he would easily be their number one receiver. They’re making everyone believe that they won’t be heading toward a rebuild despite firing Dennis Allen. Mickey Loomis’s job might be safe but the reality is that this team might not be a Super Bowl-caliber roster for years to come. Thielen is just one player and won’t drastically improve the passing game, but he could make the Saints competitive again in the NFC.
The Panthers won’t trade Thielen to their divisional rival so if he becomes available after a release, the Saints could sign him. There’s no word on what might happen with Derek Carr’s future but if they’re putting belief in rookie Spencer Rattler, a guy like Thielen could boost his passing career. Journeyman Marquez Valdes-Scantling and draft bust Bub Means will have to pick up the slack but it could improve their efficiency to get open if they can get Thielen in the conversation. Chris Olave‘s frustrations and injury may wind him up in a new home which would leave Rashid Shaheed as the sole perimeter wideout that’s somewhat reliable.
Dream Come True?
Before signing with the Panthers in 2023, Thielen hoped to land with the Kansas City Chiefs but they weren’t interested. However, this could all come full circle this offseason if they decide that trading for DeAndre Hopkins isn’t the long-term answer. This will all determine the outcome of this year and his performance, but with Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice returning, it makes more sense. They may have rookie Xavier Worthy but he doesn’t possess any postseason experience nor been in the league long enough.
A signing like Thielen may be accommodating behind Rice and Brown. Thielen has the size that all three Worthy, Rice and Brown have to give enough firepower for Patrick Mahomes. He doesn’t need the tallest or deep threat like Hopkins is but getting Thielen to join forces may turn up the speed for this offense. The veteran wideout doesn’t need to play full-time, just enough to make a crucial play in quick routes.
