Could a reunion between the Minnesota Vikings and one of their most beloved players in recent memory be in the works? One Vikings beat writer seems to think so. Star Tribune’s Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling has begun connecting the dots and believes the idea of a reunion is a real possibility.
Thielen is still under contract with the Carolina Panthers, but with some recent additions to the wide receiver corps, he could find himself as the odd man out. Returning to Minnesota would make a lot of sense for both sides if Thielen were to be cut before the NFL’s roster cut-down day.
The veteran wide receiver spent the first nine years of his career with the Vikings, notching back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2017 and 2018 on his way to his only two Pro Bowl selections. Thielen served as the team’s #2 option during the first three years of Justin Jefferson’s career, dropping off from his 1,000-yard pace but putting up double-digit touchdowns in both 2020 and 2021.
Thielen isn’t the wide receiver he once was during his early years with the Vikings. But that doesn’t mean he’s not still productive. Thielen had over 1,000 yards last year in a struggling Panthers offense as the team’s primary receiving option, which certainly wouldn’t be the case in Minnesota.
In this scenario, Thielen would come in and likely compete for the Vikings’ third wide receiver position, which could certainly use the competition. Thielen would add a veteran presence to the group and could provide a perfect complement to the duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Thielen could also slide into the WR2 spot in the event of Addison’s suspension due to a DUI arrest earlier this month, reuniting with Justin Jefferson as the Vikings 1-2 punch.
Nothing is certain as of yet, but it’s definitely an exciting scenario for Vikings fans to keep an eye on. Thielen would likely be well received if he returned to Minnesota after a release from the Panthers.