Tag: Adam Thielen

NFL insider suggests Panthers could extend WR Adam Thielen

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler thinks the Panthers could rework a deal with WR Adam Thielen.

Not only will Carolina Panthers wideout Adam Thielen be back for the 2025 season, but one league insider believes he could be here to stay . . . for at least a little bit longer.

ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler emptied out his notebook this morning, just ahead of tomorrow’s Super Bowl LIX matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. And among the latest buzz he laid out was the following about Thielen’s future in Carolina:

The Panthers want veteran receiver Adam Thielen back in 2025. He’s due more than $6 million in overall payout in the last year of his contract. Carolina and Thielen could always renegotiate to find a sweet spot on a new one-year deal or an extension. But my sense is the team does not plan to release Thielen, who does want to be on a winning team.

Luckily for the Panthers, Thielen will be back in 2025. The 34-year-old, while making the rounds at “Radio Row” this past week,” confirmed the belief that he won’t head into retirement this offseason.

Despite missing seven games in 2024 due to a hamstring strain, Thielen still proved that he’s got it. The two-time Pro Bowler, following his return from the injury, recorded 40 catches for 506 yards and four touchdowns over seven outings.

Thielen is entering the final season of the three-year, $25 million deal he signed in 2023.

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Could a Vikings fan favorite return to the team in 2025?

A Vikings legend could be hitting the market in 2025, and he could be returning to the team he began his career with.

Sometimes, the business side of the NFL gets in the way of player loyalty. Longtime favorites bid farewell and sign elsewhere, usually due to salary cap constraints.

This happened in 2023 when the Minnesota Vikings parted ways with wideout Adam Thielen. The Detroit Lakes, MN, native played his college football at Minnesota State before signing as an undrafted free agent in 2013. But the Vikings had to shed older players with large cap numbers, including Thielen, who had $13.5 million in dead money in the 2023 books.

Thielen signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Carolina Panthers that offseason. Although he still has one year left on his contract, the Panthers could save $6.3 million with a post-June 1st cut designation.

According to the Daily Mail, Thielen, 34, may not be ready to walk away from football if they cut him. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison form a dynamic 1-2 punch at wideout, but the Vikings could use a savvy veteran presence in the receiver room.

The reunion could be more than a fun homecoming for Thielen. He mentioned in 2023 that he wanted a ring. Although choosing the Panthers may not have been the best team for that to play out, Thielen won’t be commanding a big contract at this point in his career. And the Vikings went 14-3 in 2024. Could they take the next step in 2025?

Thielen is among the top five in most receiving categories in Vikings history. His 6,682 receiving yards are fifth all-time, and he ranks third in receptions (534) and touchdowns (55).

Panthers WR Adam Thielen hints at decision on playing future after contemplating retirement

Will Panthers WR Adam Thielen return for his 12th NFL season in 2025? He hinted towards his decision in a recent interview.

Carolina Panthers wideout Adam Thielen doesn’t appear to be done quite yet.

The veteran receiver, in a chat with Mail Sport from Friday, hinted that he plans on returning for the 2025 campaign. Thielen, who turns 35 years old in August, would be entering his 12th official NFL season.

“Yeah, I think I still have some more football in me. We’ll see how that plays out in the next few weeks,” Thielen stated, via Ben Nagle.

Thielen, during exit interviews back on Jan. 6, did not dismiss the possibility of retirement. He told reporters that he, like the previous three offseasons, would consider the prospect of hanging up his cleats.

But the upward trajectory of the Panthers, who went from two wins in Thielen’s first season to five in his second, may have helped his decision to stick around.

“I think that’s what has enticed me to want to play again is just the progression, the leadership, the type of things that they’re doing to try to create a winning culture,” he added to Nagle.

“I really believe in what they’re doing. So there’s a lot to look forward to, especially with Bryce and his progression. And then, you know, just being able to add some pieces and see what happens.”

Thielen will be under the final season of the three-year, $25 million deal he signed in the spring of 2023.

The first two seasons, over a span of 27 games, resulted in 1,629 yards and nine touchdowns on 151 receptions for the two-time Pro Bowler.

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Panthers’ biggest needs heading into the 2025 offseason

The Panthers have quite a few needs for 2025, and most of them reside on the defensive side of the ball.

Despite missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, the Carolina Panthers took a refreshing step forward in 2024.

They went from two wins in 2023 to five wins this year, they won’t be going forward with a different head coach and, perhaps most importantly, they may very well have their franchise quarterback in Bryce Young.

But this seedling is going to require some more water before it really starts budding next fall.

So for the Panthers to keep growing, they’ll have to address these needs during the offseason . . .

What are the Panthers’ biggest needs for 2025?

1. EDGE

All things considered, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney had himself a pretty decent campaign. But when your best pass rusher is an 11th-year veteran who recorded 5.5 sacks, you probably need some more firepower.

Carolina is fresh off allowing the most points ever in a single season (534), and their punchless pass rush certainly played a part in that dubious honor. The Panthers notched just 32 sacks, tied for the third-fewest in 2024.

Other than rostering Clowney off the edge, the unit does have D.J. Wonnum—who gave a fine account of himself in his shortened season. But this defense needs a certifiable sack artist, one who can free up Clowney more often and push Wonnum into a more suitable role as a rotational presence.

2. DL

If Carolina suffered mightily from their lack of pressure, then their run defense might tell the pass rush to hold its beer.

The Panthers relinquished a ridiculous 179.8 rushing yards per game, by far the most in the NFL. To put that number into perspective—the next closest team, the New Orleans Saints, allowed 141.4 rushing yards a contest.

This unit will certainly get a boost from the return of Pro Bowler Derrick Brown, who went down for the season after tearing his meniscus in Week 1. He will, however, need some upgrades beside and behind him.

3. DB

Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller and Nick Scott combined to account for 83.1 percent of Carolina’s snaps amongst safeties. All three are slated to become free agents this offseason.

Cornerback Mike Jackson, maybe the most pleasant surprise of the year, is also looking for a new contract. If he walks, the Panthers would definitely need a new No. 2 to pair with Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn.

But even if they were to retain at least some of those guys, the Panthers need more playmakers in their secondary. Their nine interceptions were tied for the fifth-fewest in the league.

4. ILB

All three of Carolina’s top inside linebackers—Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace—had their seasons abbreviated by injuries. By the time Weeks 17 and 18 rolled around, the Panthers were forced to entrust the middle of their defense to special teamers and practice-squad members.

The outlook is still cloudy entering 2025. Thompson will be a free agent coming off an Achilles tear, Jewell wasn’t always a reliable tackler and Wallace is still learning the position.

5. WR

It wouldn’t be a Carolina Panthers offseason if we didn’t bring up the need for a wideout.

While Young took a very encouraging step in his development over the season’s last 11 weeks, he shouldn’t taking his next one with a 35-year-old Adam Thielen as his best target. And although Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker flashed at times as rookies, neither are likely to grow right into the No. 1 receiver Young should have for 2025.

6. TE

There’s a similar conundrum at the tight end position.

2024 fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders looked quite solid . . . in spurts. He, like Legette and Coker, is not a surefire solution at the moment.

Plus, Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas are headed to free agency.

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Panthers GM Dan Morgan is asked if he’s looking to add a ‘big-time receiver’ this offseason

Will the Panthers try to make a run at a “big-time” receiver this offseason?

With strong endorsements from his owner, his head coach and the greatest player in franchise history, quarterback Bryce Young seems to be the “guy” for the Carolina Panthers. So now that that’s settled, will the team’s front office try to find “the guy” for him?

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan hit the lectern for his post-regular season press conference on Monday. Amongst a bevy of questions regarding the offseason, Morgan was asked if he’ll have his sights on acquiring a “big-time receiver” in the coming months.

“Every option’s on the table,” he replied to Joe Person of The Athletic. “Whether receiver, whether corner, offensive linemen, linebacker, D-linemen—like, we’re gonna look to just add really good football players. It’s not gonna be specific to any position or need.”

That position may once again be a need for Carolina. The only wideouts who will be under team control heading into the new league year are 34-year-old Adam Thielen and soon-to-be second-year youngsters Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker.

If Morgan and the Panthers are shooting for the big time, they might be able to take their shot at signing Cincinnati Bengals standout and Clemson University product Tee Higgins in free agency.

If it’s the draft, where they hold the eighth overall pick, Carolina may be in range for the likes of Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan or Missouri’s Luther Burden III near the top of the first round.

But for now, and just how it’s always been for Morgan’s regime, everything remains on the table.

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Panthers WR Adam Thielen to contemplate retirement

Panthers WR Adam Thielen when asked if he’s considering retirement: “Yeah, for sure.”

Carolina Panthers wideout Adam Thielen, just like he has for the past few years, isn’t taking the game of football for granted.

The 34-year-old receiver just closed the book on yet another productive season. His 11th NFL campaign, one that shortened by six games due to an hamstring injury, still saw the two-time Pro Bowler go for 615 yards and five touchdowns over 10 outings.

But will Mr. Reliable be back for a 12th NFL campaign?

On Monday, less than 24 hours after Carolina’s victorious regular-season finale, Thielen was asked if he’s considering retirement.

“Yeah, for sure,” he replied.

He explained.

“I mean, every year I think I consider it,” Thielen continued. “It’s no different than the last three years. Nothing has changed in the last three years as far as the process of the next two weeks. I’m gonna take two weeks to be around my family, get my mind away from football, see how my body feels in two, three weeks and then be very clear of  my intentions.

“But again, that’s not a new thing—in Year 12. It’s something that I’ve contemplated probably since Year 10. After the season, like . . . is this right for my family? Is it right for me to keep playing? Is it right for the team?”

If it’s right for everyone, Thielen will be entering the final season of a three-year, $25 million deal in 2025.

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Panthers players react to Bryce Young’s amazing Week 18 performance

Panthers QB Bryce Young dazzled his teammates with a career outing in Week 18.

Well, maybe Carolina Panthers guard Robert Hunt said it best about quarterback Bryce Young after all.

Young led the way for the Panthers in Sunday’s 44-38 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons, as he amassed 275 total yards and a career-high five touchdowns. The 23-year-old, along with securing the first road win of his NFL career, also became the first quarterback in franchise history to record three touchdown passes and two touchdown runs in a single game.

That performance, of course, left quite an impression—and even dazzled a number of his teammates . . .

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Panthers All-22 film review: Bryce Young takes his shots in Week 17

Panthers QB Bryce Young answered the questions about his deep ball in Sunday’s impressive outing against the Buccaneers.

The big story for the Carolina Panthers out of yesterday’s 48-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was their futile attempt at fielding an NFL defense. But we’re not here to analyze that.

Instead, we’re looking at the big positive—quarterback Bryce Young.

Young put forth another quality showcase in Week 17, completing 15 of his 28 throws for 203 yards and two touchdowns. And while those numbers aren’t the flashiest, his actual play certainly was

Let’s take a dive into the All-22 film to go over Young’s key throws from Sunday . . .

The Film

Right off the bat, head coach Dave Canales dials up a vertical push downfield. The matchup is ideal with a single-high look.

Young has remained intentional with his hitches on dropbacks and it shows here. With the pocket closing, Young remains composed and drops this pass in the bucket for wideout Adam Thielen.

If you think back to his time at the University of Alabama, these throws were routine for Young. Adding more consistency to his deep ball is important for his growth, and that pass set the tone for what was one of Young’s best days downfield.

This is another example of a routine play that Young consistently made in college against quality SEC opponents.

Thielen runs a beautiful sluggo seam with a free release from a stacked tight alignment. In the first couple of weeks of the season, you saw Young leave the pocket with reckless abandonment—but not here. He steps up in the pocket and throws this pass into the void for six points.

The following is the best chuck of the day from No. 9, and yet another example of his vertical accuracy improving. This is a perfect and well-placed ball to Thielen, who was seemingly throwing it back to his Minnesota Vikings days.

Sunday’s game saw Young take and make the over-the-top passes that he has struggled with consistently completing, even going back to his Crimson Tide career. While it’s not as long or far as his touchdown pass to Jameson Williams in the 2021 SEC Championship, it was a similar throw against two defenders.

Now, imagine these passes going to an explosive playmaker that can take the top off of a defense or win at all three levels . . .

It seems like Young has at least one of these point guard-like plays each week. This is a great play where Young navigates the pocket and displays his snappy quick release to complete this throw on the move.

The calmness and steadiness from the second-year signal caller that should standout. Sure, looking like Panthers fan Steph Curry working his way to the top of the key is impressive, but there is no panic from Young on this play.

The Verdict

While a 300-plus yard, three-plus touchdown performance from Young would be outstanding—showing consistent growth in critical areas is more important. If there was one area that I felt like he needed to show better placement, it was on those strikes downfield.

Young keeps on displaying poise and outstanding composure, accuracy on all three levels, superb pocket awareness and navigation skills, out-of-structure capacity, and the ability to make big-time throws in critical situations. He deserves the praise.

The goal now is to surround him with quality playmakers while maintaining his growth. Sunday provided another game of progress, and one that has further established Young as the team’s quarterback of the future.

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Panthers Week 17 injury report: Taylor Moton, Jaycee Horn doubtful

The Panthers are pretty banged up heading into their Week 17 matchup against the Bucs.

The Carolina Panthers may be down a handful of key contributors in Week 17.

Right tackle Taylor Moton, who did not participate in practice throughout the week due to a knee injury, has been listed as doubtful for Sunday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If he cannot go, Yosh Nijman will get his third start of the campaign.

Cornerback Jaycee Horn is also considered doubtful for the contest with a hip issue.

The defense will definitely be down linebacker Josey Jewell and nickel cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, both of whom have already been ruled out.

Here’s the full injury report from Friday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OT Taylor Moton Knee DNP DNP DNP Doubtful
CB Chau-Smith Wade Illness/chest DNP DNP DNP Out
CB Jaycee Horn Hip DNP DNP DNP Doubtful
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest/Knee DNP Limited Limited Questionable
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Knee/elbow Full DNP Limited Questionable
OT Ikem Ekwonu Shoulder Full Full Full –
C Cade Mays Illness Full Full Full –
ILB Josey Jewell Quadriceps/concussion Full DNP DNP Out
WR Xavier Legette Hip/wrist Full Limited Limited Questionable
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee/illness Full Limited DNP Questionable
OLB D.J. Wonnum Shoulder/knee Full Limited Limited Questionable
QB Bryce Young Hamstring Full Full Full –
G Damien Lewis Illness/ankle DNP Limited Questionable
OLB Amaré Barno Knee Limited Limited –
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited Limited –
TE Tommy Tremble Shoulder/back Limited Limited –
OLB Cam Gill Illness DNP Limited Questionable

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Panthers’ Chuba Hubbard, Adam Thielen limited in Thursday’s practice

The Panthers had quite a lengthy injury report on Thursday, one that included RB Chuba Hubbard and WR Adam Thielen.

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard and wide receiver Adam Thielen were both limited for Thursday’s practice.

Hubbard, who was down as non-participant for Wednesday on a rest designation, has now been listed with a knee injury. The fourth-year back was awarded NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance from this past Sunday’s 36-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Thielen was added to report this afternoon with a hamstring issue.

The Panthers, in addition, were without four key starters—left guard Damien Lewis (illness), right tackle Taylor Moton (knee), outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (knee/elbow) and cornerback Jaycee Horn (hip).

Here’s today’s full listing:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OT Taylor Moton Knee DNP DNP
CB Chau-Smith Wade Illness DNP DNP
CB Jaycee Horn Hip DNP DNP
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest/Knee DNP Limited
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Knee/elbow Full DNP
OT Ikem Ekwonu Shoulder Full Full
C Cade Mays Illness Full Full
ILB Josey Jewell Quadriceps/hamstring Full DNP
WR Xavier Legette Hip/wrist Full Limited
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee Full Limited
OLB D.J. Wonnum Shoulder/knee Full Limited
QB Bryce Young Hamstring Full Full
G Damien Lewis Illness/ankle DNP
OLB Amaré Barno Knee Limited
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited
TE Tommy Tremble Shoulder/back Limited
OLB Cam Gill Illness DNP

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