Vikings waive Adam Thielen following WR's request to be released

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Adam Thielen‘s reunion in Minnesota was short-lived.

The Vikings announced on Monday that they’ve waived the veteran wide receiver. Thielen was a healthy scratch for Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

“Last week, Adam’s representation approached the team and asked if we would be willing to release Adam, expressing his desire to play a bigger role in the remaining weeks of what he has indicated will be his final NFL season,” general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement. “Following discussions through the weekend and out of respect for Adam, we have agreed to give him the opportunity to pursue more playing time elsewhere. Adam is one of the all-time great Vikings, and we wish him and his family continued success.”

Thielen posted on social media that this is his final season, and he’d like to join a contender.

— Adam Thielen (@athielen19) December 1, 2025

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The 35-year-old is subject to waivers. If he passes through without being claimed, he’ll be a free agent.

The Vikings acquired Thielen this offseason in a trade with the Panthers, sending a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-rounder to Carolina for the veteran receiver, a 2026 conditional seventh-rounder and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

At the time of the trade, the Vikings were in need of a veteran presence, with Justin Jefferson dealing with an injury, Jordan Addison set to serve a suspension, and Jalen Nailor nursing an injury.

The spent capital didn’t pay off for the 4-8 Vikings, whose season has devolved around sub-par QB play. In 11 games, Thielen caught eight passes on 18 targets for 69 yards with zero scores.

A Minnesota native, Thielen spent his first nine seasons with the Vikings, earning two Pro Bowl nods. He signed in Carolina in 2023 and spent two seasons with the Panthers.

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