Adam Thielen #19 for the Vikings #1 in our hearts
By: Ross Blilie
3–10–2023
Updated on 3–20–2023
Today I learned that a very prominent and respected player as well as a fan favorite for the Minnesota Vikings, has been released by the team. Adam Thielen, a native of Detroit Lakes, MN, had his contract with the Vikings terminated ahead of the 2023 free agency period. As a fan of Thielen, as well as his path to the NFL, I feel that it is a sad day. However, from the business side of the NFL, it is understandable. Thielen’s contract is very expensive in terms of production and age. He will be 33 soon and his production last season slipped because of the addition of Tight End T.J. Hockenson. In addition, with the drafting of LSU wideout Justin Jefferson, Thielen’s targets have also dipped.
At last check, Thielen’s cap hit was $20 million. How does a team justify paying a guy a huge salary for low numbers? That’s a good question I can’t answer. I can’t answer that question because if you look at Kirk Cousins salary, while he puts up good numbers, his position assumption is that he will win a lot of games including the playoffs. To me, Kirk Cousins salary does not justify his performance.
While it is a sad day in fan history, wide receiever Adam Thielen’s legacy will remain part of a feel-good story. I hope he finds a good team and gets paid what he deserves.
Last night I learned that Thielen signed a 3 year contract with the Carolina Panthers. His deal is for $25 M for all 3 seasons. If he plays well, like he wants to, he could be extending that deal. While it is sad that Thielen has gone to another team, the silver lining is that he got everything he wanted.
Ross Blilie is an avid NFL fan of the Minnesota Vikings since the 1990’s. He loves to talk about the NFL and the Vikings every chance he gets. His hobbies also include bowling with his wife and friends, narrating audiobooks, fishing, and even sitting by a campfire with family at Lake Blackduck in Minnesota. You can find Ross on twitter & Instagram @Rossthenarrator.