3 Adam Thielen Trades Panthers Must Make After Retirement Comments

2. A Reliable Target for the Los Angeles Chargers

While the Panthers don’t have to deal with Mahomes on an annual basis, the Los Angeles Chargers aren’t as fortunate. Playing in the same division with the greatest quarterback of this generation, the Chargers have to go head-to-head with the Chiefs twice, making their offseason dealings somewhat of an arms race.

Thielen landing in Kansas City wouldn’t be as big of a deal as it was when he was released by the Minnesota Vikings a few years ago. But his presence would be just as effective on a Chargers team that doesn’t have many reliable weapons.

Ladd McConkey was a breakout rookie for the Chargers, catching 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns to become Justin Herbert’s No. 1 target in his rookie season. The Chargers’ weapons behind McConkey were less than desirable as Quentin Johnson had six drops on the season and a 9.8 percent drop rate and Will Disly was a less-than dynamic option with 50 catches for 481 yards and two touchdowns.

The Chargers are going to pound the ball on the ground as long as Jim Harbaugh is the head coach. But Herbert needs somebody to throw the ball to that will help prevent McConkey from drawing extra attention. After making the playoffs last year, the Chargers may not be far away and could use Thielen to help allocate their other assets to help them go further in 2025.

3. A Valued Mentor for J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings

Of course, there’s always the chance Thielen will want to go back to where it all started. Thielen is a cult hero in Minnesota thanks to his ascent into an NFL star. A native of Detroit Lakes, Minn., Thielen played collegiately at Mankato State and was going to sell dental equipment before landing a tryout with the Vikings.

In a scene completely out of a Disney movie, Thielen earned his way onto the Vikings’ roster as a special teamer and eventually worked his way into the starting lineup. He caught 534 passes for 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns during his time with the Vikings and made the Pro Bowl in back-to-back seasons before his release in 2022.

Thielen’s desire for more opportunities and a chance to show the league were the key reason for his departure from Minnesota. But he still has a heavy presence with the Thielen Foundation that provides financial support, sports equipment and apparel and support for youth in the state.

Returning home would be a nice story but it also would give Thielen a chance to win a Super Bowl for his hometown team. The Vikings already have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but Thielen would be a nice role player in an offense that also includes T.J. Hockenson.

There’s also the possibility that J.J. McCarthy could become the Vikings quarterback if Sam Darnold departs in free agency. Since the two already worked together earlier this summer, there would be some level of chemistry and help make that an easier transition.

The Vikings finished 14-3 last season but dropped their final two games. Thielen isn’t the missing piece, but he could be part of the answer. While Minnesota has just three picks in the upcoming draft, they could offer some of their 2026 capital to make it happen and give Thielen a chance to finish the story.

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