NFL free agency is fully underway, and the Carolina Panthers haven't wasted any time throwing money around.
Looking to return to playoff contention, the Panthers have spent the last few days signing outside names like running back Rico Dowdle, safety Trevon Moehrig, and outside linebacker Patrick Jones. They've also taken care of some familiar faces, opting to re-sign offensive lineman Brady Christensen and cornerback Michael Jackson.
As free agents continue to fly off the board around the league, it's been revealed that the Panthers are working on another move regarding an in-house name.
Panthers Restructuring Adam Thielen's Contract as Free Agency Continues
On Wednesday night, The Athletic's Joe Person confirmed that the Panthers are restructuring veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen's contract. According to Person, the "plan to give him a pay bump" from the $6.75 million he's due in 2025.
Last month, Thielen revealed that he's staving off retirement for one more year and will return to the Panthers' offense for the 2025 season. Although continuing to foster chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young likely factored into the veteran playmaker's decision to continue playing, the prospect of a pay raise likely played a factor, too.
The 2025 campaign will mark Thielen's 12th year in the NFL and his third with the Panthers. The former Minnesota State wideout made his way to Charlotte on a three-year, $25 million contract during the 2023 offseason and has since lived up to the hype.
Thielen suited up for all 17 games in 2023, resulting in 103 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. Although injuries limited the Detroit Lakes, MN native to 10 appearances in 2024, he proved that he still has more than enough juice left in the tank by turning 48 catches into 615 receiving yards and five TDs.
Had he stayed healthy for the full year, Thielen was on pace for an impressive 82-1,046-9 stat line in 17 games.
The Panthers' WR room boasts solid up-and-coming names like Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, however, it's clear that Thielen is still his team's WR1. Time will tell if the veteran pass-catcher has another 1,000-yard campaign in him when Carolina takes to the field in September.