It might not be the best and brightest day for the Vikings fan, something they have already seen very little of this season. Adam Thielen, one of the Vikings' greatest WRs, posted on social media today that he decided long ago that 2025 would be his final season and that he hoped to find a new team where he could compete for the last few weeks of his career. He requested to be released from the Vikings, and that is what they did. 

The Vikings took to their official X account about Adam Thielen being waived. "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.

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,” read the statement by General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. 

In March 2023, Thielen signed a 3-year, $25 million deal with the Panthers; however, he was traded back to the Minnesota Vikings, his home team, in August 2025. The WR was excited to return and even took a $2million cut ($7m to roughly $5m), but ever since Jordan Addison returned in Week 5, Thielen had played only a handful of snaps per game, recording 8 catches for 69 yards in 11 games. 

Six of the eight catches resulted in first downs, and he also caught a 2-point conversion pass in Minnesota's Week 1 comeback win at Chicago. The Vikings, however, could not build off that early momentum. "As a Minnesota native, putting on this uniform over the years and representing this community both on and off the field has always meant that much more to me. This team is in my bones. It's in my heart and it's part of my DNA. I will ALWAYS be a Minnesota Viking," a part of his statement read. 

The Vikings and the fans must hate to see him go, but he wanted to play more. His wife, Caitlin, said his decision to ask for a release was driven more by his desire to playing on the field than by chasing wins. "It’s not even about wins or losses, it’s about Adam wanting to compete, wanting to play. This is his last season… I know him as a competitor, he wants to compete, wants to play, wants to prove, he’s always been about proving people, proving to himself," she said.

Since the move happened after the trade deadline, Thielen has to go through waivers. Any team can claim him there, but if no one does, he’ll become a free agent and can sign wherever he wants. It won't come to the latter though the Pittsburg Steelers have picked him up, which truly marks the end of his regin with the Vikings.

Adam Thielen: a Vikings legend 

2025 was not the first time Thielen has worn the Vikings jersey. As a matter of fact, he spent the first nine seasons of his professional career with the Vikings after he played collegiately at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and was released after the 2022 season. For the Vikings ‌, he ranks No. 3 in career touchdown catches (55), fourth in receptions (542), and fifth in receiving yards (6,751). 

Talking about him after the waiver, Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell said, "I think Adam is a special person and a special player that has meant a lot to not only this organization, but the career he's had. I just wish him nothing but the best over these final few weeks of the year. And it sounds like that might be the final few weeks of his career.” Thielen has announced that 2025 will be his last season. 

He’s played 12 seasons between the Vikings and Panthers, racking up 693 catches for 8,380 yards and 66 touchdowns. He’s also been selected for two Pro Bowls, numbers that could only get better if any team picks him up. What do you think is next for Adam Thielen? 

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu