Adam Thielen Accepts Pay Cut to Return to the Vikings
Receiver Adam Thielen has made a significant decision to facilitate his return to the Minnesota Vikings, his original team. Sources confirm that Thielen accepted a $2 million salary reduction, which was crucial to finalize the transfer from the Carolina Panthers. With this restructuring, Thielen’s salary for next season is estimated to be approximately 5 million dollars. The negotiations between the Vikings and the Panthers extended for more than a week. One of the points of discussion was the compensation for the draft picks. Finally, a package was agreed upon that involved fifth-round picks in 2026 and fourth-round picks in 2027, in exchange for Thielen, a conditional seventh-round pick in 2026 and a fifth round pick in 2027. Another relevant aspect was Thielen’s contract. The Panthers had given him a $1.5 million raise during the offseason, raising his total compensation to $7 million for 2025. During the negotiations, the Panthers were unwilling to cover a portion of Thielen’s salary. The player’s decision to accept a salary reduction was key to closing the deal.Born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Thielen played at the collegiate level at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and spent the first 10 seasons of his professional career with the Vikings. The announcement of Thielen’s salary reduction was initially reported.“They obviously know, without me saying it, how much this place means to me. The state, the city, this organization, the owners, the coaches, the players. I couldn’t be more excited and there’s nothing I can say to express how excited I am to be back home with my family.”
Adam Thielen
