Vikings to launch WR Adam Thielen after storied run
The Minnesota Vikings launched receiver Adam Thielen on Friday, concluding a storied tenure for the Minnesotan who captured the hearts of followers all through the area.
Born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and having performed collegiately at Minnesota State Mankato, Thielen signed with the workforce in 2013 after serving as a tryout participant at rookie minicamp. By the tip of the 2022 season, he had extra profession catches (534) than any participant in workforce historical past aside from Cris Carter and Randy Moss, each of whom are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“To go from a kid growing up in Detroit Lakes to playing for the Minnesota Vikings has been a journey beyond what I could have dreamed of,” Thielen stated in an Instagram put up. “I want to thank everyone within the Vikings organization — coaches, teammates, the Wilf family and fans — for all the love and support I have received over the years. I poured everything I had into these last 10+ years in presenting and playing for this team and state. My family and I will always cherish them memories we created on and off the field. Minnesota is — and will always be — home to us.”
“Adam’s story is one many know and admire and an incredible example of what a relentless pursuit of a goal can ultimately accomplish,” coach Kevin O’Connell stated in a press release. “For over a decade, Adam honed his craft to become one of the most well-recognized wide receivers in the NFL. Over that same time, he poured so much of his time into his home state, which made it even more special for him to earn our 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination. I personally leaned on Adam for his work ethic, leadership and counsel multiple times to help get our team where we wanted it to be last season.”
But as Thielen approached his thirty third birthday, he started to lose floor to youthful gamers within the Vikings’ offense. Over the ultimate 5 video games of final season, he ranked fourth in targets behind Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson and Okay.J. Osborn.
That dynamic, together with a contract that imposed a $19.97 million cap quantity for 2023, led to Friday’s transfer. The Vikings spoke to him this offseason a couple of potential contract restructure that would come with a pay minimize, and it was clear that Thielen would have had a diminished position of their offense shifting ahead.
Thielen informed ESPN final month that he hoped to retire as a Viking. But he added: “I also want my opportunity to show that I can play at a high level.”
General supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah launched a press release Friday: “Adam will forever be a part of the Minnesota Vikings family and history. Setting the standard with his play on the field, being a selfless teammate, and making a permanent impact in the community, Adam’s influence is significant. We are grateful for everything he brought to the Vikings organization since arriving in 2013, and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to work with him over the last year. He is the best representation of what the Minnesota Vikings should stand for.”
Given the comparatively skinny free agent market at receiver, he ought to generate curiosity from groups that may provide extra enjoying time and targets. By making the transfer, the Vikings save $6.4 million on the wage cap.
Thielen, a two-time Pro Bowl choice, had 70 catches for 716 yards and 6 touchdowns final season. He has 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns in his profession.
The Vikings additionally waived cornerback Cameron Dantzler Sr. on Friday.
Dantzler had appeared in 35 video games (26 begins) for the Vikings over the previous three seasons after being chosen within the third spherical of the 2020 draft. He had three profession interceptions together with three compelled fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Cutting Dantzler, who was getting into the ultimate season of his rookie deal, will create $2.743 million in cap area for the Vikings.