Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAYMon, December 1, 2025 at 5:44 PM UTC·1 min readAdam Thielen's second stint with the Minnesota Vikings didn't go as planned for either the team or the receiver.
The Vikings on Dec. 1 waived Thielen, who was operating in a diminished role for a franchise sinking farther out of the playoff picture.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThielen said in a statement posted to social media that he asked the team for his release so that he could join a postseason contender for the final few weeks of the year, which will be the last of his 12-year career.
"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," the Vikings said in a statement. "Adam is one of the all-time great Vikings, and we wish him and his family continued success."
After rising from an undrafted free agent to a two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Vikings at the outset of his career, Thielen rejoined his hometown team when the Carolina Panthers traded him back to Minnesota in August.
But the Vikings have slipped to 4-8 on the season amid persistent offensive problems while pivoting to a new era at quarterback with J.J. McCarthy. Thielen has started four games but has seen his usage wane significantly, having not exceeded 14 offensive snaps in a contest since Week 3. He was inactive for the Vikings' 26-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 30.
In 2025, he has recorded just eight catches for 69 yards.
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
2 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.3 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.4 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Adam Thielen waived by Vikings as WR seeks to join NFL contender
AdvertisementAdvertisement
