EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings on Monday waived veteran receiver Adam Thielen, ending his second stint with the franchise after his representatives requested a release to seek a larger role elsewhere.
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah issued the following statement:
"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."
Thielen, a Detroit Lakes native and one of the most accomplished receivers in franchise history, posted his own message on social media:
Vikings Family — Thank you. This is tremendously difficult for me to write and certainly not how any of us imagined this to go. 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. Since this past Spring, I knew this was going to be my last season playing in the National Football League. Given that, the Vikings allowed me the opportunity to go compete elsewhere for the last few weeks of my career. Minnesota will always be our home, and we are incredibly grateful to the Wilf family, Kwesi, K.O. and everyone in the Vikings organization for bringing us back in August. This organization means the world to us from the top down and this locker room is filled with true professionals. With gratitude and love and I'll be back to retire! Adam
Because the transaction occurred after the trade deadline, Thielen will pass through waivers. Any team can submit a claim; if unclaimed, he will become a free agent eligible to sign with any club.
Thielen returned to Minnesota in August in a trade with Carolina, a move designed to bolster the Vikings’ receiving depth — particularly with Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games of the season. Minnesota sent a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round selection to the Panthers in exchange for a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder.
In his abbreviated return, Thielen started four of 11 games and caught eight passes for 69 yards on 18 targets. Six of those receptions produced first downs, and he added a 2-point conversion in Minnesota’s Week 1 comeback win at Chicago. He did not play Sunday in Seattle, where the Vikings fell to 4-8.
Thielen, 33, remains seven receptions shy of 700 for his NFL career.
