Adam Thielen has sacrificed millions to complete a sensational return to the Minnesota Vikings.
The veteran wide receiver, 35, took a $2 million pay cut and removed $4 million in incentives to help finalize a trade that sent him back to the Carolina Panthers this week, according to ESPN.
The move came after more than a week of negotiations between the two franchises, with discussions stalling at times over draft pick compensation.
The trade for Thielen sends the wideout, a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Minnesota. In exchange, the Panthers get a 2026 fifth-rounder and a 2027 fourth-rounder.
Thielen got a $1.5 million raise to make his salary $7 million for 2025, but the Vikings refused to pay a portion of the two-time Pro Bowler’s salary, ESPN reported.
However, his decision to take the pay cut ultimately made the trade possible.
Adam Thielen sacrificed millions to complete a sensational return to the Minnesota Vikings
The wide receiver took a $2 million pay cut and $4 million in incentives to help finalize a trade
For Thielen, a Minnesota native who starred at Minnesota State before joining the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013, the homecoming is about more than money.
‘Obviously you guys know without me saying it, how much this place means to me,’ he told reporters on Thursday.
‘The state, the city, this organization, [ownership], coaches, players. I couldn’t be more excited, and there’s nothing I could say to tell you how excited I am to be back home with my family.’
Thielen is already a legend in Minnesota, ranking third all-time in team receptions behind Hall of Famers Cris Carter and Randy Moss.
Across nine seasons in purple, he hauled in 534 catches for 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns, helping the team reach the playoffs four times.
Released in 2023, he signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Panthers
Released in 2023, he signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Panthers, where he became a trusted target for young quarterback Bryce Young.
In his farewell, Thielen credited the 2023 No. 1 overall pick with prolonging his career.
‘So much respect for him. Because I guarantee you, I’m not here today without him,’ Thielen said. ‘Him trusting me. Him giving me opportunities. And believing in me to be able to still continue to play this game that I love.’
Now back where it all began, Thielen will take the field once more in purple when the Vikings open their season against the rival Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football on September 8.
