The Minnesota Vikings released star wide receiver Adam Thielen on Monday, adding another big name to the free agent market.
The Detroit Lakes, Minnesota native joined the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He became a full-time roster player in 2016 and emerged as one of football’s top feel-good underdog stories, developing into one of the NFL’s top receivers over the second half of the 2010s.
Despite his age (33 in August) and declining production over the years, Thielen should have little problem generating interest in a not-so-deep 2023 free agent wide receiver class.
According to a report from reporter Evan Massey, the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants are among the clubs “who have shown interest in” the former Pro Bowler:
Both Indianapolis and New York definitely make sense for Thielen. Indy’s top wideout, Michael Pittman Jr., certainly could use some support at receiver. And the Colts are likely to take a quarterback with the No. 4 selection in this year’s draft, so it’s imperative for GM Chris Ballard to give his new QB the best possible supporting cast.
The Giants have already made one big move in the pass-catching department, acquiring Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. Standout receiver Sterling Shepard also agreed to a one-year contract extension. Darius Slayton was the Giants’ leading receiver with just 724 yards last season, so Thielen would be a welcoming addition to that roster.
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The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Thielen hauled in 70 catches for 716 yards and six touchdowns for the Vikings, helping them to the NFC North division title.
