The Vikings released former Pro-Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen today. The door is not completely shut to a return to Minnesota, but he’ll be able to gauge his own market for interest, and the Falcons could be a potential landing spot.
There’s a real possibility that the Vikings and Adam Thielen will part ways in the coming days, allowing the two-time Pro-Bowl WR to become a free agent, per sources. The two sides will talk in coming days, but his time in Minnesota could be coming to an end.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2023
At 32 years old, Adam Thielen’s days as a #1 receiver a long gone, which we’ve seen over the last few years. He hasn’t had over 1,000 yards in a season since 2018, when he caught recorded over 1,300 and was named to the Pro-Bowl.
However, even as he gets older, he’s proven to be a reliable #2 option. He caught 70 receptions for 716 yards and was clearly enough of a threat to shift focus away from Justin Jefferson, who put up historic numbers in his third season.
The Falcons have holes all over the roster, and one of the lesser talked about ones is at wide receiver. Drake London put together a stellar rookie campaign. He’s on track to be a true #1 in this league, but after that, the Falcons have absolutely nothing. They have to add to their wide receiver room — whether it be through free agency or the draft.
Depending on the price tag, I wouldn’t mind the Falcons bringing in Thielen. He’s a savvy veteran that would fit the culture Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot are attempting to build. He wouldn’t be the long-term answer, and the Falcons must also bring some youth into the building, but he could be a tremendous mentor to London and whoever else the Falcons decide to add, along with a quality #2 option for 2023. It would have to be a one-year deal, but I think the bigger issue is Thielen wanting to land with a contender. The Falcons aren’t that, so while I think he’d be a worthwhile addition, he probably won’t have much interest in coming south to Atlanta.
—
Photo: Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.