Vikings Release WR Adam Thielen After Nine Seasons in Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings have announced the release of wide receiver Adam Thielen after nine seasons with the team. Thielen, who was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the team’s top receivers, was set to become a free agent this off-season.

“Adam has been an important part of the Vikings organization for the past nine years, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer in a statement.

While Thielen’s departure was expected, it still comes as a blow to the Vikings offense, which will now have to find a way to replace his production. Thielen had 71 catches for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns in 2020, and has posted four 1,000-yard seasons in his career.

The Vikings are now expected to turn to the draft and free agency to find a replacement for Thielen. The team is reportedly interested in several wide receivers, including Alabama’s DeVonta Smith and LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase.

Despite the loss of Thielen, the Vikings are still in a good position heading into the off-season. The team has a solid core of players, including quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Dalvin Cook, and should be in contention in the NFC North in 2021.