Getty Image / Cindy Ord
This offseason, Adam Thielen was left looking for a new team for the first time since 2013.
The Minnesota Vikings released him in an effort to save some cap space after his numbers dipped a bit during the 2022 season.
That new team ended up being the Carolina Panthers.
Today, he discussed the decision to join the Panthers with panthers.com’s Augusta Stone, revealing that he wanted a team that he could finish his career with.
“I wanted to go somewhere late in my career to end my career, and be a part of it for the long haul. And to end my career in one more spot, not bounce around.”
He also revealed that he wanted to be on a team that is moving towards winning a championship.
“I wanted to be part of a team that was moving (in) the direction of winning a championship, and I could feel that when I walked in this building,. A great defense they had last year, and they’re only building on that; the offensive weapons and pieces that they’ve put together so far and are going to continue to put forward with the draft and maybe some more free-agent signings. I think that was really intriguing to me.”
Whether or not the Panthers are actually moving toward a title will really depend on the quarterback they draft 1st overall this year.
Whoever that quarterback is, they’ll need to lean pretty heavily on Thielen early in their career.
The Panthers traded away DJ Moore to get the top pick in the draft, making Theilen the franchise’s clear top option in the passing game.
Thielen is clearly going to be an important part of the Carolina Panthers’ this season and with a 3-year deal, it looks like he could be spending the rest of his career there.