Panthers replace DJ Moore with former Vikings fan-favorite

A longtime piece of the Minnesota Vikings’ offense, Adam Thielen, has now found a new home, joining Frank Reich’s Carolina Panthers via free agency.

The Minnesota Vikings are changing up their roster construction heading into the 2023 season. One of the big moves they made was releasing longtime wide receiver Adam Thielen from his contract, making him a free agent.

For the first time since joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent, Thielen would play for a new team. Considering how many teams were in need of a wide receiver, fans were wondering where the former two-time Pro Bowler would sign.

On Sunday, the NFL world got their answer.

Pat McAfee was the first to break the news that Thielen was signing a three-year contract with the Carolina Panthers.

Adam Thielen signs three-year deal with Panthers

Thielen officially confirmed the news on both Twitter and Instagram.

The Panthers have made some big moves this offseason, especially in free agency. They brought in former Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders and former Cincinnati Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst on multi-year contracts. The Panthers made the big move to trade for the No. 1 pick in this year’s NFL Draft, and it took multiple high draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore to do so. With a lack of a No. 1 wide receiver, the Panthers made the move to bring in a proven veteran in Thielen.

This past season, Thielen played in all 17 regular season games for the Vikings, recording 70 receptions for 716 yards and six touchdowns on 107 targets.

Throughout his career (2013-22), Thielen recorded 534 catches for 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns on 776 targets.

Head coach Frank Reich is building the Panthers offense his way, and he brought in a veteran wide receiver in Thielen for their upcoming rookie quarterback to target downfield in 2023.