The Carolina Panthers are adding a veteran to their roster.
The Panthers are signing former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen to a three-year, $25 million deal with $10 million in the first year, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Sunday afternoon, per sources. The team later announced the news.
Minnesota released Thielen on March 10 after nine seasons with the team. Thielen joins a Carolina team looking to add a veteran presence after it traded the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, along with WR D.J. Moore and future selections, for the No. 1 overall pick from the Bears.
Ranked No. 84 in Gregg Rosenthal's Top 101 free agents list, Thielen's route-running was needed after Moore's departure.
Thielen, 32, played the No. 2 role in Minnesota behind Justin Jefferson, and will now be the most experienced wide receiver joining the Panthers. Currently, Carolina's WR corps features Terrace Marshall Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr. and Preston Williams.
Carolina's decision to sign a player like Thielen could be a safety blanket for a rookie signal-caller like C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young or Anthony Richardson. To begin free agency, the Panthers made a notable addition to their roster by signing quarterback Andy Dalton to a one-year deal.
Last season, Thielen, a former two-time Pro Bowler, contributed 70 receptions for 716 yards and six touchdowns. Thielen's last 1,000-plus receiving-yard season came in 2018.
Carolina's offseason has been busy after agreeing to terms with RB Miles Sanders and adding TE Hayden Hurst this past week.
