With the trade now done, let us discuss his fantasy implications on his new team along with how we got here. First, the trade now allows for the Minnesota Vikings to actually trot out multiple solid wide receivers in the first few weeks given the injuries to WR Jalen Nailor, WR Rondale Moore, WR Tai Felton, as well as the suspension of young stud WR Jordan Addison. That’s also excluding the clear void at WR1 with the hamstring injury of Justin Jefferson becoming a small murmur during training camp and preseason. Adam Thielen is able to immediately step onto the field and be a WR1 at times if needed as he did for Bryce Young in Carolina.
Fantasy Implications
WR Adam Thielen moves from his previous consensus spot around ADP155 in PPR according to Blitz Sports Media or WR61. Moving to Minnesota the improvement could lead him to creep up towards WR40 alongside guys like rookie Matthew Golden and 49ers WR Jauan Jennings. Adam was not only sure handed in Carolina, but was able to have moments where he was being targeted north of 10 times a game and given the need to give young QB JJ McCarthy a safety-net akin to what Bryce Young had, this marriage of Thielen and his home Vikings makes fantasy sense for all parties.
The long-term of Adam continues to decline with his age creeping to a place that makes many WRs retire, his immediate impact to this Vikings team is one which cannot be ignored. If players become healthy down the road, he could also still remain a target for the young QB. Just because Adam is older doesn’t mean he can’t get open, coming off a 615 yard season on just 48 receptions for 5 touchdowns, while never losing a fumble. Coming off the leading receiver role in Carolina, Adam can now bring his family home to Minnesota and enjoy the fruits of his labor.
From a die-hard Carolina Panthers fan – Thank you Adam Thielen and family. <3
