Overview

• - Carolina sent Thielen to Minnesota with a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick and a 2027 fifth, receiving a 2026 fifth and a 2027 fourth in return.
• - Thielen said he learned of the move the day before it happened and expressed excitement about returning home to the franchise where he became a star.
• - The Vikings targeted help after Jordan Addison was suspended three games and Jalen Nailor underwent a hand procedure that puts his Week 1 status in question.
• - Minnesota expects Thielen to be a steady option alongside Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson as McCarthy begins his first season as the starter.
• - The Panthers framed the deal as confidence in Bryce Young and their younger wideouts, turning targets to Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker and others while shedding the roughly $7 million left on Thielen’s contract.