Minnesota Vikings training camp is still a month away. Just like fans don’t want to wait that long for football to start, neither does their 1st round quarterback J.J. McCarthy or homegrown former undrafted free agent, turned Vikings (then Panthers) wide receiver Adam Thielen.
Current/Former Minnesota Vikings, J.J. McCarthy and Adam Thielen working out together
On Wednesday, the now veteran NFL wideout posted a video on his instagram of the two working out together, assumedly somewhere in the Twin Cities suburbs, being that is where both live. Not only is the video cool, but it makes both dudes look like… dudes.
Adam Thielen is 34 years old and he has two years remaining on a three year deal he signed with the Carolina Panthers prior to the start of last season. 2024-25 is the final year that has any guaranteed money, though. He is coming off arguably the most impressive season of his career, and that’s saying something.
With sub-par quarterback play, Adam was able to rack up 1,014 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns on 103 receptions. It was his most yards and receptions since 2018, proving that he can still handle WR1 duties, even at the ripe age of 33. In his 10-year career, Thielen has racked up 637 receptions, 7,700 receiving yards and 59 touchdowns, nearly all of which were with the Minnesota Vikings.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old J.J. McCarthy is starting year one of his four year rookie contract (with a 5th year team option). It’s unlikely he gets any real game snaps under center any time soon. In the Vikings’ perfect world, Sam Darnold would prove himself as a more-than-capable starter, now that he is in a QB friendly system, allowing J.J. to grow and develop behind the scenes.
Also, not to stir the pot, but Minnesota needs a third wide receiver. Now, I’d rather they spend their abundance of cap space on a higher end talent than Adam Thielen, but I also wouldn’t argue with a trade that brought him home. He and Justin Jefferson are already tight and he’d be another great mentor for Jordan Addison.
Plus, he and J.J. are clearly best friends now.
