Adam Thielen has built an impressive NFL career since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2013. As he enters the final year of his three-year, $25 million contract with the Carolina Panthers in 2025, Thielen has hinted that this season could be his last, stating he will reassess his future with his family after the season ends.
Will 2025 Be Adam Thielen’s Last Year in the NFL?
Joe Person of The Athletic and other reporters caught up with Thielen on Friday, May 2, and asked him about his thoughts on playing another year and whether or not he will return in 2026.
“It could be, (my final season) yeah. I mean, I told you guys at the end of the season. Like every year, you look back and you say, ‘Hey, like what left do I have to give to this game,'” Thielen said. “You know, I talked to my family and they wanted me to keep playing, and so it’ll be the same process.
“Not gonna think about that (retirement) right now and I am going to focus on being the best football player I can possibly be and you have to have that mindset to succeed,” Thielen said, referring to the upcoming season.
“And then once the season’s over, you know, evaluate, see where we’re at, see where the team’s at, see where I’m at individually, and as a family, and figure it out. But yeah, definitely, uh, definitely winding down my career. But excited about this year and what could happen.”
Thielen signed with the Minnesota Vikings out of Minnesota State University in 2013 and spent his rookie season on the practice squad. He saw limited action in 2014 and 2015, mainly on special teams, and broke out in 2016 when he started 10 of 16 games and hauled in 69 receptions for 967 yards and five touchdowns.
Thielen’s next two seasons would establish him as a bona fide star with the Vikings and one of Case Keenum’s and Kirk Cousins’ favorite targets. Thielen made the Pro Bowl in 2017 and 2018 and was a second-team All-Pro in 2017.
In 2018, he set an NFL record with eight consecutive 100-yard receiving games to start a season. Over this two-year peak, Thielen had 204 receptions, 2,649 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns.
Prior to the 2023, season, the Panthers signed Thielen as a reliable option for then-rookie quarterback Bryce Young. That season, the WR had a resurgent campaign. He started 17 games and hauled in 103 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. He was one of the few bright spots for the Panthers, who went 2-14.
