The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation is a disaster.
Second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been failing to live up to expectations, as he is the No. 38-ranked signal caller in PFSN’s metrics with an impact grade of 52.5. Due to an injury to McCarthy, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer started in Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks. Brosmer’s debut start was a disaster, throwing for 126 passing yards, four interceptions, and no touchdowns.
Just a day after the blowout loss to the Seahawks, a surprise announcement was made regarding a veteran wide receiver.
Vikings Waiving Adam Thielen
It was announced Monday the Vikings are waiving two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen.
“The Vikings are waiving WR Adam Thielen, who approached the team about moving on last week,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero posted to X. “The team granted the request out of respect for Thielen and will allow him to finish out his final NFL season elsewhere.”
Thielen was a healthy scratch against the Seahawks but had appeared in all 11 games for the Vikings prior. He recorded eight receptions for 69 yards and no touchdowns in those games.
The reason the Vikings reunited with Thielen via trade prior to the start of the regular season was due to Jordan Addison’s three-game suspension and injuries to Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor. Minnesota sent a 2026 fifth-round draft pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers in August in exchange for Thielen, a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
It’s clear the partnership between Thielen and the Vikings was not working out for either side, so the parties mutually agreed to cut ties. Thielen’s motivation for requesting the release was revealed in a message posted to his X account, which is that he’s looking to compete for a Super Bowl. He also wrote that he will return to Minnesota to retire.
The following is a statement from Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah:
“Last week Adam’s representation approached the team and asked if we would be willing to release Adam, expressing his desire to play a bigger role in the remaining weeks of what he has indicated will be his final NFL season.”
Adofo-Mensah continued in writing, “Following discussions through the weekend and out of respect for Adam, we have agreed to give him the opportunity to pursue more playing time elsewhere. Adam is one of the all-time great Vikings, and we wish him and his family continued success.”
Time will tell where the Vikings legend will finish out his illustrious 12-year NFL career.
