Would Adam Thielen reunion make sense for Panthers?

Would Adam Thielen reunion make sense for Panthers? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After being waived by the Minnesota Vikings, would it make sense for receiver Adam Thielen to end his season and career with his previous team, the Carolina Panthers?

Thielen played in Carolina during the 2023 and 2024 seasons before getting traded back to Minnesota. On Monday, Panthers' coach Dave Canales was asked about a possible reunion.

"Panthers coach Dave Canales says since Thielen officially remains on the Vikings roster he will 'kick that one down the road' a few days before indicating whether the team would be interested in bringing the veteran receiver back," Davis Newton of ESPN reported.

Carolina is in a much different position than it's been in recent years, particularly after Week 13's upset win over the Los Angeles Rams. At 7-6, the Panthers are only one-half game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South lead, with two matchups between the two teams still to come in the season's final three weeks. Carolina also has the 11th fewest passing yards in the NFL, which is particularly notable as the Panthers are one of only four teams yet to have a bye week.

Still, it's hard to say that a reunion would make much sense. Certainly, there's an argument to be made that, given the Panthers' struggles in the passing game, there wouldn't be much risk in signing Thielen. But there's not a lot to gain, either.

Unfortunately, Thielen's production has not been there this year. Some of that can be attributed to Minnesota's abysmal quarterback play this year, and that, with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Vikings have far more dangerous receiving options. While that is true, it doesn't quite explain Thielen's struggles.

In 11 games played, he's caught only eight passes for 69 yards. In six of those 11 games, Thielen didn't catch a single pass. Carolina's passing attack has lacked depth, as aside from Tetairoa McMillan, no Panther has reached 30 receptions or 300 yards receiving this season. But we've seen little from Thielen to indicate that he could change that. If Thielen were a struggling younger receiver, it might be worth a flyer to see if he can find a spark. But in the final days of his career, it's unlikely that Thielen will find anything more than just a temporary jolt.

If the goal is to bring in a veteran leader to help mentor a young group of receivers, Thielen would be a great fit. If the goal is to provide a significant boost to the passing game, Thielen is probably not the right guy.