Vikings waive Thielen as receiver seeks larger role

The Minnesota Vikings placed Adam Thielen on waivers after the veteran wide receiver requested his release, the team announced Monday.

"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," general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement.

Minnesota made Thielen a healthy scratch Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks after he managed just eight receptions through the first 11 games of the season.

"Since this past spring, I knew this was going to be my last season playing in the National Football League," Thielen wrote Monday on X. "Given that, the Vikings allowed me the opportunity to go compete elsewhere for the last few weeks of my career."

The Vikings brought Thielen back to the team through a preseason trade with the Carolina Panthers. He previously played for the Vikings from 2014-22, building a stellar career highlighted by two Pro Bowl selections. The 35-year-old ranks fifth on the franchise's all-time receiving list.

Thielen added Monday that he plans to retire with the organization when he's ready to call it a career, emphasizing that being a member of the Vikings "is in my bones."

Minnesota is 4-8 this year after winning 14 games in 2024. Poor quarterback play has plagued the offense, with J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer each starting at least once.