Jan 1, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Adam Thielen is heading back to the place where he made his name. On Wednesday, the Minnesota Vikings traded for the former long-time Viking in a fascinating deal with the Carolina Panthers, where Thielen spent each of the last two seasons.

On its face, the deal seems to make a lot of sense for both sides.

For the Vikings, even if Thielen is somewhat long in the tooth at the age of 35, he's still an experienced and savvy player. This is especially important as Minnesota tries to develop J.J. McCarthy. For the Panthers, they recoup decent draft capital for an older receiver who wasn't really in their long-term future, and they get to start building for the Tetairoa McMillan era. That feels like a win-win, honestly.

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Let's unpack this deal and hand out some grades.

The details

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter:

  • Vikings get: WR Adam Thielen, a conditional 2026 seventh-round draft pick, and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick
  • Panthers get: A 2026 fifth-round draft pick and a 2027 fourth-round draft pick

Vikings trade grade

A lot has changed since Thielen last played for the Vikings. For one, their definitive No. 1 and No. 2 receivers are now Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Thielen won't nearly have as big a role as he's used to. And there's obviously the whole J.J. McCarthy factor as Minnesota finally moves past Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold. Working with a young quarterback is, as we all know, quite different from someone who has been there and done that.

None of this is to say that Thielen will struggle to transition or anything. At this point, he's been around the league long enough to be a seamless locker room fit anywhere, let alone a place where he qualified for two Pro Bowls in the late 2010s. At best, he'll be a serviceable depth target for McCarthy. At worst, he'll be a welcome leadership presence. And for a cheap trade price at that.

This isn't a blockbuster addition by any means, but it's hard to find fault with the Vikings' process.

Grade: B

Panthers trade grade

Oh, man. The Panthers were already preparing to make Tetairoa McMillan the focal point of their Bryce Young offense. Every top target and most important snap will be funnelled to him. So, it makes sense they decided to move on from Thielen now. But getting fourth and fifth-round picks for a receiver in his mid-30s is a terrific cherry on top. This is the kind of move that almost makes you think the Panthers know what they're doing for once.

Of course, this is only a one-trade sample size, but it still sparks that thought process!

Nonetheless, good job to the Panthers for finding good value and clearing the way for their young receiver.

Grade: B

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Adam Thielen trade grades: Who won Vikings and Panthers deal?

Reporting by Robert Zeglinski, For The Win / For The Win

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