Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen emerged as one of the few highlights for the Carolina Panthers in the challenging 2023 season. After a successful tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, Thielen joined the Panthers on a three-year, $25 million deal, becoming a primary target for quarterback Bryce Young. With D.J. Moore departing for the Chicago Bears, Thielen assumed the mantle of the team’s most dependable receiver. Throughout the season, he started all 17 games, recording 103 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns on 137 targets at the age of 33.
Despite the Panthers finishing with the worst record in football, Thielen’s impact was profound. His signing was undoubtedly the standout move of Carolina’s offseason, although a recent interview suggests he initially preferred joining the Kansas City Chiefs. During a golf tournament, Thielen disclosed his interest in signing with the Chiefs, indicating a preference for playing alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes and competing for a Super Bowl, rather than being with a team undergoing rebuilding under a rookie quarterback.
Thielen’s revelation shouldn’t surprise many, given the allure of playing for a championship-caliber team like the Chiefs. Despite Kansas City not pursuing him, Thielen’s exceptional performance in Carolina underscored his enduring ability to contribute significantly, even in challenging circumstances. His production last season highlighted his reliability and capability to remain a pivotal figure in the Panthers’ offense heading into the 2024 season.
While the Chiefs ultimately won the Super Bowl, Thielen’s presence could have bolstered their receiving corps significantly. With Travis Kelce showing signs of slowing down before a resurgence in the playoffs and limited depth among their wide receivers, Thielen could have provided critical support. Looking ahead to 2024, although Thielen enters his age-34 season and might see a reduced workload in a revamped Panthers receiving corps, his experience and skill set ensure he remains a valuable asset. With new additions like Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette, Thielen’s role may evolve, potentially serving as a reliable secondary option behind emerging talents as Carolina aims to enhance its offensive firepower.