Where There’s Smoke, Is There Fire? Vikings Bringing Back WR?

The regular season for the Minnesota Vikings gets underway 2 weeks from today, as the Vikings open the season on a Monday night in Chicago. With the regular season beginning so soon, it also means that one of the Vikings' WRs won't be available due to a league suspension. For the last week, there has been online speculation that a fan favorite WR could be coming back to the team, and that would be a win for both the Vikings and their fans.

Where There Is Smoke...

You've heard the phrase, "Where there's smoke, there's fire," and for the last week or so, there has been rampant online speculation that Minnesota native and fan favorite NFL player Adam Thielen could be returning to the Vikings.

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If it happens, and according to some NFL talking heads, there have been talks between the Carolina Panthers and the Minnesota Vikings, it would be an early Christmas present for fans of the purple and gold.

To some extent, it makes sense that the Minnesota Vikings would be interested in trading for Adam Thielen, as their #2 WR, Jordan Addison, has to sit out the first three games of the season for a DWI that occurred in 2024.

Without Addison playing opposite Justin Jefferson, the other JJ, as in JJ McCarthy, would see more pressure from the defense, knowing they could double Jefferson, and make McCarthy make a play.

The Vikings Have Already Traded A Great Locker Room Guy

It was just last week that the Minnesota Vikings surprised fans by trading Harrison Phillips, a defensive lineman and by all accounts a great locker room guy and leader, to the Jets for a 6th round pick in both 2026 and 2027, while giving up a 7th rounder next year in addition to Phillips.

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With a 'rookie' QB like McCarthy starting, you are going to want guys in the locker room to keep everyone accountable, but also stay positive with the young QB, knowing mental mistakes are going to happen that could cost you wins. Thielen would be that guy, and gives JJ a legit weapon for the three or so games that Addison would be out.

Thielen & McCarthy Worked Out Together In The Offseason

The two, McCarthy and Thielen, have even been spending time in the offseason together, so you've got to think that there is some chemistry there!

Whatever Happens, I Know This Is My Favorite NFL Team, For Better Or Worse

Would I love to see Adam Thielen come to the Vikings for a 5th or 6th round pick, help light the league on fire with the Vikings starting 3-0 without Jordan Addison? Yes.

But if the team doesn't pull the trigger and bring back Thielen, that's OK too. I'll still be sitting on Sunday watching my favorite NFL team, win or lose.

But if they did, that would be one great NFL storyline, especially if they are winning.