Panthers To Host WR Adam Thielen

The Panthers’ wide receiver situation has gone through major changes over the past few months. Most recently, the team sent D.J. Moore to the Bears in a package for the No. 1 overall pick. This leaves Carolina with a significant need at receiver.

Carolina is planning to host Adam Thielen on a free agency visit, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Recently released by the Vikings, Thielen is slated to trek to Charlotte on Wednesday.

A Minnesota native who also played his college ball in the state, Thielen has only played for the Vikings over the course of his 10-year career. But the Panthers have multiple openings at the position to start Frank Reich’s tenure. The team needed to give up one of the best receivers in franchise history to complete the eight-spot draft climb. With Moore in Chicago, the Panthers will need to supply Andy Dalton and their to-be-determined rookie quarterback with more aerial support.

Although Thielen is 32, he still displayed the capabilities of being a complementary target last season. Opposite Justin Jefferson, the red zone threat caught 70 passes for 716 yards and six touchdowns. Those numbers are in line with Thielen’s 2021 work, which included 10 touchdowns. During the 2020s, Thielen has totaled an eye-opening 30 receiving scores. That total ranks fifth this decade, with Thielen behind only perennial Pro Bowlers Davante Adams, Mike Evans, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill.

The Panthers still have Terrace Marshall (490 receiving yards last season) on their roster, and Matt Rhule-era trade acquisition Laviska Shenault is going into a contract year. Both former second-rounders could be part of Reich’s attack, but the Panthers will likely be on the hunt for help in the draft in addition to their interest in free agent targets. Jakobi Meyers and Allen Lazard are off the board, but several wideouts — including Thielen, Mecole Hardman, Darius Slayton and DJ Chark — remain available for the retooling team.