Minnesota Vikings cut Pro Bowl WR Adam Thielen, free up $6.4 million in cap space

The Minnesota Vikings have released long-time wide receiver and former second-team All-Pro Adam Thielen, finalizing the decision Friday.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that the two sides had worked on trying to restructure the deal but could not come to an agreement.

The move frees up $6.4 million in cap space for Minnesota while also taking up $13.55 million in dead cap, per Sportico.

This past season, Thielen was the team’s No. 2 wide receiver behind superstar Justin Jefferson. Thielen caught 70 passes for 716 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Thielen, 32, had been with the Vikings for 10 seasons after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State in 2013.

He has spent his entire life in Minnesota. In addition to attending Minnesota State and playing for the Vikings, Thielen was grew up in the town of Detroit Lakes.

Adam Thielen spent 10 years with the Vikings

After spending his first year with the team on the practice squad, Adam Thielen moved up to the 53-man roster. He was a backup wide receiver his first few years before breaking out in 2016 following an injury to Stefon Diggs.

He was a mainstay in the starting lineup every since. Thielen earned Pro Bowl nods in 2017 and 2018 and was named to All-Pro second team in 2017. Those were also his two best statistical seasons. In 2017, he caught 91 balls for 1,276 yards. The following season, Thielen snagged 113 catches for 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns.

Thielen finishes his Vikings career with 534 receptions for 6,682 receiving yards and 55 touchdowns.

He is third in team history in receptions behind Cris Carter and Randy Moss. He is also fourth in team history in receiving yards.