Following a couple of years away, Adam Thielen is back with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Carolina Panthers traded the wide receiver to the only other NFL team he has played for.
However, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, it was about much more than just helping him out.
The Panthers have high hopes for wide receiver Jalen Coker, which is why they felt comfortable parting with Thielen.
“The Panthers weren’t just going to give Adam Thielen away. They were going to do right by him and trade him to the Vikings only if a deal made sense. A big reason they were comfortable making the move: They love WR Jalen Coker. Remember the name,” Meirov wrote on X.
The #Panthers weren’t just going to give Adam Thielen away. They were going to do right by him and trade him to the #Vikings only IF a deal made sense.
A big reason they were comfortable making the move: they love WR Jalen Coker. Remember the name. https://t.co/OvbBBeAL69 pic.twitter.com/rtueuodxpH
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 27, 2025
Coker entered the NFL last season as an undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross.
He finished with 32 receptions for 478 yards and two touchdowns, but he closed the season strong, logging 15 catches for 215 yards in the final four games.
He clearly got more comfortable in the offense, developing strong chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young.
The Panthers will run most of their passing game through rookie Tetairoa McMillan, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Coker does most of his work from the slot, so there should be plenty of targets for both receivers.
The trade shows that the Panthers are counting on him in his second year, and he will now have to prove that he’s worth that trust.
As for Thielen, he will give the Vikings some much-needed depth while they’re dealing with multiple injuries at receiver as well as Jordan Addison’s three-game suspension.
