HH. BREAKING: The Minnesota Vikings have officially parted ways with Adam Thielen after the veteran wide receiver privately requested a larger role in the offense — a move that has sent shockwaves through the league.
In a move that surprised many fans and pundits alike, the Minnesota Vikings have placed longtime wide receiver Adam Thielen on waivers, following his request to be released. The decision comes amid a turbulent season for Minnesota’s offense — and caps off what Thielen indicated will be his final year in the NFL.
Thielen, a former Pro Bowl selection and long‑time fan favorite, returned to Minnesota this offseason via a trade with the Carolina Panthers. He was welcomed back amid high hopes that his veteran presence and chemistry with the offense would help stabilize what has become an inconsistent passing attack. However, the hope didn’t translate into production — through the first 11 games of the season, Thielen managed just eight receptions.
The final straw may have come after he was listed as a healthy scratch in last Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. Notably demoted in favor of younger or more productive receivers, Thielen reportedly asked the organization for his release, arguing that he still believes he can play — but only if given an opportunity for a larger role.
For a Vikings squad that began the season at 14–2 just a year ago, the slide to 4–8 this year has been painful. Static quarterback play — rotating through J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and rookie Max Brosmer — has only exacerbated the instability, leaving the passing game hampered by inconsistency.
Removing Thielen from the equation signals a shake‑up not just on the depth chart, but in the culture of the receiving corps. It’s a message that performance — not history — will dictate playing time. For younger wide receivers and emerging pass‑catchers on the roster, it’s an opening; for the Vikings as a franchise, it’s a pivot toward retooling the passing game before the season ends.
Even in the midst of the news, there’s a sense of agency from Thielen. According to sources close to the situation, he approached the front office requesting release — not out of bitterness, but from a desire to still contribute meaningfully in what he’s signaled is his final season. The request underscores his self‑respect and belief in his abilities, even if Minnesota no longer sees a spot for him.
You can imagine the conversation in the locker room: a veteran acknowledging that his time with the Vikings has probably come to an end, but requesting a chance to end his career on his own terms — perhaps elsewhere, with a bigger role on offense. The move highlights the often harsh business side of the NFL, where past glories don’t guarantee future snaps.
For Minnesota, the waiver clears roster space and sends a clear signal: they’re moving forward with present — not past — assets. The hope is that the offensive unit can find better chemistry among younger receivers, possibly unlocking more consistent production through the air. Whether they succeed remains to be seen, given the quarterback carousel they’ve endured this season.
As for Thielen, a veteran with a respected reputation and proven track record, the waiver doesn’t necessarily spell the end of his career. Other teams — perhaps in need of a veteran bridge at receiver or a locker‑room voice — may still have interest. If nothing else, Thielen has made clear one thing: he doesn’t plan to retire quietly — he wants to compete.
In a season of disappointment for the Vikings, this move stands out as one of the boldest shake‑ups yet. For fans and teammates alike, it’s a reminder that in the NFL, respect is earned each week — and even legends must prove their worth all over again.
Broncos Make Attention-Grabbing Move on Dynamic Former Bills Playmaker
The Denver Broncos are in the market for wide receiver help, and they made one of their more notable attempts to address it, particularly in the wake of the 2025
NFL trade deadline, with veteran Elijah Moore.
The Broncos are 10-2, tied with the New England Patriots for the top seed in the AFC, pending the results of the latter’s “Monday Night Football” showdown against the
If healthy, Moore could provide a spark for quarterback Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense.
Broncos Visit With Elijah Moore to Cap Week 13
Getty ImagesElijah Brown #8 of the Cleveland Browns warms up before facing the New York
Moore is not like typical veterans in free agency at this late stage of the regular season, which could help explain the Broncos’ apparent interest.
“The #Broncos had a visit today with free-agent WR Elijah Moore, per wire,”
The Denver Post’s Luca Evans reported on X on December 1. “Veteran had 61 catches in 17 games for the Browns last year. Was released by Bills last week, had 9 catches for 112 yards in 9 games.”
The meeting drew plenty of interest locally and on a national level.
The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel noted on X, “Perhaps the #Broncos are in the WR market,” in response to Evans’ report.
Denver would be Moore’s fourth team since he entered the league as a second-round pick, taken No. 34 overall in the 2021 draft by the New York Jets. The Jets traded Moore to the
Cleveland Browns in 2023.
Moore, 25, has a 209-2,274-9 career line. He posted a message upon his release.
“Been counted out, it’s nun new,” Moore posted on Instagram after his release. “One foot in front of the other that time will tell.”
Bills HC Sends Message on Elijah Moore
GettyElijah Moore #18 of the Buffalo Bills looks on against the New York Jets.
The Bills released Moore on November 26 to make room for
Brandin Cooks, so he has been a free agent for less than one week.
“Another good player, good person, we appreciate his contributions to our team,” Bills head coach
Sean McDermott told media members after Buffalo swapped Moore out to bring Cooks on board.
Cooks was previously linked to the Broncos due to his ties to head coach Sean Payton
.
Payton was in the same role with the New Orleans Saints when they drafted the former first-round pick (No. 20 overall) in 2014.
However, the Broncos were not in on Cooks,
per The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson in November. Coincidentally, Moore could make sense as an option for the Broncos due to his ties to the roster.
Elijah Moore Has Ties to Broncos’ Roster
GettyNik Bonitto #15 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a sack against the Tennessee Titans.
Notably, Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto commented under Moore’s post with a series of fire emojis. Bonitto and Moore have pre-existing ties. They
played together in high school at St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2017.
Moore could also appeal to the Broncos because of the current landscape.
Their options are limited after the trade deadline. Moreover, Moore is younger than Cooks (32) or
Adam Thielen (35). Thielen mutually parted ways with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.
The Broncos still have young options in-house. Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin have come up big in clutch situations.
Marvin Mims still offers pop as a speed option in the Broncos’ offense and in their return game.
Moore missed one game from 2022 through the end of the 2024 season.
He has had three reported concussions (2021, 2023, and 2024). Moore also dealt with a quad injury that ended his 2021 season early, per Draft Sharks.
Moore also has a track record as a dynamic contributor in a variety of offenses that the Broncos lack at wideout beyond
Courtland Sutton. The Broncos are pushing for more than the 10-2 record they have. Every potential edge, which Moore could be, helps.
