Adam Thielen has confirmed that the current NFL season will be his last. However, he does not want to end his career with the Vikings.

Adam Thielen wants to end his final season with a team that is still in contention for the title. The Vikings released the 35-year-old on Monday at his request. Both Thielen and the franchise announced this. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah emphasized that they were giving him this opportunity out of respect for his career. Since the release came after the trade deadline, Thielen is now going through the waiver process. If no team claims him, he will be free to sign with another team. Minnesota brought Thielen back from Carolina at the start of the season to compensate for the loss of Jordan Addison. However, in 11 games, he only had eight receptions for 69 yards. Thielen is now looking for an opportunity to prove himself once again in the playoffs. A Super Bowl run, which is no longer possible in Minnesota, is at the top of his wish list.

Skol https://t.co/PmpGmts9lr pic.twitter.com/AAZl4B0q6j

— Adam Thielen (@athielen19) December 1, 2025

Adam Thielen with last chance at the Super Bowl

Thielen has been a fixture throughout his career: between 2016 and 2022, he averaged nearly 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns per season, was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, and was named All-Pro in 2017.

After moving to the Panthers in 2023, he once again racked up over 1,000 yards for Carolina before slowing down in the 2024 season.

Whether Thielen will be used again in a contender now depends on the teams. One last chance at the Super Bowl is possible – and perhaps the perfect ending.