Former Vikings Pro Bowler could be on the trading block and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should be all over it

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is the type of general manager who likes to make trades. Some of that comes from his time working in Wall Street as a stock trader and he tries to find an edge anyway he can. He makes a real effort into creating edges from anyway he can.

The Vikings have made multiple trades over his three year tenure, including two for running back Cam Akers and the big move to get tight end T.J. Hockenson . At the trade deadline, the Vikings could make a big move to help improve their team, but a smaller one might be one the fanbase wants to see.

The Vikings should trade for Adam Thielen

As we approach the trade deadline, there hasn't been a lot of steam on who could be on the move until this Saturday. The Athletic's Dianna Russini had a list of veterans that could be traded ahead of the deadline and former Vikings Pro Bowler Adam Thielen was mentioned among many form the Carolina Panthers.

An undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State-Mankato in 2013, Thielen started on the Vikings' practice squad before making the active roster in 2014. He then proceeded to become the best story in football having become one of the best wide receivers in football.

A Pro Bowler in 2017 and 2018 while also making second-team All Pro in 2017, Thielen was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL during the peak days of Mike Zimmer's tenure and his story of earning his way onto the roster from a $500 college scholarship was the talk of the league.

During his time with the Vikings, Thielen caught 534 passes for 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns. The two sides parted ways after the 2022 season when Thielen was due a $19.2 million cap hit. He signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Panthers and has been a solid player for them, but he isn't the top guy they were hoping to get.

The Vikings could use a little bit more help with their pass catchers, especially since Jalen Nailor hasn't quite taken the step that many believed he would after a great training camp. He has three touchdowns on the season, but only eight catches for 137 yards.

Adding Thielen would be a nice add, as he would be the slot receiver in the offense with some ability to still play on the outside. He has a lot of familiarity in the building and also with the playbook, making the transition much easier than it would have been going to just about any other team.

Plus, it would be great for fan morale. Thielen was a fan favorite for his entire tenure with his story and growing up a Vikings fan in Detroit Lakes, MN. He would also make an impact on offense, which is the most important aspect of it all.

Adding Thielen arguably wouldn't be too cost-prohibitive either. This season, Thielen would only bring with him a pro-rated $5.5 million salary cap hit which won't be a problem for the Vikings to handle on their salary cap. Thielen also has no guarantees left on his contract but would bring a cap hit of up to $6.75 million next season with salary and bonuses. They could cut him for no penalty or restructure his contract to keep him in the fold for 2025.

It also shouldn't cost too much in terms of draft pick compensation. A late-round pick either this year or next year should be good enough. Maybe Thielen and a sixth-round pick for a fifth-round pick this year?

With the Vikings trying to make a Super Bowl run, Thielen could make an impact both on and off the field while energizing the fan base.

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