Panthers WR Adam Thielen wanted to join Chiefs in free agency

Carolina Panthers wideout Adam Thielen apparently didn’t land with his first choice in free agency last year.

Thielen’s top option was Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

So said the veteran wideout himself last weekend at the American Century Championship.

“Well I was trying to go there and they didn’t want me so,” Thielen told Starcade Media. “I’ll have to try to show them what I’ve got. It’s all good.”

Thielen instead went to the Panthers on a three-year deal worth $25 million and caught 103 of his 137 targets for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. Rather than uplift a poor Chiefs wideout depth chart, he's been instrumental in the development of Bryce Young, last year's top pick.

If proving a team that passed on him wrong is the goal, Thielen will get his shot next season when the Chiefs visit the Panthers in Week 12.