"Where do we go from here with him": Kevin O’Connell opens up on challenges with Adam Thielen in Vikings future

The Minnesota Vikings reacquired veteran receiver Adam Thielen from the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday. They traded a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-rounder for Thielen, and received a conditional 2026 seventh-round selection and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

He returns to the team amid injuries to key receivers Justin Jefferson (hamstring), Jalen Nailor (hand) and a three-game suspension on Jordan Addison.

Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell, who coached Thielen during his last season with Minnesota in 2022, reflected on their "phenomenal" relationship.

“Adam’s one of those guys, I think I mentioned it before, I’ve kept in touch with a bunch of players from that team," O'Connell said during Thursday's presser. "You don’t ever forget impacts on you like one that I had with Adam Thielen.”

He praised Thielen for immediately making his presence felt, and for bringing a lot of energy.

“We felt it yesterday as soon as he arrived," O'Connell said. "It’s his love of football. It’s his love of his journey, what his journey specifically means to our organization."

O’Connell also highlighted the bond between Thielen and the fan base.

“I know how much he means to our fans, and I know how much he’s going to mean to our football team, even beyond getting to bring back a player in such high regard like Adam, it’s bringing back a really good football player," O'Connell said.

Looking ahead, O’Connell discussed challenges Thielen may face with the Vikings.

“Where do we go from here this year with Adam in a really good group of players?" O'Connell said. Not only at the receiver position, (the) tight end position, running back position, the offensive line, and then, obviously our quarterback room, led by J.J. (McCarthy).”

"Pretty Surreal": Adam Thielen on Vikings return

Adam Thielen spoke candidly at TCO Performance Center on Thursday after rejoining the Minnesota Vikings following a trade from the Carolina Panthers.

“Back like I never left," Thielen said.

Thielen admitted that he never expected the reunion.

“I just didn’t think this was even a possibility," Thielen said. "I thought the next time I would be talking to you guys is when I was signing a one-day contract and retiring. This is pretty surreal. I'm going to take advantage of every second that I'm back in this building. And I've tried to do that from a little bit of a different perspective."

Thielen is fifth in franchise history with 6,682 receiving yards.