"Minnesota Vikings receiver Adam Thielen took a $2 million pay cut to help finalize the trade that sent him from the Carolina Panthers back to his hometown team, sources confirmed Saturday. As a result, Thielen will earn roughly $5 million this season. The Vikings and Panthers spent more than a week discussing the deal. Some of the delay was related to draft pick compensation."
"But Thielen's contract was another factor. The Panthers had given him a $1.5 million raise during the offseason, pushing his total compensation to $7 million for 2025. During negotiations, the Panthers refused to pay a portion of Thielen's salary. Thielen's decision to take the pay cut helped get the deal over the finish line. Speaking to reporters Thursday in Minnesota, Thielen did not comment on his contract but made clear how important it was to him and his family to return to the Vikings."
Adam Thielen reduced his 2025 salary by $2 million to facilitate a trade from the Carolina Panthers back to the Minnesota Vikings, leaving him set to earn roughly $5 million this season. The Vikings and Panthers negotiated for more than a week, resolving draft-pick compensation with a package that sent a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to Carolina, while Carolina received Thielen plus conditional later picks. The Panthers had earlier increased Thielen's pay by $1.5 million, pushing his total 2025 compensation to $7 million. Thielen emphasized the importance of returning to his Minnesota roots and family.
Read at ESPN.com
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