Adam Thielen appears to be the next player likely to leave the Carolina Panthers. The team has already traded veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens for a minimal return, and another prominent pass-catcher could soon follow him to the AFC North before the Tuesday deadline.
Thielen did not play in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints as he recovers from a hamstring injury that put him on injured reserve. Some speculate that the Panthers are keeping him sidelined to avoid injury before a potential trade. Reports indicate that the Pittsburgh Steelers have reached out to Carolina to discuss acquiring Thielen, especially after their attempt to trade for Jacksonville Jaguars star Christian Kirk fell through due to injury.
Given that the Panthers are not in playoff contention this season, it may not make sense to retain Thielen, especially with general manager Dan Morgan needing to plan for the future. Head coach Dave Canales is focusing on younger receivers like Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and promising rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, suggesting that giving them more playing time is a priority.
If moving on from Thielen is necessary, it could be beneficial for both parties. At 34 years old, Thielen would likely prefer to join a playoff contender rather than remain on a struggling team.
Morgan faces crucial days leading up to the November 5 trade deadline. While he could choose to hold onto players in hopes of salvaging the season, securing draft picks for the future would be a wiser strategy.
Thielen’s situation remains a hot topic, especially as the Panthers appear to be consolidating their roster. The recent trade of Johnson raises questions about whether Thielen will be next. Although parting with both wide receivers isn’t ideal, it may be a necessary move, particularly as the team looks to shift toward a younger roster. With limited options in the wide receiver market, trading Thielen could become more feasible if he proves his health post-injury.
The coming days will be crucial for the Panthers, as they navigate their roster and potential trades. Whether Thielen will be the next to go remains uncertain, but it wouldn’t be surprising given the current circumstances.
Leave a Reply