The Carolina Panthers may surprisingly trade disgruntled playmaker, Adam Thielen before the season is over. According to one report, Thielen was screaming on the sideline in another humiliating loss against the Chargers. Thielen’s second year with the Panthers continues to get worse as the Vikings are celebrating a win over the 49ers so it’s fair to speculate the team may trade him in return for some draft picks. Carolina may be on the hunt for a new quarterback next offseason since Bryce Young is going on the bench and they’re moving with veteran Andy Dalton as their starter.
It should be no surprise why Thielen is showing frustration after walking away from an already disastrous year last season. He is one of the dependable receivers and the Panthers were hoping that trading for Diontae Johnson and drafting Xavier Legette would help him in the slot. Thielen entered the 2024 campaign after putting together his third 1,000-receiving-yard season so it’s fair to see why he might become open to move on. Carolina hasn’t been showing anything through these past two weeks despite the changes they were making all offseason for Young.
They’re hoping things will change around with Dalton under center but he’s nothing special and more of a quarterback to last one full season. The real speculation is how long Thielen will be able to put up with the struggles of the Panthers. Johnson is already frustrated himself too and the Panthers are not looking to give him a contract extension at the end of the year. The Panthers would be taking a loss if Thielen requests for a trade but they could use this opportunity to rebuild a new team under Dave Canales.
Adam Thielen frustrated on the Panthers sideline
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Panthers May Surprisingly Trade This Disgruntled Playmaker Adam Thielen
Next Possible Teams
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are off to a surprising 0-2 start this year after coming close in two nail-biting contests. However, there’s a clear problem in the passing attack where they aren’t utilizing their receivers. Baltimore was hoping that Nelson Agholor would be a solid replacement for Odell Beckham Jr. but he’s nothing more than but a journeyman. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are two solid starters but Lamar Jackson should be able to succeed with an extra receiver that wants to win and be consistent.
Thielen may be their perfect match being that he’s still productive no matter the quarterback situation he’s a part of. Jackson may thrive better with a receiver that wants to win ball games and take the team far
Kansas City Chiefs
There were rumors last year before landing with the Panthers that Thielen wanted to head to the Chiefs. He may get his wish soon since Marquise Brown is out for the year and they need a solid replacement. JuJu Smith-Schuster is back but isn’t as dependable as Thielen’s been. Smith-Schuster is coming off a lackluster season with the Patriots last year and hasn’t been seeing much of the field for the past two weeks. Patrick Mahomes needs a consistent wideout to get open while Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are dependent on the deep threat.
Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb can’t carry the offense on his back so he needs someone that’s not named Brandin Cooks to step up and make a couple of crucial plays. They shouldn’t rely on Jalen Tolbert especially being this is his first season as a starter. Jalen Brooks is nothing more but a depth fill that may get a few plays but they need someone like Thielen to get open in the slot. Dak Prescott shouldn’t have to get depend on a tight end like Jake Ferguson to make those quick catches, but should get Thielen in the mix while he’s hungry.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers can’t depend on the running game forever even though it’s been working well for them after winning back-to-back. DJ Chark will eventually come back this year but no one should expect him to put up plays like Thielen. Quentin Johnston probably won’t do much of anything after a disastrous year last season in his rookie campaign. Thielen may be getting older but he’s still fast and can boost a team’s momentum if gets the catches, especially from a reliable quarterback like Justin Herbert.
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