Minnesota Vikings release receiver Adam Thielen after nine seasons

Adam Thielen grew up in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. He starred at Minnesota State. And he became the undrafted standout who captivated Minnesota Vikings fans for nine seasons.

The Vikings announced they released Thielen on Friday, parting ways with a two-time Pro Bowl selection that team ownership called "one of the best players in franchise history."

Thielen’s 55 touchdowns and 534 receptions rank third on the Vikings’ all-time list, while his 6,682 yards rank fourth in team history.

Now, the 32-year-old will be a free agent after both sides failed to agree to a restructured contract, according to multiple reports. Thielen was due to have a $19.9 million cap hit in 2023.

“Adam's tremendous impact goes well beyond the Vikings organization. His rise from a tryout player to one of the best players in the history of our franchise has encouraged so many young athletes and is a testament to hard work and perseverance,” Vikings owners Mark Wilf and Zygi Wilf said in a team statement.

"The commitment he and his wife, Caitlin, have shown to Minnesota through the Thielen Foundation has and will continue to provide real change.

Minnesota will gain $6.4 million in cap savings, according to Over The Cap, with $13.5 million in dead money.

Thielen was a special teams player early in his career before breaking out as one of the best receivers in the NFL. He had 69 catches for 967 yards and five touchdowns in 2016.

He was fifth in the NFL with 1,276 receiving yards and eighth with 91 receptions in 2017, and in 2018, he ranked fifth with 113 receptions and ninth with 1,373 receiving yards. He made the Pro Bowl both years.

Thielen also had standout seasons when he caught 14 touchdowns in 2020 and 10 touchdowns in 2021. He had 70 catches for 716 yards and six touchdowns last season.

"Adam will forever be a part of the Minnesota Vikings family and history. Setting the standard with his play on the field, being a selfless teammate, and making a permanent impact in the community, Adam's influence is significant,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Adam Thielen released by Vikings after nine seasons with team