With the 2024 NFL preseason underway, the Philadelphia Eagles are still searching for a reliable third option at wide receiver to complement their star duo, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
While return specialist Britain Covey has established a role for himself, and speedy rookie Johnny Wilson has shown flashes during training camp, free agent additions Parris Campbell and John Ross have yet to make a significant impact. Additionally, rookie Ainias Smith has struggled with drops throughout camp.
This situation has led to speculation about the potential acquisition of Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen.
In an August 12 article for *The Philly Voice*, Jimmy Kempski identified Thielen as a prime trade target for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman.
“Thielen is still a productive, professional receiver who had 103 catches and 1,014 yards on a struggling Panthers team in 2023,” Kempski wrote. “He would also be relatively inexpensive, with a guaranteed $6.5 million salary in 2024, and between $5.5 and $6.5 million in 2025 if the Eagles opt to keep him, with no penalty if they choose not to.”
Thielen, 34, spent the first nine seasons of his career (2014-2022) with the Minnesota Vikings, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2017 and 2018 after consecutive 1,200-yard seasons and being named a second-team All-Pro in 2017.
After signing a four-year, $64 million extension with the Vikings in 2019, Thielen joined the Panthers in 2023. Despite being past his prime, he recorded his third 1,000-yard season with rookie quarterback Bryce Young, proving he can still make a difference.
Kempski noted that Thielen isn’t a star holdout like CeeDee Lamb or Brandon Aiyuk but could be a dependable WR3 who could step up as WR2 if needed due to injury.
Thielen fits this profile and could be acquired at a minimal cost.
“Carolina isn’t close to contending,” Kempski observed. “They also traded for Diontae Johnson this offseason and drafted Xavier Legette in the first round of the 2024 draft. A future Day 3 pick could likely secure Thielen, who is somewhat miscast in his current situation.”
Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore commented on the team’s wide receiver depth, expressing excitement about the opportunities presented to the current group and indicating that the situation is still evolving.
While Covey could see more offensive snaps this season, the Eagles might consider making a move if no clear third option emerges. With a win-now mentality, they are unlikely to overlook any potential weaknesses in their receiving corps.
