Adam Thielen doesn't sound opposed to bringing his NFL tenure to an even dozen.
The Carolina Panthers wide receiver, who is set to turn 35 a few weeks before the 2025 regular season begins, has not fully committed to playing a 12th season, but he certainly appears to be leaning that way.
"Yeah, I think I still have some more football in me," Thielen recently told The Daily Mail. "We'll see how that plays out in the next few weeks."
It's little wonder why Thielen feels he still has more to give.
A hamstring injury reared its head during his second season in Carolina, causing Thielen to miss seven games, but age didn't become a burden by any means. He had 48 catches for 615 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 12.8 yards per reception and 61.5 yards per game.
Both those averages were his best since 2020, with the per-game number falling just 0.2 short of his output that season and below only two other campaigns in his career. Those two years, 2017 and 2018, came at his peak, when Thielen made two Pro Bowls consecutively with the Minnesota Vikings. In 2024, he was often open and always trustworthy like he has been throughout his career.
He came on late, too, showing no ill effects from his hamstring injury to post two 100-yard receiving games from December on, the second of which included two touchdown catches.
Thielen's improved form as the season progressed was also dependent on Bryce Young's maturation into a possible franchise signal-caller for the Panthers, something that seemed impossible during the first month of the season -- when the second-year quarterback was benched. That has now played a part in Thielen's eagerness to return for another go.
"I think that's what has enticed me to want to play again is just the progression, the leadership, the type of things that they're doing to try to create a winning culture," Thielen said. "I really believe in what they're doing. So there's a lot to look forward to, especially with Bryce and his progression. And then, you know, just being able to add some pieces and see what happens."
Thielen has one year left on the three-year deal he signed to join Carolina.
At least in the early going, he appears primed to play it out with the Panthers, who at 5-12 finished the season showing fight and a reason for excitement forward.
