Green Bay, Wisconsin – December 2, 2025
The NFC North just got a jolt. Less than 24 hours after being released by the Minnesota Vikings, longtime rival wide receiver Adam Thielen was spotted inside the Green Bay Packers’ practice facility on Monday afternoon — instantly setting off a firestorm of speculation that the two-time Pro Bowler could be switching sides in one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
While no official signing has been announced, multiple league insiders say Green Bay is “seriously evaluating” the 35-year-old veteran as a potential reinforcement for a late playoff run.
Thielen, one of the NFL’s most respected technicians at the position, carved out a 13-year career after going undrafted in 2013. In a league that rarely rewards underdog stories, he became a star: over 8,000 receiving yards, 60 touchdowns, and back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2017 and 2018. Crisp route running, vice-grip hands, and clutch red-zone execution have defined his game for a decade — and even at 35, scouts say he still brings value as a situational weapon.
The timing couldn’t be better for Green Bay.
The Packers are dealing with a wave of injuries across the offense, particularly at wide receiver. With rookies and depth players carrying heavy loads, Thielen’s reliability and leadership are exactly what the young locker room has been missing. His visit was reportedly conducted quietly, but it didn’t stay quiet for long — fans lit up social media within minutes of the first sighting.
Head coach Matt LaFleur didn’t deny the team’s interest.
“Adam’s a true pro and has had a heck of a career,” LaFleur said. “When a player like that becomes available, you do your homework. We’re evaluating all our options as we build toward December.”
If the Packers pull the trigger, the emotional ripple will be felt across the division. Thielen isn’t just any veteran — he’s a Minnesota native, a homegrown Viking, and a fan favorite who spent a decade terrorizing defenses while wearing purple. A move to Green Bay would add an unmistakable storyline to any future Vikings-Packers clash, especially with the playoff race heating up.
For now, nothing is official. But the signs are unmistakable: Thielen didn’t show up in Green Bay by accident. With the postseason in sight and leadership at a premium, the Packers may be preparing to make one of the most intriguing mid-season additions of 2025.
If Adam Thielen suits up in green and gold, the NFC North — and the entire NFL — will feel it.
