The New England Patriots could add another weapon for Drake Maye for the stretch run.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has certainly gotten the most out of what initially appeared to be a questionable receiving corps heading into the season.
Free-agent additions Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins have been terrific, Kayshon Boutte is in the middle of a breakout year and DeMario Douglas has been as reliable as ever.
Still, there is no question the Patriots could use another pass-catcher, and a notable one just became available for them: Adam Thielen.
The Minnesota Vikings just waived Thielen, giving him the opportunity to join a playoff contender for the remainder of the year, and Chad Graff of The Athletic feels that New England could present a realistic possibility for the two-time Pro Bowler.
Thielen barely made an impact in 11 games with the Vikings this season, managing just eight catches for 69 yards.
But that could have been due to the fact that Minnesota's quarterback situation is absolutely miserable, and it's also not like Thielen had a great opportunity for targets surrounded by Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor, plus other weapons.
Last year, Thielen caught 48 passes for 615 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games with the Carolina Panthers, so he was productive as recently as 2024.
The 35-year-old is also just two seasons removed from hauling in 103 receptions for 1,014 yards and four scores.
Is it possible that Thielen has declined considerably since then? Sure. He is no spring chicken, and it's important to remember that he dealt with some injuries last year.
But he would still be worth a shot for a Pats squad that is 10-2 on the campaign and could very well make a Super Bowl run in a watered-down AFC.
Thielen spent the first nine years of his career with the Vikings during his first stint in Minnesota between 2014 and 2022, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2017 and 2018 and making the Pro Bowl both years. He topped out at 1,373 yards in the latter season.
The Minnesota State product owns a lifetime catch rate of 69.8 percent and would provide Maye with a sure-handed option on short and intermediate routes.
We'll see if the Patriots ultimately make a move for Thielen.