:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53534321/629164974.0.jpg)
A couple of weeks ago, I briefly talked about how I felt the Minnesota Vikings should get wide receiver Adam Thielen under some sort of a long-term deal and keep him away from restricted free agency. It looks like the team is willing to take the risk of another team snatching him away.
Source #Vikings most likely placing 2nd-rnd tender on restricted FA Adam Thielen worth roughly $2.8M Still possible signing him soon to deal
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 4, 2017
According to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Vikings are likely going to give Thielen a second-round restricted free agency tender offer. That would put Thielen’s salary for 2017 at around $2.8 million unless the two sides do come to a long-term deal.
What this also means is that, if another team signs Thielen to an offer sheet, the Vikings will have seven days to match that offer. If they choose not to do so, they will receiver a second-round draft choice as compensation. A team could go ahead and sign Thielen to that offer sheet following the 2017 NFL Draft and not have to give up a draft choice until the 2018 NFL Draft.
Thielen was the Vikings’ leading receiver in 2016, with his 967 yards being the highest figure a Vikings’ pass catcher has registered since Sidney Rice had 1,312 yards in 2009. He’s worked his way up from the practice squad to be an ace special teamer, and now a legitimate starting wide receiver. Pro Football Focus had Thielen as one of their Top 20 receivers in the league this past season.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Thielen, but it appears that the Vikings are ready to make the first move.