The Vikings can retain restricted free agent receiver Adam Thielen via an RFA tender this offseason, but if Thielen and his agent Blake Baratz have any say, Minnesota will lock up Thielen to a long-term extension in the next few months, Baratz told Ben Goessling on 1500 ESPN’s Purple Podcast.
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“They have the ability to do right by him, and [Thielen has] far exceeded anyone’s expectations,” said Baratz. “They don’t have any money invested in their wide receivers, and we can figure out something to do that’s right — this week, next week, the following week, March, April.
Every day that gets closer to the end of next season without a deal in place, the pendulum just continues to swing Adam’s way. I think I’m very fair, Adam’s very realistic, and we want to do something that makes sense for the team and makes sense for Adam. Otherwise, someone’s going to be unhappy.”
Because he hasn’t accrued four NFL seasons, Thielen is bound to the Vikings for at least one more year, who have the option of tendering the 26-year-old at the first-round, second-round, or right of first refusal level. Given that he produced 69 receptions for 967 yards and five touchdowns in 2016, Thielen is likely to receive a first- or second-round offer, which would pay him in the neighborhood of $4MM or $2.8MM, respectively. Even with draft pick compensation attached, Baratz believes Thielen could attract interest in free agency.
“I would be shocked if [teams didn’t pursue him],” Baratz said. “I think the cat is kind of out of the bag. He’s had such a good year, and none of it was a fluke. When I talk to evaluators and they’re breaking down film on Adam, they legitimately understand how fast he is. They legitimately understand how good of routes he has.”
I hope we can lock him up. He and Diggs are good. Hopefully we can get a solid Oline though. That’s got to be the number one priority.
Would be nice to give him a contract, he deserves it.
Still don’t understand the Wright situation. He a Percy Harvin without the head trip.
I agree Wright is a good guy, but he doesn’t have nearly as much talent as Harvin had.
If they’re so convinced they’ll still be interest w a tender I’d be happy w either one and someone offers him a big deal good for Adam he’s earned it. Not to mention our lack of a 1st rounder is the main reason behind this we need more picks and if no-one has interest in giving up a pick negotiate throughout the year extensions don’t have to be signed in the off season. If he’s willing to give us a discount then lock him up. We need to rid ourselves of AD altogether and rebuild the oline.
Give him the extension he deserves!! His success is all about hard work and a great attitude. You need guys like him on the field and in the locker room.
It’s not only about the development of Thielen, but his chemistry with Sam Bradford. His ability to block and play special teams make his services priceless. He’s worth a second rounder every day and I wouldn’t want to give him up for less than a first.
He’s my cousin and we better re sign him because then I won’t see him as much and his hometown would miss him very much