Vikings explore veteran WR options, Thielen among leading options

The Minnesota Vikings are openly weighing an addition at wide receiver ahead of Week 1, with plans that could include reuniting with Adam Thielen, the Minnesota native who starred for the team for nine seasons. The push comes as the receiving corps deals with Jordan Addison’s three-game suspension and injuries that have limited Jalen Nailor and others, leaving Justin Jefferson as the veteran anchor while the offense searches for reliable depth. Analysts and team officials have signaled that Minnesota is actively exploring veteran options in the trade market, and Thielen—who spent the first decade of his NFL career with the Vikings—has emerged as a leading possibility.

The Vikings entered training camp with high expectations for a dynamic trio of Jefferson, Addison and Nailor. But injuries and a suspension quickly reshaped the plan. Jefferson returned to practice after a lengthy absence, while Addison sits out the first three games and Nailor has been limited by a hand injury. The situation has forced Minnesota to consider not only internal depth but external help, and NFL Network reports indicate the club has been “seriously exploring” veteran receivers in the trade market in...