Adam Thielen reveals which AFC Super Bowl contender he was hoping for before $25,000,000 Panthers move - “They didn’t want me”

Wide receiver Adam Thielen became a free agent last off-season after spending the first 10 seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. As a free agent, he landed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Panthers last off-season. While he landed with the Panthers, there were other teams Thielen was eyeing. One of those teams was the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Thielen was asked by a reporter at the American Century Championship about his thoughts on playing against the Chiefs this season. Thielen responded by saying he's trying to show them what he's got.

“I was trying to go there [Kansas City Chiefs], they didn’t want me. I’m trying to show them what I got,” Thielen said.

Thielen and the Carolina Panthers finished the 2024 season with the worst record in the NFL at 2-15. Although his team struggled, Thielen had a good, productive season in 2011.

He hauled in 103 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. He led the Panthers in both catches and yards and was second in touchdown receptions behind D.J. Chark.

Adam Thielen feels like he has to prove himself all over again in 2024

Adam Thielen during Green Bay Packers vs. Carolina Panthers

Adam Thielen is entering year 12 of his NFL career and he's treating this season with a veteran's approach.

After the Panthers finished last season at the bottom of the league, they made multiple changes to their coaching staff, including bringing in new head coach Dave Canales.

While Thielen knows how to approach a season, knowing what works for him as a quality wide receiver for 10 years, he said that he is treating this season as if he has something to prove all over again. That's a message he has relayed to the younger guys in the locker room.

"It doesn't change no matter how many years. When you're in years 10, 11, 12, you have to go out there and prove it, right?" Thielen said via the Carolina Panthers' team website

Last year, the Panthers struggled, as did rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. The Panthers acquired LB Jadeveon Clowney, WR Diontae Johnson, G Robert Hunt, G Damien Lewis, DL A'Shawn Robinson, CB Troy Hill, S Jordan Fuller, and many other players this off-season.

Do you think the Panthers will flip things around this season in Adam Thielen's second season with the team?