Panthers' Thielen says 2025 season 'could be' his last

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen acknowledged retirement is a strong possibility following the 2025 campaign.

"It could be, yeah," Thielen said when asked if next season could be his last, per The Athletic's Joe Person. "I told you guys at the end of the season, like every year, you look back and you say, 'Hey, what left do I have to give to this game?'

"I talked to my family, and they wanted me to keep playing. ... I'm not going to think about that right now. I'm gonna focus on being the best football player I can possibly be, and you have to have that mindset in this league."

Thielen turns 35 in August. He's entering his third season as a Panther after spending the first several years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings.

The two-time Pro Bowler signed a three-year contract to join Carolina in 2023. The Panthers reportedly reworked his deal earlier this offseason to give him a pay raise for the 2025 season.

Thielen said that although he's "definitely winding down" his career, he's excited about what Carolina can accomplish this season.

Despite going 5-12 in 2024, Carolina's offense found its footing down the stretch following quarterback Bryce Young's return to the starting role, particularly with the former No. 1 pick's connection with Thielen.

Thielen led the Panthers in receiving yards for the second straight season despite missing seven contests due to a hamstring injury. He has 151 receptions, 1,629 yards, and nine touchdowns across 27 games with Carolina.

The Panthers have continued to invest resources in improving Young's weapons this offseason, most notably using the eighth overall pick in this year's draft to select Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan. The team previously took wideout Xavier Legette in the first round last year.

Carolina also signed former Las Vegas Raiders receiver Hunter Renfrow after he spent a year away from football while being treated for ulcerative colitis.