Is Adam Thielen in Denver's cards?

The Broncos already have a connection to Adam Thielen, giving them a slight edge if they're interested in the wideout who entered free agency after the Vikings released him on Friday. 

Minnesota signed Thielen as an undrafted free agent while Broncos GM George Paton served in its front office from 2007-20. The familiarity is a possible incentive for the two-time Pro Bowler. 

Additionally, Paton can reload an offense that ranked last in scoring, 25th in passer rating and 19th in passing yards last season, pleasing new Denver head coach Sean Payton.

"Payton is expecting Paton to surround QB Russell Wilson with as many weapons as possible," wrote the Draft Network's Justin Menlo. "Payton's receiver-friendly offense meshes well with Thielen's savviness."

The 32-year-old's consistency also supplements Denver's offense. In nine seasons, he's recorded 60 receptions or more six times.

He addresses depth problems as well. 

Tim Patrick suffered a season-ending ACL tear last August and needs time to recover before the regular season.  

Since the Broncos have no picks until the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they've considered trading Courtland Sutton. Per NBC Sports' Matthew Berry, Denver will likely move Sutton if it gets the right offer. 

Cap space is less of an issue since the Broncos released Graham Glasgow, Chase Edmonds and Ronald Darby on Friday, according to ESPN's Jeff Legwold. As a result, they're $33.1M under the cap, per OverTheCap.

Thielen could be the first prominent signing Denver makes this offseason, pushing it in a better direction.