Vikings part ways with veteran receiver after disappointing reunion

Disappointing performances

Thielen was traded to the Vikings in the offseason from the Carolina Panthers, returning to the place he spent the first nine seasons of his career. Minnesota hoped he'd play a key role in replicating some of last season's success, but that didn't pan out.

In 11 games, Thielen hauled in just eight catches for 69 yards and zero touchdowns. His best performance of the season came all the way back in Week 2 when he collected 26 yards on two catches. 

Thielen had just one reception over the final three games of what will be the end of his Vikings career.

Where could he land?

Finding a bigger role than eight catches shouldn't be extremely hard for Thielen, but where exactly that could come from is the important question.

A return to Carolina makes a lot of sense, as he could return to the locker room where he was both an excellent veteran leader and solid producer in each of the last two seasons.

Two other teams that are a bit thin at wide receiver and could use a bit of help down the stretch are the Buffalo Bills and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Each of those two teams have been bombarded with receiver injuries this season and could be an ideal landing spot for Thielen for the end of his NFL career.