Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Deebo Samuel Sr.

Monday, August 25, 11:17 PM

The Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers continue to engage in trade discussions surrounding veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, but the two sides are struggling to agree on compensation, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. As it stands, there seems to be a significant gap between the Vikings and Panthers, which means Thielen remains in Carolina for the time being. The veteran has remained quite productive in his mid-30s, totalling 151 catches, 1,619 yards, and nine touchdowns over his last two seasons (27 games). However, his role is likely to decrease in 2025 with young receivers Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette continuing to trend upward. That made him a perfect trade candidate this summer, and Minnesota represents a fantastic landing spot. Not only did Thielen spend the first nine years of his career with the Vikings, but Minnesota also has a gaping hole at the No. 2 wide receiver position with Jordan Addison (suspension) and Jalen Nailor (hand) sidelined. If he were to return to the Vikings, Thielen would immediately slot in as the No. 2 wide receiver behind Justin Jefferson, and the team could continue to deploy him in three-receiver sets even after Addison returns. However, none of that can happen if the two sides remain locked in a stalemate. It remains to be seen whether either team will budge in their compensation demands as Week 1 draws closer.

Tuesday, August 12, 2:15 PM

The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala writes that Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and quarterback Jayden Daniels have developed a strong chemistry, which has been a "product of their reps before practices, conversations between seriess and budding friendship off the field." Samuel has been the "primary bright spot amid growing concern about the Commanders' receiving corps." The 29-year-old has taken advantage with Terry McLaurin holding out and Noah Brown dealing with injuries. Jhabvala writes that Samuel appears to be motivated by a fresh start and a soon-to-be-expiring contract after a disappointing final season in San Francisco. Samuel has dropped some weight and appears to be in much better shape in 2025 as well. If he stays healthy, Samuel could bounce back and be a nice value pick in fantasy drafts as a WR3/flex in an up-tempo offense.