The Facts: According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Vikings and Thielen reach agreement on three-year deal to keep the restricted free-agent wideout in Minnesota.
Diehards Line:After a breakout 2016 season, Thielen was hoping to remain a Vikings, but... "At the same time, I want to be respected and for what I’ve done," he said as free agency began. “I feel like I’ve proven that I can be a starter in this league, and I want to be respected in that way.” Apparently the Vikings agreed, giving him $17 million ($11 million guaranteed) and potential value of $27 million with incentives. Remember, Thielen impressed Vikings coaches and scouts enough to land on the practice squad as a rookie in 2013, stood out on special teams the following year once he made the active roster and improved so steadily as a wide receiver that he became a full-time starter with Stefon Diggs last season. Thielen caught 69 passes for 967 yards and five touchdowns for an offense that ranked fifth-worst in the league in total yards.