The Facts: Thielen announced on Instagram he’s joining the Panthers. A big veteran addition for whatever young QB is headed to Carolina with the No. 1 pick.

Diehards Line: Thielen, who was cut by the Vikings before free agency, reportedly got a three-year deal from the team. He visited Carolina on Wednesday. The team is also said to be interested in signing D.J. Chark, who became a free agent last week after spending his first four seasons in Jacksonville and his fifth, 2022, in Detroit. Chark visited the Panthers on Friday. The Panthers had six receivers under contract, including Terrace Marshall, Jr., Lavishka Shenault, and Shi Smith. Both Thielen and Chark have question marks. For Thielen, it’s age. For Chark, a Pro Bowler in 2019, it’s injuries. He appeared in only four games in 2021, and only 11 in 2022. Whatever they do, the Panthers need an accomplished and talented group of receivers, given that they’ll likely have a new rookie quarterback whom they hope will quickly become a franchise-caliber performer. Thielen will be one of those pieces. We'll be watching for more on Chark as well.