During NFL Free Agency, teams like the Minnesota Vikings have to make tough decisions to improve their performance from the previous season.

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The Vikings released wide receiver Adam Thielen to ease their cap burden for the upcoming season, as his cap hit would have been around $20 million.

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Shedding $6 million was a significant move for the team, who were over the cap by around $15 million

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Thielen had been with the Vikings since 2014, working his way up from a practice player to one of the team's most important wide receivers.

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Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf expressed their gratitude for Thielen's success and his rise to become one of the best players in the team's history.

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Thielen had a star turn in 2016, tallying 967 yards on 69 receptions, which led to more opportunities in the offense.

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Thielen earned two Pro Bowl selections in 2017 and 2018, despite going undrafted and not being seen as a valuable draft pick.

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Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed his gratitude for everything Thielen brought to the team since joining in 2013.

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Following a strong 2022 season, Thielen should receive strong interest in free agency.

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Thielen has set the standard with his play on the field, being a selfless teammate, and making a permanent impact in the community.

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