An NFL insider makes a thought-provoking claim about Adam Thielen's trade stance

Dan Morgan is in a tough spot with just a few hours left until the 2024 trade deadline. The Carolina Panthers earned a morale-boosting victory over division rival New Orleans Saints. However, they are still 2-7 overall and need to start planning for the future.

There continues to be speculation about which players could become potential targets and be deemed expendable by Morgan. The Panthers have already traded Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens for almost no advantageous compensation. Calls are being made, but no further transactions have been made by the new front office boss.

Time is of the essence right now. The Panthers could easily continue with what they have with the slim hope of becoming more competitive in the second half of 2024. But it wouldn't be the worst idea to accumulate assets before the 2025 offseason if suitable offers arrive.

One player who is a hot name in the trade rumor mill is Adam Thielen. The Pro Bowl wide receiver hasn't been seen in weeks due to a hamstring injury, but is almost ready to get back on the field in a competitive environment.

Thielen remains committed to the cause but acknowledged there is no trade clause in his contract. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated suggested that the player's representatives were eager to make him a contender. The senior insider also named Jonathan Mingo as another who could be sacked after falling further down the pecking order than ever before under the new regime.

“(Adam) Thielen is an interesting player, there are rumors that his camp would like to make him a contender. And Carolina is open to the idea of ​​moving veterans (another Panthers receiver who could be traded would be prospect Jonathan Mingo).

– Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated

The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly inquired about Thielen's availability after their deal with Christian Kirk fell through due to the player's broken collarbone. Carolina will listen to offers — especially given the promise Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders have shown in recent weeks. But Morgan won't accept the first legitimate package that comes onto the market either.

READ MORE: Insider is monitoring the Panthers' running back dynamic ahead of the 2024 trade deadline

Thielen may be 34 years old, but he still has the best hands on the team. The former undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State is also an established leader in the locker room, which is crucial for this young group as they face some turbulent times in 2024.

It would be a surprise if the Panthers traded someone else at this late stage. Your resolve will likely be tested. Still, it would take a pretty good offer to tempt her.

If Thielen is still around, he will be an important part of the offensive strategy before questions about his future arise again next spring. This will be of greater importance if the Panthers move forward with quarterback Bryce Young as the starter after his encouraging return to the lineup.

Here too, nothing is set in stone. Luckily for fans, they won't have to wait much longer for something to be confirmed one way or another.

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