Jul 26, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) walks off after practice at training camp. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images.
Each week, VikingsTerritory published a couple of editions of the latest rumor mill, revealing the week’s top theories and speculation about the Minnesota Vikings.
The current Vikings rumor mill includes talk of an Adam Thielen trade, Stephon Gilmore’s free agency, and how Daniel Jones’ struggles may factor into Minnesota’s draft plans.
This is the Sunday, August 3rd edition, including Adam Thielen allegedly on the trade block, Stephon Gilmore’s new connection, and Daniel Jones out in Indianapolis.
Have a peek at the purple rumor mill.
Vikings Rumors for August 3rd
All the latest fodder about the Vikings from the rumor mill.
Former Minnesota Golden Gophers standout and Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen watches from the sidelines during the Dukes’ Mayo Bowl between Minnesota and Virginia Tech. Photographed on Jan 3, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium, Thielen supported his alma mater in postseason action. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.
Rumor: Adam Thielen could be traded by the Carolina Panthers.
Pro Football Focus listed 15 NFLers who could be traded this summer or before the November deadline, and Adam Thielen made the cut.
PFF’s Bradley Locker explained, “The Panthers built on their late-season growth via a solid offseason, acquiring marquee talent on both sides of the ball. But a side effect of those personnel changes is a logjam at wide receiver, which could relegate Thielen.”
“Even at age 34, Thielen performed admirably with Carolina in 2024. The veteran produced a 76.5 PFF receiving grade with 2.06 yards per route run while also sitting 73rd in separation rate and 65th in separation rate against single coverage.”
No current Vikings made the list.
Locker continued, “On the surface, it would seem quixotic for the Panthers to trade a player still going strong in Thielen. But with eighth-overall pick Tetairoa McMillan entering the fold, head coach Dave Canales effectively has two starting spots for three players: Thielen, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette.”
“Thielen is the oldest and on an expiring contract, which would figure to make him the most expendable; after all, the Panthers could likely obtain a solid draft pick instead of keeping him in a limited role.”
Thielen will turn 35 this month, and per PFF, he might get one more change of NFL scenery.
Rumor: Stephon Gilmore is in high demand from Cowboys-themed media.
Dallas lost cornerback Caelen Carson to a hyperextended knee this week, prompting some Cowboys-themed websites to suggest Stephon Gilmore, a former Cowboy, as a sensible replacement.
SI.com’s Josh Sanchez wrote, “Dallas must reunite with veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore, the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, spent the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings and will turn 25 in December, but he still has the itch to play.”
“Last season, Gilmore played in 15 games and recorded 56 tackles, an interception, and nine passes defensed. In the 2023 season with Dallas, Gilmore hauled in two interceptions with 68 tackles, 13 passes defensed, and a forced fumble.”
New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) returns an interception 54 yards for a touchdown during fourth-quarter action against the Miami Dolphins. Captured on Sep 15, 2019, at Hard Rock Stadium, Gilmore’s defensive play helped the Patriots cruise to a dominant 43-0 victory. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
Gilmore spent the 2024 campaign in Minnesota and played well most of the time.
“He played in all 17 games. With the Cowboys needing depth in the secondary, bringing back a veteran presence who still has the urge to play and finish his career on a high note is a no-brainer. It’s low-risk, high-reward in a major area of need,” Sanchez continued.
“If Jerry Jones really cares about winning, he should pick up the phone and make the call, because the answer to Dallas’ lack of secondary depth is hiding in plain sight.”
Gilmore to Dallas would make quite a bit of sense. He showed up at Dallas’ headquarters around the draft, creating speculation about a free-agent relationship. Nothing yet.
Rumor: Daniel Jones is losing the QB1 battle at Colts training camp.
In the spring, Jones became the frontrunner to win the Colts’ QB1 job, mainly because Anthony Richardson was sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Now, that theory has been dialed back.
SI.com’s Ryan Phillips explained this week, “The Indianapolis Colts don’t have a quarterback competition, they have a quarterback problem. Last month, reports suggested free agent signing Daniel Jones had an edge on the returning Anthony Richardson, but it appears that is no longer the case.”
“Reports out of Colts training camp suggest Jones has not played well. One would assume that if Jones had been bad during training camp, Richardson would have surpassed him, but that hasn’t happened either. Instead, it appears the Colts are in limbo with two underperforming signal-callers.”
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws a pass during team drills at training camp at Grand Park in Westfield. Captured on July 28, 2025, Jones competes to establish his role on the Colts’ quarterback depth chart ahead of the upcoming NFL season. © Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
If Jones plays north of three-fifths of QB1 snaps for the Colts in 2025, the Vikings can grab a 4th-Round compensatory draft pick in 2026. Otherwise, Minnesota would be looking at a 5th-Rounder.
Phillips concluded, “According to analysis from The Athletic’s James Boyd, Jones has failed to separate himself from Richardson as both quarterbacks have struggled. So far in 11-on-11 drills, Jones is 23-of-41 with one touchdown and an interception. For his part, Richardson is 19-of-43 with two touchdowns and an interception.”
“Richardson reportedly outplayed Jones on Friday, but other than that, both have struggled for the bulk of camp.”
The Colts’ quarterback situation is dicey and fluid. Jones’ frontrunner status had dissipated.
