What Adam Thielen's exit means for Panthers' Bryce Young, WRs

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Bryce Young no longer needs his security blanket.

In trading 35-year-old wide receiver Adam Thielen to his home state Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers not only showed confidence in the remaining receivers on their roster but also in the growth of their third-year quarterback.

Thielen was Young's most dependable receiver the past two seasons. He caught 139 of his 315 completions (44.1%) for 1,414 of 5,280 yards (26.7%).

But it made sense to move on from the veteran because of Young's leadership and development in coach Dave Canales' offense during the second half of 2024 and in training camp, as well as the younger receivers the…