The offseason is winding down and the Chicago Bears, like all other teams, had to make some brutal cuts in order to get their roster down to that 53-man limit on Tuesday. But, as is also common, the moves don't stop there.
A Bears rival made the decision to bring back a familiar face shortly after cuts were announced. On Wednesday morning, the Minnesota Vikings traded for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen, bringing him back home to where it all started.
The Vikings had been down bad at the wide receiver position, with Jordan Addison being suspended to start the year and Jalen Nailor being banged up. Already, Rondale Moore was injured and put out for the year. So, the Thielen trade was something Vikings fans had wanted to see for quite some time, and it happened.
The Bears defense now has two savvy wide receivers to prepare for in Week 1
At 35 years old, Thielen is not the guy he once was. However, he is still very good at a couple of things that make him ageless, so to speak: route running and catching the football.
Like many of the all-time greats, Thielen's ability to stay crisp with his route running allows him to get open, still, at this age. And, he hasn't lost those good hands of his. Last year, Thielen dropped just two passes according to Pro Football Reference.
For the most part, the Bears have a history of doing pretty well against Thielen. In 16 career games versus the Bears, Thielen has averaged just three catches for only 28 yards. He has scored five touchdowns against Chicago in those games.
Thielen now re-joins a former teammate and maybe the best wide receiver in football in Justin Jefferson, who should also be good to go for Week 1 after nursing a minor injury during the preseason.
Read more: Final Bears roster update leaves fans torn between hope and rage
Dennis Allen's defense has their work cut out for them when it comes to Kevin O'Connell's offense, but it all hinges on second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, for Minnesota, who might as well be a rookie. Last year, McCarthy missed his rookie campaign due to an ACL tear.