At 34, Adam Thielen of the Carolina Panthers is showing he still has the skills to excel in the NFL, even after a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several weeks. Upon his return, he quickly established a strong connection with rookie quarterback Bryce Young, becoming his most dependable target. Thielen's performance earned him recognition as PFF's secret superstar for the Panthers, showcasing his remarkable ability to make plays when it mattered most.

Despite the influx of new talent in Carolina’s offense, Thielen emerged as the top receiver, recording a stellar 76.5 PFF receiving grade and averaging 2.06 yards per route run, both the best among the team's starters. With only two drops throughout the year, he reaffirmed his status as an above-average NFL wide receiver, leaving fans wondering about his future as he considers retirement at the end of his contract.