When you take a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers' room of wide receivers, it is filled with young talent that could cause opposing defenses issues going forward. The main problem, however, is the lack of veteran experience within the group. All of the players under contract for 2023 have been in the NFL for five seasons or fewer.
Steelers wide receiver, Diontae Johnson (#18) looks on at 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield SteelerNation / (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
It would sure be nice to get some veteran leadership in the locker room rather than targeting another young pass catcher in the draft. The perfect candidate may have just come up after it was reported on Thursday that he likely will not return to the team that drafted him almost 10 years ago.
Steelers Should Go After Veteran Adam Thielen If He Is Made Available
The Minnesota Vikings are currently exploring options surrounding Thielen. After restructuring his contract in 2022, he carried a huge cap hit into 2023 of nearly $20 million. It is very possible that he ends up being designated as post-June 1 release to help Minnesota with their salary cap situation.
The wide receiver has had an awesome career thus far and at 33 years old, has 534 receptions, 6,682 receiving yards and 55 touchdowns. He could bring a ton of value to a young position group in Pittsburgh, depending on what the cost will be to sign him if the Vikings end up parting ways with him.
There is certainly a need for a strong option at slot receiver for the Steelers. Steven Sims took over the role late in 2022 and Calvin Austin III will make his career debut in 2023, but having a guy like Thielen on the roster who may be okay, at his age, without playing every snap, would be a great player to have.
Vikings wide receiver, Adam Thielen (#19). | Photo Credit: Dylan Buell / Getty Images
The Steelers aren't known for making splash signings and they clearly have many other positions to worry about in free agency, including re-signing some of their own players first. It doesn't mean that if Thielen became available it wouldn't be worth it to make a call and see what his asking price is.
Pittsburgh has been linked to certain wide receivers who will be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, but it's not out of the question to sign someone in free agency in order to focus on the other needs the team has such as the offensive and defensive lines, cornerback and linebacker.
The receiving core is currently extremely young, but talented. If going after someone in free agency is part of the internal plan, bringing in a veteran like Thielen who would bring a great leadership persona would not just be a smart move for the team in 2023, but a beneficial one as well. He would be a great mentor for guys like George Pickens.
Steelers George Pickens (#14) on the field at Acrisure Stadium before a 2022 regular season game against the New Orleans Saints in Pittsburgh, PA. | Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (Twitter: JSKO_PHOTO)
Let's be clear, first the Vikings would have to indeed release Thielen. That seems like it is on the verge of happening as free agency rapidly approaches. Then the price would need to be right along with the Steelers open to welcoming Thielen and the wide receiver himself liking the opportunity.
It may not end up transpiring, but he is the perfect option at wide receiver in free agency if he does become available in the coming days. There's no reason Pittsburgh shouldn't reach out to him.
Do you think Thielen would be a good fit in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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