The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the hunt for an effective wide receiver for the last couple of years, and the team has had a clear need at the position throughout the 2025 season. Pittsburgh did not make any moves for help at receiver at the trade deadline outside of signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling, but the organization did go out and claim veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen off of waivers after he was released by the Minnesota Vikings earlier this week.
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Former Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen gets set before the snap of the ball during the 2024 season.
Thielen has had an incredible NFL career as he has been both an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler. Most of his success came during his first stint in Minnesota, and he also spent a couple of seasons with the Carolina Panthers. He rejoined the Vikings for the 2025 season, but things were not going well and he was ultimately released, which led to him being claimed by Pittsburgh. The organization had interest in the veteran in recent years.
Steelers claimed former Vikings WR Adam Thielen on waivers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2025
It is hard to determine whether or not Thielen will have any sort of impact in Pittsburgh. He was once a great player, but he has certainly lost a step over the last several seasons. He has caught just eight passes for 69 yards in 2025, which came after two seasons in Carolina. In 2023, he recorded over 1,000 receiving yards for the Panthers, so there still could be something left in the tank.
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Former Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen celebrates after scoring a touchdown with Carolina during a home game.
Thielen is an addition that has some promise for Pittsburgh. He is a veteran with a ton of experience, and he should be able to develop some chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Thielen has been known as a great route runner throughout his career, and hopefully that is something he could bring to Pittsburgh as the passing game has struggled tremendously of late. Receivers have not been able to gain separation consistently, which has made Rodgers' job incredibly hard. That has factored into nearly all of the team's losses.
Steelers Still Have A Chance To Compete In 2025
It was said after Thielen's release that the veteran wanted to play for a team that had a chance to compete, so it is hard to imagine how happy he is that he wound up in Pittsburgh. He could turn the offense around, which should open things up through the air and on the ground. However, based off of Pittsburgh's recent midseason additions across several years, there is a chance he barely sniffs the field while wearing the black and gold.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings release veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen and he's claimed by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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