Steelers’ Adam Thielen Reveals The Risky Route He Took On His Way To Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers march into the playoffs as AFC North champions, winning four of their final five games and finishing the regular season with a 10-7 record. Pittsburgh heads into their Wild Card matchup against the Houston Texans playing their best ball of the season, and a big part of that momentum has been the shuffling in the wide receiver room. The Steelers have leaned on a few newly added veterans to bolster Aaron Rodgers and the passing attack, including one receiver who’s now suiting up for his third different team this season.

The Steelers picked up Adam Thielen off waivers on December 1st after he was released by the Minnesota Vikings. Thielen had been traded to Minnesota from the Carolina Panthers right before the regular season with the idea that he play his final year with the team he spent the first nine seasons of his NFL journey with, but things never really clicked the way he hoped. 

Thielen caught just eight passes in 11 games, saw his role shrink, and eventually asked to be released so he could find a situation where he could not only contribute, but make a run for a championship. Pittsburgh was looking for some sort of answer to help spark the offense after dropping back-to-back games, and Thielen made an immediate impact. Even though he wasn’t brought in to be a superstar or take over the offense, his arrival gave the team a steady, trustworthy option that Rodgers could lean on when needed. For an offense that had been trying to find its rhythm for most of the season, that type of presence mattered more than any eye-popping stat line.

There is no denying that the Steelers' offense has taken a step forward since Thielen arrived in Week 14, but there was almost a chance that Thielen didn't land in Pittsburgh. After being placed on waivers by Minnesota, Thielen didn't have much control over his fate, but he knew Pittsburgh would be the perfect destination. While making a guest appearance on The Christian Kuntz Podcast this week, Thielen talked about how he ended up in Pittsburgh.

"From afar, it felt like [Pittsburgh] would’ve been where I would end up. When you’re a veteran and you get released after the trade deadline, you have to clear waivers. There is a lot out of your control, so I was a little nervous," Thielen said. "The teams that are out of the playoffs probably aren’t going to claim a 35-year old receiver that is going to retire five-six weeks later. It was definitely a risk, but I’m excited to be here."

Thielen wanted to land somewhere competitive, somewhere where he could still make a difference, even if it was just in a smaller role. The Steelers clearly saw something in him that they liked, and once they picked him up, he didn’t waste time showing the coaching staff they made the right decision.

Since joining the Steelers, Thielen has caught 11 passes for 117 yards, averaging 10.6 yards per reception. He might not be putting up Pro Bowl-type numbers, but Thielen has added a veteran presence in a young Pittsburgh wide receiver room while becoming a reliable target for Rodgers. He runs clean routes, finds soft spots in coverage, and doesn’t seem rattled by big moments or tough situations.

Steelers Could Still Look To Thielen Heavy Despite Return Of DK Metcalf

As the Steelers prepare to take on the Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round, DK Metcalf will return to the lineup following a two-game suspension. His presence will help the Steelers stretch the field and could potentially create more opportunities for the rest of the receiving corps, including guys like Thielen.

Thielen saw 11 total targets in the two games that the Steelers played without Metcalf, showing that he was already being relied on heavily in crucial situations. With Metcalf back, Thielen could find even more openings and chances to make big plays as defenses adjust to the added threat.

Are you glad Thielen eventually made his way to Pittsburgh? Comment below!

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