Adam Thielen’s time in Minnesota may be over, but his NFL journey isn’t finished just yet - not if a few playoff hopefuls have anything to say about it.
The veteran wide receiver, recently released by the Vikings after nearly a decade with the franchise, is eyeing one last shot at a Super Bowl before hanging up his cleats at the end of the 2025 season. And with the postseason picture starting to take shape, Thielen could be exactly the kind of savvy, sure-handed presence that teams like the Bills, Broncos, and Steelers are looking for as they gear up for a December push.
Let’s start with Buffalo. The Bills have been in search of a consistent No. 1 target for Josh Allen all season.
While Khalil Shakir has flashed and rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid is showing signs of becoming a future star, neither has fully stepped into the lead role. The recent addition of Brandin Cooks gives Allen another veteran weapon, but adding Thielen - even at 35 - could be a smart move.
He’s no longer the explosive playmaker he once was, but what he brings is reliability, route-running precision, and playoff experience. For a Bills offense that’s been looking to stabilize its passing game, Thielen could be the kind of third-down security blanket that helps Allen stay in rhythm when it matters most.
In Denver, the situation is a little different but no less intriguing. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has had his ups and downs, and while Courtland Sutton continues to be the go-to guy, the Broncos are still thin when it comes to dependable targets.
They just signed Elijah Moore to the practice squad, but that’s more of a developmental move. Thielen, on the other hand, could step in immediately and give Sean Payton a veteran presence in the slot or on the outside.
For a young quarterback like Nix, having a receiver who knows how to get open and move the chains could be invaluable.
Then there’s Pittsburgh. The Steelers are always in the market for receivers, and Thielen fits the mold of a Mike Tomlin player: tough, disciplined, and team-first.
While Pittsburgh is currently outside the playoff picture, they’re still very much in the hunt - and adding a veteran like Thielen could be a low-risk, high-upside move to bolster a young and inconsistent receiving corps. Whether Thielen would sign on with a team not currently in playoff position is another question, but from a football standpoint, the fit makes sense.
Thielen’s not going to be the focal point of an offense anymore - and that’s okay. What he brings now is leadership, experience, and the ability to make critical plays in high-leverage moments. He’s the kind of player who can help tilt a close game in January, not with speed or flash, but with timing, toughness, and trust.
Whether it’s Buffalo, Denver, or Pittsburgh, there’s a spot out there for Thielen to make one final run. He’s already carved out a remarkable career as a former undrafted free agent turned Pro Bowler.
Now, he’s chasing the one thing that’s eluded him: a shot at a Super Bowl. And for a contender looking to add a little more grit and reliability to its receiving room, Thielen might be the perfect late-season pickup.