The Pittsburgh Steelers came into the 2025 season with a glaring question mark at wide receiver, and as we head into Week 14, that question has turned into a full-blown concern. The numbers don’t lie - and they’re not pretty.
DK Metcalf, acquired in the offseason with hopes of stabilizing the position, leads the team with just 605 receiving yards. That’s not a terrible number in a vacuum, but it’s far from what Pittsburgh needed from its WR1.
Behind him, the drop-off is steep: Calvin Austin has 278 yards, and rookie Roman Wilson has just 166. That’s it - those are the only Steelers wideouts north of the 100-yard mark this season.
To make matters worse, the guy they traded away - George Pickens - is thriving in Dallas. He’s already racked up 1,142 receiving yards, outproducing the entire Steelers wide receiver corps combined (1,114 yards).
That stat stings. It’s a harsh reminder of what could’ve been if the front office had held onto its most explosive homegrown weapon.
Pittsburgh took some swings to fix the problem - they missed at the trade deadline and couldn’t land veteran Brandin Cooks in free agency (he ended up in Buffalo). Now, with the playoff picture still technically in reach and the offense sputtering, the Steelers may have a new target in mind: Adam Thielen.
Why Adam Thielen Is Suddenly Available
Thielen was waived by the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, just a few months after they acquired him from the Carolina Panthers in an August trade that now looks like a misfire. But this wasn’t a front-office decision driven by performance alone - Thielen himself reportedly asked to be released.
According to the Vikings, Thielen’s representatives approached the team last week to request his release, citing his desire for a bigger role down the stretch of what he says will be his final NFL season. Minnesota obliged, calling Thielen “one of the all-time great Vikings” and expressing appreciation for his contributions.
His frustration makes sense. Thielen was buried behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the depth chart, and his role was minimal - just 29% of offensive snaps and eight catches for 69 yards over 11 games. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a player who, not long ago, was one of the most productive receivers in the league.
Why the Steelers Should Make a Move
Let’s be clear: Thielen isn’t the same player he was five years ago. At 35, he’s near the end, and his 2025 production doesn’t exactly scream “difference-maker.” But context matters.
Thielen was stuck behind two star receivers and caught passes from a revolving door of quarterbacks - J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer - in what’s been one of the NFL’s most unstable passing offenses. That’s not exactly a setup for success.
And it’s not like Thielen’s last productive season is ancient history. Just last year, he put up 615 receiving yards in 10 games with the Panthers when he had a real role. That’s solid production, especially for a veteran who still knows how to find soft spots in coverage and move the chains.
What Thielen brings is experience, reliability, and versatility. He’s played both inside and outside, and he knows how to get open - even if he’s not blowing past defenders anymore. For a Steelers offense that’s lacked consistency and separation at the receiver position, that could be a valuable addition.
What’s Next
Thielen will go through waivers, so the Steelers will need to put in a claim if they want him. And honestly, they should.
This team is still fighting to stay relevant in the AFC playoff race, and the wide receiver room needs help - badly. Thielen might not be a long-term solution, but he could be a short-term stabilizer.
If it works out, great. If not, no harm done - he’s likely retiring after this season anyway.
At this point in the year, teams aren't looking for saviors. They’re looking for guys who can give them a spark. Thielen just might be that guy for Pittsburgh.