The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a tough spot - and it’s not just about chasing a 9-8 finish. After another frustrating loss, this team is teetering on the edge of a full-blown unraveling.
And if things are going to turn around, it won’t be because of a splashy hire or a quick fix from the outside. This one’s on the locker room.
The solutions have to come from within.
That’s a big ask for a team that’s struggled to find consistency all season - especially on offense. The Steelers have talent.
They’ve got three capable tight ends and a big-time weapon in DK Metcalf. But none of that has translated into a reliable passing attack.
The effort against the Buffalo Bills was another rough outing, and it highlighted just how stagnant this offense has become. The ball isn’t moving, the rhythm is off, and the playmakers aren’t getting involved the way they should.
The wide receiver room continues to be a sore spot. Week after week, it’s the same story - missed opportunities, lack of separation, and an overall inability to stretch the field. And right now, there doesn’t seem to be a clear fix.
That brings us to Adam Thielen. The veteran wideout has officially been released by the Minnesota Vikings after requesting his departure.
He’s expected to retire at season’s end, but before he hangs it up, there’s a chance he gets one last run with a contender. Pittsburgh has been floated as a possible landing spot, but let’s take a closer look at what that would actually mean.
On the surface, bringing in a proven veteran like Thielen might sound like a stabilizing move - a guy with experience, leadership, and a track record of production. But the reality is, he’s not the same player he once was.
His return to Minnesota this season hasn’t panned out. He’s struggled to stay involved in the offense, and the numbers reflect that.
Through 11 games, including four starts, Thielen has managed just 69 receiving yards on eight catches. No touchdowns.
Only 18 targets. That’s a steep drop-off from the player who posted back-to-back solid seasons in Carolina.
Yes, Thielen has earned the right to finish his career on his own terms. He deserves a shot to contribute somewhere meaningful.
But at this point, Pittsburgh might not be the right fit - for him or for the Steelers. This team needs more than a locker room presence.
They need production. They need speed.
They need someone who can create separation and give this offense a spark. Thielen, as respected as he is, doesn’t check those boxes anymore.
Mike Tomlin has a reputation for getting the most out of veterans, and the Steelers reportedly showed interest in Thielen before last year’s trade deadline. So it wouldn’t be shocking if they made a call.
But convincing Thielen to come aboard would take some serious selling - especially after the offensive performance Pittsburgh just put on tape against Buffalo. If Thielen’s priority is winning and contributing, the current state of the Steelers’ offense might give him pause.
In the end, signing Thielen might look like a smart move on paper. But paper hasn’t won the Steelers many games this year.
What they need now is youth, explosiveness, and a plan to unlock the weapons they already have. Adding another veteran without a clear role or upside could just muddy the waters even more.
The Steelers have to fix this from within. That means better execution, sharper game plans, and finding a way to get their playmakers involved.
The answers aren’t on the free-agent wire. They’re already in the building - it’s just a matter of whether this team can find them in time.