The Pittsburgh Steelers have claimed wide receiver Adam Thielen off waivers. What does it mean for Pittsburgh’s offense?
Steelers Claim Adam Thielen
Two-time Pro Bowl WR Adam Thielen was claimed off waivers by the Steelers, per source.
Thielen, 35, wanted one more shot at a Super Bowl in his final season and now lands with longtime NFC North rival Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/if1NOr2XGS
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 2, 2025
Thielen is heading to the Steel City.
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Steelers have claimed Thielen off waivers. The move comes one day after the Vikings granted Thielen’s request to be released.
“Last week, Adam’s representation approached the team and asked if we would be willing to release Adam, expressing his desire to play a bigger role in the remaining weeks of what he has indicated will be his final NFL season,” Vikings’ general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement. “Following discussions through the weekend and out of respect for Adam, we have agreed to give him the opportunity to pursue more playing time elsewhere. Adam is one of the all-time great Vikings, and we wish him and his family continued success.”
Thielen later thanked the organization and fans for his time in Minnesota. This season will be Thielen’s last in the NFL. With the Vikings out of playoff contention, Thielen asked for his release in hopes of playing for a playoff team the rest of the way.
“Since this past spring, I knew this was going to be my last season playing in the National Football League,” Thielen wrote on X. “Given that, the Vikings allowed me the opportunity to go compete elsewhere for the last few weeks of my career.”
After spending the previous two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, the Vikings traded for Thielen before the 2025 campaign to serve as the team’s No. 2 wide receiver while Jordan Addison served his three-game suspension to start the year.
After a fast start, Thielen has been a non-factor in the Vikings’ offense. Thielen has eight catches for 69 yards in 11 games this season.
What the Addition of Adam Thielen Means to Pittsburgh’s Offense
Adam Thielen really said ✌️ pic.twitter.com/Z7tgTcoIsA
— Thomas Sullivan (@Yfz84) December 1, 2025
The Steelers’ offense has been inconsistent all season.
Pittsburgh ranks 24th in passing offense (187.8 yards per game), 27th in total offense (281.7 yards per game), and 28th in rushing (93.8 yards per game).
Aaron Rodgers has been fairly consistent this year — 2,086 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
However, the Steelers’ passing offense has been inept all season. DK Metcalf leads the team with 45 receptions, 605 yards, and five touchdowns.
Outside of Metcalf, no Steelers receiver has more than 300 receiving yards or two touchdowns.
A frustrated Rodgers called out his wide receivers after the 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
“When there’s film sessions, everybody shows up, and when I check to a route, you do the right route,” Rodgers said via ESPN. “We have our meetings every week. We have other opportunities outside of the facility, and [I] look forward to seeing all the boys there.”
Thielen is not a savior. However, Thielen is a veteran whom Rodgers can trust, which might be the most important element for this quarterback.
The Steelers are tied with the Baltimore Ravens for first place in the AFC North. These two teams will play in Week 13, with the winner moving into sole possession of the division.
