Adam Thielen was claimed off waivers today by the Pittsburgh Steelers, adding a veteran wide receiver to a team that has struggled to find consistent production through the air this season; Thielen brings a long track record of reliable hands and route-running to a Steelers receiving corps in need of playmakers.
Thielen’s path to the NFL is well known: he went undrafted in 2013 out of Minnesota State and earned a roster spot through tryouts and perseverance, eventually becoming one of the league’s most productive undrafted success stories. He broke into the Vikings’ lineup as a special-teams contributor before turning into a primary target in Minnesota’s offense, earning Pro Bowl nods and a Second-team All-Pro selection during his peak years.
From a statistical standpoint, Thielen’s early seasons showed a rapid rise. In 2014 he recorded 8 receptions for 137 yards and 1 touchdown, then gradually increased his role through 2016–2018, including a breakout 2017 with 91 catches for 1,276 yards and 4 TDs and a career-high 1,373 yards and 9 TDs in 2018. Those seasons established him as a dependable chain-mover and big-play threat, with a stretch of consecutive 100-yard games that drew national attention.
The middle years of Thielen’s career were marked by continued production and some injuries. He posted 925 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2020, followed by 726 yards and 10 TDs in 2021, and then 716 yards and 6 TDs in 2022 after returning to Minnesota. Even as targets shifted and quarterbacks changed, Thielen’s route discipline and contested-catch ability kept him relevant in game plans.
More recently, Thielen’s numbers dipped as he moved to Carolina and then back to Minnesota; in 2023 he had 103 catches for 1,014 yards and 4 TDs, in 2024 he totaled 48 catches for 615 yards and 5 TDs, and through the 2025 season he had limited production before being waived. Across his career he has compiled 693 receptions and 8,380 receiving yards, a testament to longevity and consistent playmaking.
Whether Thielen’s arrival will materially change the Steelers’ passing offense is the key question. Pittsburgh has struggled to sustain a high-volume, efficient passing attack, and adding a veteran like Thielen, known for crisp routes and reliable hands, could help stabilize short-to-intermediate passing concepts and third-down conversions. His presence alone won’t overhaul schematic issues or quarterback play, but expect him to provide immediate depth, a dependable red-zone option, and a potential mentor for younger receivers, which could modestly improve the Steelers’ passing efficiency if the coaching staff integrates him into game plans effectively. Don’t hold your breath.
(photo courtesy of Fox)