DOJO – The Pittsburgh Steelers made one of their most surprising moves of the season on Tuesday, claiming veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen off waivers just hours after quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrated his 42nd birthday. The roster shake-up came as part of a busy day that also saw Pittsburgh release veteran cornerback Darius Slay and elevate Asante Samuel Jr. to the active roster.
Why the Vikings Released Thielen
Thielen, 35, was waived by the Minnesota Vikings after being a healthy scratch in their 26–0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Minnesota’s front office confirmed that the receiver’s agent requested his release so he could find a larger role elsewhere during the final weeks of what Thielen says will be his last NFL season.
As the Vikings regained their full wide receiver depth with Jordan Addison reinstated, Thielen’s snaps dropped dramatically — playing only three snaps in his final game with the team.
Thielen finishes his Minnesota career ranked:
- No. 3 in touchdown receptions (55)
- No. 4 in catches (542)
- No. 5 in receiving yards (6,751)
What Thielen Brings to the Steelers
The Steelers’ offense has struggled to find rhythm this season. Despite adding DK Metcalf in a major offseason trade, Pittsburgh ranks 24th in passing offense, averaging just 187.8 yards per game.
Rodgers, who completed under 50% of his passes in Sunday’s loss to Buffalo, publicly hinted at frustrations with his receivers’ execution. Thielen gives Rodgers a veteran route-runner with elite reliability — and someone he already has a friendship with through golf events and the American Century Championship.
In 11 games this season, Thielen has only 69 receiving yards, but just last year he recorded 1,014 yards on 103 catches with Carolina.
Steelers Also Move On From Darius Slay
While adding one veteran, the Steelers parted ways with another. Pittsburgh and Darius Slay mutually agreed to separate, according to his agents. Slay, 34, had been a healthy scratch against Buffalo and is expected to pursue opportunities with other teams.
The move opens the door for Asante Samuel Jr., who played 28 snaps Sunday after James Pierre exited with a concussion. Samuel, returning from spinal fusion surgery, could now see an even larger role as Pittsburgh prepares to face Baltimore.
A Tight AFC North Race
The AFC North remains one of the most unpredictable divisions in football. The Steelers and Ravens both sit at 6–6, with Baltimore holding the tiebreaker. Cincinnati lurks at 4–8 with Joe Burrow back in action.
SportsLine projects Pittsburgh with a 44.8% chance to win the division and a 45.1% chance to make the playoffs as the final stretch begins.
Adding Adam Thielen — the NFL’s oldest active wide receiver — might give Aaron Rodgers the consistency he’s been missing.
