Is Adam Thielen finally the No. 2 WR the Steelers have needed?

Many probably scoffed when the Steelers claimed 35-year-old WR Adam Thielen off waivers, but he has been a valuable asset. While he hasn’t blown up the stat sheet, he has made his mark on the offense. Not afraid to do the dirty work, he has actually made a meaningful difference as a blocker.

And Thielen reminded last Sunday us that he can still catch passes too, which may be necessary. With DK Metcalf serving a two-game suspension, he may not just be their No. 2 WR, but temporarily, their No. 1. Against the Lions, he saw four targets, making every catch for 44 yards.

It’s clear that there is already a natural chemistry between QB Aaron Rodgers and Adam Thielen. While they’ve never played together before this season, they are “grizzly veterans”, as Mike Tomlin would call them, cut from the same cloth. Both cut their teeth in the NFC North, so they know the same type of football, as well.

Rodgers has said that Kenneth Gainwell is a player he wishes he spent a decade of his career playing with. I could easily see him saying the same about Thielen, though that’s easy to say about a former Pro Bowler. Thielen also fits the Steelers’ mold as a player who genuinely loves football and wants to win.

In three games with the Steelers, Thielen has played 95 snaps, or 50 percent of the total. While with the Vikings earlier this season, he only played 29 percent of their snaps. Thus far in Pittsburgh, he has six catches for 60 yards. In his last outing, he showed that he could be a reliable zone target.

Even without DK Metcalf, the Steelers have Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, and Roman Wilson at wide receiver, in addition to Adam Thielen. The last is by far the most experienced and accomplished of the group, but also the oldest.

In requesting his release from the Vikings, Thielen seemed to suggest he planned to retire and wanted an opportunity to actually contribute and play before that time comes. If he enjoys his time with the Steelers, though, it wouldn’t shock me if he wants to come back. And perhaps play one more season with Aaron Rodgers.

After another disappointing season and months of retooling, the Steelers are set to try it all again in 2025. Though they limped into the playoffs, they once again embarrassed themselves therein.

Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback question. They settled in on Aaron Rodgers, but we still have a lot to learn about him. The 2025 NFL Draft class could play a big role, but veteran additions like Jalen Ramsey will be paramount.

Now we are in the regular season. From Rodgers to George Pickens to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ramsey, we’ve seen the Steelers make some big changes. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and figuring out how it all works out.