Steelers Claim Former Vikings WR Adam Thielen Off Waivers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly claimed wide receiver Adam Thielen after he was waived by the Minnesota Vikings on Monday. Thielen now heads to Pittsburgh after spending part of the 2025 season back with Minnesota, following his trade from the Carolina Panthers earlier in the year.
Thielen appeared in 11 games this season, recording eight catches for 69 yards. He had asked Minnesota for his release so he could finish his final NFL season with a contender.
He’ll get that opportunity with the Steelers, who are gearing up for a crucial matchup Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens for first place in the AFC North. Thielen has six playoff appearances in his career but has yet to reach a Super Bowl.
Thielen’s NFL journey began in 2013 when he made the Vikings’ roster as an undrafted free agent after a tryout. He spent a decade in Minnesota, earning two Pro Bowl selections and a Second-Team All-Pro nod in 2017. In 2023, he signed a three-year, $25 million deal with Carolina, where he played two seasons before returning to the Vikings in 2025.
Thielen Has Already Hinted at Retirement
Back in May, Thielen acknowledged the possibility that 2025 might be his final season. “It could be, yeah,” he told Joe Person of The Athletic, explaining that he evaluates his future after every year by considering what he still has left to give to the game. His family encouraged him to keep playing, and he said he would go through the same process again after this season.
He added that retirement wasn’t something he planned to dwell on during the year: he wanted to stay focused on performing at his best and would reassess everything — personally, professionally, and with his family — once the season ends. Thielen admitted he’s nearing the end of his career but remained excited about what this season could bring.
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