Steelers Could Turn Their Sights To The Very Reliable Adam Thielen As A Possible Trade Target

The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently 4-2 despite playing their backup quarterback and dealing with numerous injuries on both sides of the ball. While the win-loss columns look promising, one area that has been noticeably lacking during the 2024 season is the wide receiver room. Head Coach Mike Tomlin chose to come into the season with George Pickens, followed by several depth pieces. 

During the 2024 preseason, Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith praised the players behind Pickens, including Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, and Scotty Miller. They drafted Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but he was just integrated, with five snaps during Week 6, following an injury.  

This has led to Pittsburgh being linked to nearly every available wide receiver, especially the disgruntled ones. First, it was Brandon Aiyuk, followed by Davante Adams. Now that those players didn't work, it is back to the drawing board, and new names like DeAndre Hopkins and Mike Williams are starting to emerge. 

Jeremy Fowler from ESPN commented recently that Pittsburgh is the next man up in line to get a top receiver. While Fowler mentioned the possibility of the Steelers trading for Williams since the New York Jets just traded for Adams, Aditi Kinkhabwala from CBS Sports suggested someone new, Adam Thielen. 

Kinkhabwala joined The Poni and Mueller Show on 93.7 The Fan and was asked what she thinks about Thielen in exchange for a late-round pick. The 34-year-old plays for the Carolina Panthers after spending most of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. 

"I love Adam Thielen," exclaimed Kinkhabwala. "I love him. He's like Amari Cooper. He is a consummate pro. He's the guy that is not a diva in any way; he's gonna do every single thing he possibly can to help the effort. He is never going to be one of the guys that's yapping or creating a distraction on the sideline in any way. He's not gonna put anything untoward on his eye black and then disappear."

Thielen has been recovering from a hamstring injury, but should be ready to go about the same time that the Steelers return from their bye week. The Panthers are currently 1-5, even with former Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson, and could look to unload the older Thielen to acquire a later-round draft pick to continue the rebuild. 

Kinkhabwala pointed out that the Steelers aren't going to get 10 years from Thielen, but he could be a solid, reliable player who can help take pressure off Pickens. While Thielen might not be as dynamic a player-maker as Adams or Aiyuk, he is a player you can count on to get you a first down when you need one. This would make him the perfect partner to the younger Pickens as the Steelers' offense finds its identity. 

Steelers Could Benefit From Adam Thielen

One of the major knocks on Pickens has been his maturity. He has thrown tantrums, given up on plays, refused to block, and looked selfish. Most felt that was in his review mirror when they traded Johnson to the Panthers, but it reared its ugly head again during the Week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys. It started with his obscenely laden eye black and continued onto the field. It ended dramatically with him trying to rip the helmet off a Dallas defender. 

Clearly, Tomlin was sending Pickens a message by cutting his snaps that week, and the young receiver was not happy about it. However, it might have sunk in because he seemed much improved during the Week 6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Kinkhabwala said that she sees Thielen as a mature professional who has never been accused of causing drama on his team. It is possible that he could help be a mentor to Pickens as he transitions into the leadership role on the offense. 

What do you think about a late-round pick for Thielen? Click to comment below. 

#SteelerNation