The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the market for a wide receiver trade ever since they decided to trade away Diontae Johnson. General Manager Omar Khan has hit the phones hard trying to land a complement to star wide receiver George Pickens, but so far, no deal has materialized. With the trade deadline looming Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, the pressure is on for the Steelers to make a last-minute upgrade at wide receiver to bolster their offense for the rest of the season.
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Panthers' Adam Thielen runs with the football during a home game in Carolina.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter on The Pat McAfee Show, the Steelers are particularly interested in Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen.
"I think that the Steelers would have some level of interest in Adam Thielen but the compensation has to be right..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 5, 2024
So far the two sides have been unable to bridge any differences there" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/4Z3lL5786E
Thielen's experience and consistency would provide a steady presence opposite Pickens, who has emerged as Pittsburgh’s top target but needs support to avoid being too easily defended. Despite Khan’s efforts to close a deal, complications have emerged, leaving the Steelers' pursuit in jeopardy as the deadline approaches.
"I think that the Steelers would have some level of interest in Adam Thielen, but the compensation has to be right and so far the two sides have been unable to bridge any differences there," Schefter said.
The main issue stems from Thielen's contract and the Panthers’ high asking price, which has complicated negotiations.
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Panthers' Adam Thielen gets set before the snap of the ball.
While the Steelers are eager to add an experienced receiver who can make an immediate impact, they’re cautious about sacrificing too many assets.
"I was told this morning, I doubt it," Schefter said. "Nothing is ever final on trade deadline day. Like last night I heard the Za'Darius Smith thing that the Lions and Browns were struggling to make it happen and then boom, we wake up and the two sides figure it out."
With limited time left, Khan faces a challenging balancing act: landing a much-needed playmaker without compromising the team’s future flexibility. Schefter has heard that the Steelers making something happen for Thielen is doubtful but he's not ruling it out.
Steelers' Omar Khan Playing Chess With The Panthers
The Panthers are in a tough spot as one of the league’s weakest teams, and with a rebuild on the horizon, Thielen doesn’t fit into their long-term plans. At 34, he’s unlikely to be a part of Carolina's future, yet he remains a productive veteran. Khan understands this situation and is going to play chess with the Panthers as the deadline quickly approaches.
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Steelers' Omar Khan looks on before a game.
Despite some recent injury concerns, Thielen hauled in 103 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. While he might not be a major upgrade, he would address a need for the Steelers, adding reliable depth and experience to their offense.
For the Steelers, acquiring Thielen would be a smart move to support Pickens, giving the offense a more balanced attack. Khan is actively pursuing Thielen or any available receiver, but he's holding out for a fair deal that doesn’t compromise the team’s future flexibility. Despite Khan’s persistence, there appears to be a gap in negotiations with the Panthers.
Right now, a Thielen trade remains uncertain, with both sides still far from reaching an agreement—but that could change quickly as the deadline draws closer.
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