Bills, Broncos, Steelers named top landing spots for 3-time award-winning receiver originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers have all been linked to a multiple-time award-winning receiver who could be a valuable offensive asset down the stretch of the season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCBS Sports' Cody Benjamin listed the Bills, Broncos, and Steelers as potential landing spots for free agent wide receiver Adam Thielen, who was waived by the Minnesota Vikings on Monday after requesting his release.
Thielen will retire at the end of the 2025 campaign, but the veteran receiver wants one final chance to compete for a Super Bowl, which was the leading factor in his release from the Vikings. The 35-year-old spent nearly 10 seasons in Minnesota, where he tallied two Pro Bowl selections and a second-team All-Pro nod in 2017.
Though Thielen will retire as a Viking, he now has a chance to finish his playing career on a contender. There are a few playoff squads with glaring needs at receiver, with Buffalo, Denver, and Pittsburgh immediately coming to mind.
The Bills have been waiting for someone in their receiving room to step up as the certified No.1 pass-catcher for quarterback Josh Allen. Though Khalil Shakir and young tight end Dalton Kincaid have shown flashes, neither has been consistent enough to take over that role.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBuffalo just signed Brandin Cooks last week to bolster the receiving room, but adding another experienced veteran to the position room would be a wise move. Thielen is past his prime and isn't capable of producing at a high level anymore, but the former undrafted free agent would be a nice security blanket for Allen.
Despite signing Elijah Moore to the practice squad on Tuesday, the Broncos could still be in the market for a receiver to help out quarterback Bo Nix and take some pressure off Courtland Sutton's shoulders. Thielen would be a solid option for Sean Payton's squad.
The Steelers are always looking for receivers, and Thielen fits Mike Tomlin's culture. However, Pittsburgh is currently out of the playoffs, which could lead Thielen to pass on heading to the Steel City.
Overall, Thielen should have a decent market, and some contender will pick him up for a late-season push. Buffalo, Denver, or Pittsburgh seem like the three most logical landing spots for the Vikings legend, though.
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