The Steelers made multiple moves involving a host of veteran players on Tuesday.
Pittsburgh claimed Adam Thielen off waivers following the wide receiver's requested release from the Vikings while also waiving veteran cornerback Darius Slay, the team announced
Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. also was promoted from the practice squad to take Slay's spot on the active roster.
Thielen joins a struggling Steelers offense led by Aaron Rodgers, who, as a Packer, was a longtime rival of Thielen's during the wideout's tenure in Minnesota. The Vikings reunited with Thielen this past offseason via trade, but the 35-year-old generated only eight receptions for 69 yards in 11 games played.
Rodgers' production in Pittsburgh has been largely generated by WR DK Metcalf, who leads the team with 45 receptions for 605 yards and five touchdowns. It's a big drop off from there on out for Rodgers' pass catchers, with tight end Pat Freiermuth (26 receptions, 298 yards; four TDs) second in all categories.
Slay's departure comes after the 34-year-old was a healthy scratch in Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Arriving in Pittsburgh on a one-year-deal, Slay started nine games for the Steelers in 2025, collecting 36 tackles (one for loss), three pass break-ups and one fumble recovery. His usage waned over the last two games, playing no more than 20 snaps in each of Pittsburgh's latest two losses.
Samuel made his debut with the club last Sunday and generated three tackles on 28 defensive snaps.
Slay was hoped to be a reliable CB opposite Joey Porter Jr. and a veteran leader coming off his Super Bowl-winning campaign with the Eagles last season.
The 13-year veteran could be claimed by a team seeking experience at CB or choose where he plays next should he clear waivers.
