Adam Thielen: Landing spots| Waived| Steelers| Retire| Net worth

Introduction

Adam Thielen — once an undrafted underdog from Minnesota Vikings glory, is now facing the twilight of his career. On December 1, 2025, the Vikings granted his request to be waived, opening the door for a final chapter — whether that’s catching on with a new team for a playoff push or officially retiring.

At 35 years old, Thielen’s NFL journey has been full of perseverance, standout seasons, highs and lows. In this article, we dissect his current status, potential landing spots (yes — including rumors linking him to the Pittsburgh Steelers, possible retirement, and what his career earnings likely mean for his net worth.

Who Is Adam Thielen? A Quick Career Snapshot

• Born August 22, 1990 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; attended Minnesota State Mavericks in college.

• Went undrafted in 2013 but signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent.

• Over 13 NFL seasons (2013–2025, with breaks and a stint elsewhere), Thielen carved out a highly successful career. As of 2025, he has 693 receptions, 8,380 receiving yards, and 64 touchdowns.

• Career highlights include two Pro Bowl selections (2017, 2018) and the NFL record for most consecutive 100-yard receiving games.

Thielen turned into a go-to target in his prime, proving doubters wrong. But as he aged, his role gradually diminished — a narrative common for many veteran receivers.

What Happened in 2025: Waived By Vikings

• On December 1, 2025, the Minnesota Vikings granted Thielen’s request to be waived. The primary reason: his desire to seek more playing time elsewhere during what he signaled would be his final NFL season.

• In 2025 with the Vikings, his output was minimal: 8 catches for 69 yards across 11 games.

• Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo‑Mensah said the decision was made “out of respect,” acknowledging Thielen’s legacy and granting him the chance to finish his career on his own terms.

In short: Thielen is now officially a free agent — and potentially approaching retirement, unless another team bites.

Potential Landing Spots: Could Steelers Be In the Mix?

With Thielen waived, speculation immediately turned to where he might land next — given his desire for playing time and a chance at a playoff run. Here’s a breakdown of realistically possible scenarios.

Likely contenders / realistic fits

• Teams needing veteran wide-receiver depth for a playoff push.
  Teams lacking experienced WRs could view Thielen as a low-cost, veteran addition. In recent media, there’s mention of interest from a handful of clubs looking to add depth down the stretch.

• Playoff contenders with injuries at WR
  If a contending team suffers WR injuries, Thielen could be a plug-and-play veteran who knows how to get open and catch passes in clutch situations.

Could the Pittsburgh Steelers be a fit?

• There are no confirmed reports — as of now — linking Thielen directly to the Steelers. I did not find credible sources naming Pittsburgh among his landing spots.

• That said: the Steelers (or any team needing an experienced slot/outside receiver) remain a speculative option. If you’re writing from an SEO or rumor-tracking perspective, including Steelers among “possible landing spots” is defensible — but it must be clearly labeled speculative.

Other possibilities

• A contending NFC or AFC team looking to add a seasoned receiver for a playoff push.

• A short-term “prove it” deal — perhaps 1–2 games — for a team needing veteran depth in December.

Retirement remains on the table

• Multiple reports suggest Thielen views 2025 as his final season.

• If no attractive opportunity arises — or if the offers are too modest — retirement seems likely.

Bottom line: While there’s buzz about possible landing spots, nothing is locked in. If you include the Steelers in any “landing spot list,” treat it as speculative.

Net Worth & Career Earnings — What Has Thielen Made?

Though exact personal wealth is private, public estimates provide a sense of Thielen’s financial standing as of 2025:

• According to one recent estimate, Thielen’s net worth is around US $20 million.

• Contract-tracking data suggest he has earned nearly US $90 million in career salary and bonuses through 2025.

• Earlier public records — focusing on older contract years — listed his net worth much lower (around US $5 million), but those numbers are widely seen as outdated, not accounting for recent contracts, bonuses, endorsements, and investments.

• Many analysts consider the more recent US $20 million figure to be a realistic ballpark, given taxes, typical living/expenses, and investments.

So whether Thielen retires or signs with another team, his financial legacy is secure — he’s earned enough to sustain a comfortable post-NFL life.

What’s Next: Retirement or Final Stand?

With his current status, Thielen faces a decision: attempt one final run — perhaps chasing a playoff shot — or hang up his cleats and retire as one of the success stories of the modern NFL.

Pros of signing elsewhere this season:

• Chance at a playoff berth or even Super Bowl run.

• Opportunity to contribute veteran leadership and experience on a team that needs WR help.

• Final pay-cheque and a send-off on the field.

Pros of retirement now:

• Preserving his health and legacy after a long career.

• Financial security seems well in place.

• Ability to retire on his own terms, likely remembered fondly by fans from his prime years.

FAQs

Q: Why was Adam Thielen waived by the Vikings in December 2025?
A: Because he requested the release. He said his role had diminished, and he wanted to seek more playing time elsewhere during what he indicated would be his final NFL season.

Q: Is there an official announcement of Adam Thielen’s retirement?
A: Not yet. As of now, he is a free agent. Many reports suggest he plans to retire at season’s end if no suitable opportunity arises.

Q: Could he sign with the Steelers?
A: There are no verified reports linking Pittsburgh Steelers to Adam Thielen. That possibility remains speculative.

Q: What is Adam Thielen’s estimated net worth?
A: Public estimates place his net worth around US $20 million as of 2025.

Q: What are his career stats?
A: Over his 13-year career, Thielen has 693 receptions, 8,380 receiving yards, and 64 receiving touchdowns.

Conclusion

Adam Thielen’s story — from undrafted free agent to Pro Bowl mainstay — is the kind of career NFL dreamers hope for. As of December 2025, he finds himself at a crossroads: a free agent with limited output this season but still capable of adding value for the right team.

Whether he signs a last-minute contract for a playoff push, perhaps with a contender, or decides to retire, his legacy is secure — both on the field and financially.