Unlike Cooks, Thielen did not make it through waivers.
Via NFL media, the Steelers claimed the balance of Thielen’s contract.
They will take his prorated and essentially guaranteed base salary of $3 million. With five weeks remaining in the regular season, the Steelers will owe him $833,333.
thilane first His salary was cut by $2 million And he gave up a $4 million incentive when he was traded to the Vikings in late August. That sentiment made his contract at a discount more attractive.
He wanted opportunities for more playing time than the 185 snaps he received in 11 games this season. And while he may get that in Pittsburgh, Thielen may not be playing in the postseason in what he has said will be his final year.
It’s possible Thielen was hoping to slip through waivers in hopes of signing as a free agent with a Super Bowl contender like the Patriots or Broncos.
Instead, Thielen has jumped from a sinking ship to a sinking ship. The Steelers are 2-5 after a 4-1 start – and they are coming off an embarrassing 26-7 home loss to the Bills.
It won’t be easy to make an impact quickly. Thielen must plead guilty. He has to earn the trust of Aaron Rodgers. And the Steelers are just five days away from a crucial showdown with the 6-6 Ravens for first place in the AFC North.
He joins a depth chart that includes DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Ke’Shawn Williams and Scottie Miller. (Marquez Valdes-Scantling is on the practice squad.)
We’ll see how it goes. We will see which of the current receivers are released. However, it is safe to say that Thielen will show up for film sessions and hit the right routes.
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