The Denver Broncos might feel great about their wide receivers room, despite inexperience and lack of production on some levels.
They missed out on a way to improve that group when former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Adam Thielen was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers one day after he was released by the Minnesota Vikings.
“Two-time Pro Bowl WR Adam Thielen was claimed off waivers by the Steelers, per source,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero wrote on his official X account on Tuesday, December 2. “Thielen, 35, wanted one more shot at a Super Bowl in his final season and now lands with longtime NFC North rival Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh.”
Thielen, who has stated this will be his final NFL season, had asked the 4-8 Vikings to let him try and close his career playing for a team that could make a postseason run. Thielen, who is in his 13th NFL season, has only played in the postseason 4 times. All of those appearances came in his first stint with the Vikings from 2013 to 2022.
Thielen, a former NFL All-Pro and 2-time Pro Bowler, played for the Carolina Panthers in 2023 and 2024.
Broncos Go With Another Veteran Wide Receiver
The Broncos instead signed veteran wide receiver Elijah Moore to the practice squad on December 2.
“The Denver Broncos are getting reinforcements for the stretch run of what has already been a strong season,” Heavy.com’s Josh Buckhalter wrote on December 2. “After showing interest on Monday and drawing attention to themselves because of it, the Broncos are signing Elijah Moore. Moore has played this season, so he is in game shape. Several hurdles remain before Moore can take the field for the Broncos in a game this season, but he is officially in the building.”
The New York Jets selected Moore, 25 years old, in the second round (No. 34 overall) of the 2021 NFL draft. He played for the Buffalo Bills this season and played for the Cleveland Browns in 2023 and 2024. Moore was cut by the Bills to make room for Brandin Cooks.
Broncos Don’t Have Many Proven Pass Catchers
The Broncos need more steady pass catchers around up-and-down second year quarterback Bo Nix, who has seemed lost at times this season …and like one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks at other times.
Either way, the Broncos have one of the NFL’s elite defenses and have won 9 consecutive games. They’re currently 10-2 overall headed into a Week 14 road game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Beyond veterans in wide receiver Courtland Sutton and tight end Evan Engram, you can’t really say the Broncos have a reliable pass catching option — and Engram has spent most the season MIA.
The moment started to look too big for wide receiver and rookie third round pick Pat Bryant in a 27-26 overtime win over the Washington Commanders in Week 13, where he had several critical drops, catching 3 passes for 42 yards on 7 targets.
Thielen could have been the steady hand the Broncos need.
Bryant has 18 receptions for 273 yards and 1 touchdown through 12 games and saw extended time against the Commanders in place of second year wide receiver Troy Franklin.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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