Who Should I Start? Cordarrelle Patterson or Adam Thielen

Monday, July 28, 2:17 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released running back Cordarrelle Patterson, according to a tweet from Patterson himself on Monday morning. The 34-year-old appeared to be fifth on the team's depth chart at running back behind Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell, and Trey Sermon, so this news does not come as a huge surprise. Patterson appeared in 13 games for Pittsburgh in 2024, rushing for 135 yards on 32 carries and catching 12 passes for 80 yards. He also served as a kick returner, which is where Patterson has arguably made the biggest impact throughout his career. It remains to be seen whether the 12-year vet will look to catch on with another team as a gadget piece on offense and contributor on special teams, or hang up his cleats. Either way, his days as a fantasy-relevant player are in the past.

Tuesday, December 2, 4:30 PM

Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The 35-year-old was traded to Minnesota from the Carolina Panthers before the start of the regular season, but things didn't pan out in his return to Minnesota, as he was ultimately released following Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks after being a healthy inactive for the first time this season in Week 13. Thielen recorded just eight receptions for 69 yards on 18 targets in 11 games with the Vikings, but he now lands with a Steelers team that needs help at the wide receiver position. D.K. Metcalf leads Pittsburgh with 605 receiving yards, but no other Pittsburgh pass-catcher is above 300 yards. Thielen could immediately slot in as the No. 2 wide receiver, but he isn't worth fantasy consideration at this time, outside of deeper leagues.