Steelers Rumors: Adam Thielen, Darius Slayton Trade Eyes Before Mike Williams Deal | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a splash at the NFL trade deadline by adding Mike Williams from the New York Jets, but they also had a few receivers in mind.

According to Joseph Person of The Athletic, the Steelers called the Carolina Panthers about wide receiver Adam Thielen.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also reported Tuesday that Pittsburgh expressed interest in New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton.

Thielen was the Panthers’ leading receiver a year ago when he had 1,014 yards and four touchdowns, but he has spent most of the 2024 season on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Even with Thielen out of commission, Carolina felt it best to keep a veteran on a young roster.

Slayton has the second-most receiving yards for the Giants this season with 469, behind only standout rookie Malik Nabers. He also has a touchdown through nine games.

While Thielen and Slayton might have been more desirable options for the Steelers offense, they still got a solid receiver in Williams. The eighth-year player is stuck in a deep, wide receiver spot highlighted by Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams, leaving him with few goals to show for so far this season.

He has just 12 receptions for 166 receiving yards through nine games, but should see his numbers improve in Pittsburgh. In his last full season in 2021, Williams had 1,146 receiving yards and nine touchdowns with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Injuries have been a factor over the past two seasons and staying in New York did not give him the best chance to find his rhythm.

There’s a good chance he’ll be the Steelers’ second option behind George Pickens, so he could have a strong second half of the year.