Like veteran receiver Brandin Cooks, veteran receiver Adam Thielen asked to be released by a struggling team. Like Cooks, Thielen was.

Unlike Cooks, Thielen didn’t make it through waivers.

Via NFL Media, the Steelers claimed the balance of Thielen’s contract.

They’ll pick up his prorated and essentially guaranteed base salary of $3 million. With five weeks left in the regular season, the Steelers will owe him $833,333.

Thielen previously reduced his salary by $2 million and gave up $4 million in incentives when he was traded to the Vikings in late August. That gesture made his contract more attractive on waivers.

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

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