Aaron Rodgers Sparks Reunion with Valdes-Scantling in Pittsburgh
Aaron Rodgers has taken on the role of recruiter, facilitating the return of one of his former wide receivers to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This week, Marquez Valdes-Scantling officially signed with the Steelers, reigniting a connection that dates back to their time together with the Green Bay Packers.
Valdes-Scantling’s Journey to Pittsburgh
During his first media appearance as a member of the Steelers, Valdes-Scantling emphasized the significant influence Rodgers had on his decision to join the team. The four-time MVP has expressed a desire to play alongside Valdes-Scantling since their paths diverged after their tenure in Green Bay.
“This guy next to me got me here,” Valdes-Scantling remarked, highlighting Rodgers’ persistent attempts to bring him back into the fold. Their bond has remained strong over the years, with Valdes-Scantling revealing that he had advance knowledge of Rodgers’ move to Pittsburgh before it became public.
A Strategic Decision
Valdes-Scantling’s ascent to the Steelers was not without its challenges. After being released by the Seattle Seahawks during final roster cuts in late August, he briefly joined the San Francisco 49ers, who were grappling with injuries at the wide receiver position. Ultimately, his decision to sign with the 49ers was influenced by familiarity with their offensive system, which mirrored what he had experienced under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in Seattle.
While with the 49ers, Valdes-Scantling appeared in five games, registering four catches for 40 yards. However, a calf injury led to his placement on the reserve/injured list, and he was subsequently released. Following the Steelers’ Week 8 loss to the Packers, he participated in a workout with Pittsburgh, where he further discussed his potential fit with the team and the role Rodgers played in his decision-making process.
“It was kind of a joint effort,” Valdes-Scantling explained. “We called and talked about it a couple of times. He said that he’d love to have me here and made his pitch.”
Reuniting with a Familiar Face
Valdes-Scantling’s rapport with Rodgers is a key asset as he integrates into the Steelers’ offense. Drafted by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as a deep threat, leveraging his exceptional speed to become a favorite target for Rodgers during their time together.
Over the course of 59 games, including 39 starts, Valdes-Scantling amassed 123 receptions for 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns. Following successful stints with the Kansas City Chiefs—where he won back-to-back Super Bowls in 2022 and 2023—and a productive season with the New Orleans Saints, Valdes-Scantling arrives in Pittsburgh as a seasoned veteran.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Valdes-Scantling primarily played on the outside during his career but has also logged significant snaps in the slot, showcasing his versatility. This adaptability may prove beneficial as he aims to secure playing time in the Steelers’ offense.
As the team looks to bolster its receiving corps, Valdes-Scantling’s return to the NFL under the guidance of Rodgers could signal a promising chapter for both players and the Steelers.
