The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly bringing back wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a move that’s got everyone buzzing after a rough stretch for their receiving corps. League sources told The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo that the veteran wideout plans to sign, with the expectation he’ll start on the practice squad. This guy is 31 years old and for the second year in a row, he’s reuniting with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh. Talk about a familiar face showing up when you need one.
A Second Stint in the Steel City
This isn’t Valdes-Scantling’s first dance with the Steelers. He joined them nearly a year ago, on October 27, 2025. During that run, he played in five games, snagging 10 passes for 80 yards and even punching in a touchdown. Before this reunion, he was with the Los Angeles Chargers this season, but his time there was brief: just three games with two catches for 22 yards. Remember, he was originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers way back in 2018 when Mike McCarthy was the head coach. It feels like a long road back, but sometimes a known quantity is exactly what a team needs, especially one dealing with major injury woes.
Steelers’ WR Room Needs a Spark
Honestly, the Steelers’ wide receiver situation has been thin, and that’s putting it mildly. They’ve got Michael Pittman and Roman Wilson both on injured reserve, and Ben Skowronek was out for Week 6 due to a leg injury. With all those guys sidelined, the team had to elevate Brandon Smith and Brandon Johnson from the practice squad. In their Week 6 win over the Buccaneers, the only wide receivers to actually catch passes were DK Metcalf and Germie Bernard. That’s a super tight rotation, and it shows the urgency of bringing in someone like Valdes-Scantling. That Buccaneers game itself had some big moments, with Aaron Rodgers and Jalen Ramsey hitting personal milestones, and Germie Bernard even setting a Steelers record. But even with those positives and Jalen Ramsey being the “glue” to their defense, the play-calling from Mike McCarthy was still being defended after a Jamel Dean interception. Adding a veteran target, even on the practice squad, could be a real lifeline to help bolster that group.
So, what’s next? The Steelers just put out their stock report after that Week 6 win, showing they’re trying to build momentum. Bringing in Valdes-Scantling, even if it’s just to the practice squad for now, gives them another option as they navigate this injury-riddled receiving corps. It’s a clear signal they’re not content with their depth, and they’re looking to give Rodgers every tool they can. Let’s see if this familiar connection can reignite some magic for them.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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