PITTSBURGH — As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers have taken proactive measures to strengthen their wide receiver corps by signing veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad, according to a team source.
The 31-year-old Valdes-Scantling boasts an impressive career, amassing 209 receptions for 3,606 yards and 20 touchdowns over eight seasons, including two Super Bowl victories with the Kansas City Chiefs. He is particularly familiar with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, having played alongside him in Green Bay from 2018 to 2021. During his best season with Rodgers in 2020, Valdes-Scantling recorded 33 catches for 690 yards and six touchdowns, posting an impressive average of 20.9 yards per reception.
Rodgers expressed admiration for his former teammate, stating, “I love MVS. I’ve always enjoyed playing with him. He’s one of my favorite teammates of all time. He is a really special guy, and I think MVS can still really play.” This sentiment is echoed by Valdes-Scantling’s performance last year with the New Orleans Saints, where he caught 17 passes for 385 yards and enjoyed significant success with four touchdowns.
Though Valdes-Scantling joined the Seattle Seahawks earlier this year, he faced challenges during training camp and subsequently spent time on the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad before being released due to a calf injury. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 206 pounds, his physicality offers a different dynamic compared to the Steelers’ current speedy receivers, adding versatility to the team.
At present, DK Metcalf ranks as the Steelers’ top wide receiver, with Calvin Austin III stepping into the WR2 role. The depth chart below them remains somewhat unclear, with Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, and Scotty Miller all vying for playing time, though consistency has been a challenge among them. With Miller recently sidelined from practice due to a finger injury and Wilson having mixed performances, the Steelers will need to assess where Valdes-Scantling best fits into the mix.
This strategic signing not only reinforces the Steelers’ receiver options on the practice squad but could also reduce the urgency to trade for another wideout before the deadline. While general manager Omar Khan’s track record suggests a willingness to explore all possibilities, the addition of Valdes-Scantling provides valuable depth and experience, giving the Steelers the flexibility to make informed decisions moving forward. This development brings hope as the team seeks to enhance its offensive capabilities in the coming games.