Steelers Reportedly In Fight With San Francisco 49ers To Sign Veteran Wide Receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers officially announced their initial 53-man roster for the 2025 season on Tuesday. That does not mean that moves aren't forthcoming, however. Teams are required to make the significant cutdown shortly after the final week of the preseason, but rosters sometimes look very different in certain areas when the meaningful football kicks off. In the Steel City, General Manager Omar Khan still could be looking to make upgrades at the wide receiver and safety positions. The organization can't afford to have a lackluster offense yet again, so any and all playmakers that could be added would potentially make a difference.

The Steelers traded for DK Metcalf in a blockbuster deal just prior to the new league year starting in March, and then decided that George Pickens needed a change of scenery. This left many to believe that the franchise would either be heavily relying on Calvin Austin III, or preparing to make another deal that could bring someone else into the fold. That occurred when Jonnu Smith was acquired in late June, but the actual wide receiving corps remains a mystery in late August.

After roster cutdowns across the league, it shouldn't come off as a surprising if Pittsburgh ends up signing a veteran wideout to help the offensive unit. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, a specific former target of Aaron Rodgers is on the mind of Khan.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling wouldn't be the massive game-changer that fans in Pittsburgh would like to see the team sign, but he has a ton of familiarity with Rodgers, which could elevate his potential in the receiving game. The playmaker was released by the Seattle Seahawks, and because he is a vested veteran, will not be subject to the waiver wire. The Steelers have the option to make an offer, and it appears as if Khan is battling with the San Francisco 49ers to sign Valdes-Scantling.

The wide receiver played with Rodgers as the two were members of the Green Bay Packers together from 2018 to 2021 before Valdes-Scantling went on to catch passes for the Kansas City Chiefs. Back in 2020, which was one of Rodgers' four MVP seasons, Valdes-Scantling caught 33 passes for 690 yards and six touchdowns. In his best NFL season, he had an incredible 20.9 yards per reception.

Unfortunately, Valdes-Scantling hasn't been too dangerous of an option in recent campaigns, but the presence of Rodgers could immediately change the wideout's capabilities. The veteran quarterback is know to truly help everyone around him perform better, and the Steelers bringing in someone that had some serious rapport with the signal-caller back in Green Bay could be very helpful.

This wouldn't be the final splash move that the fan base may be interested in, but making a 41-year-old Rodgers comfortable will be pivotal for the offense's success. There aren't too many options that will excite anyone on paper, but it's clear from Wilson's reporting that Khan is still on the prowl looking to make an addition. The question becomes when Valdes-Scantling wants to be reunited with Rodgers or head to the NFC's 49ers.

Steelers Will Continue To Try And Fortify Offense

Despite making a plethora of moves in the offseason, it's no secret that Khan and co. are dedicated to putting the best possible roster out on the field come Week 1. There have been rumors about the team trading for a playmaker such as Jakobi Meyers, but it's also possible that an under-the-radar signing, such as inking Valdes-Scantling to a contract, could be what ends up happening. It doesn't hurt that the receiver is a two-time Super Bowl champion with plenty of experience.

Do you think that the Steelers and Valdes-Scantling are a good fit for one another? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below!

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