Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Has Now Been Caught Recruiting Another Former Wide Receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to several wide receivers in the 2025 offseason. They made headlines with a blockbuster trade for DK Metcalf and then stunned fans by dealing away George Pickens shortly after. Now, the Steelers appear ready to move forward into the 2025 season with a wide receiver room led by Metcalf, second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson, and speedster Calvin Austin III, while also relying on depth options such as Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek.

Aaron Rodgers, however, might not be fully satisfied with the group. Reports surfaced on Monday that Rodgers personally reached out to a Green Bay Packers insider to ask about the availability of his former teammate, wide receiver Romeo Doubs. The inquiry sparked speculation that Pittsburgh could still be looking to add more help at the position, even after their aggressive offseason moves.

On top of that, it appears Rodgers had been busy recruiting another familiar face. According to an article in The Athletic by respected reporter Matt Barrows, wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling admitted Rodgers nearly convinced him to join the Steelers earlier this offseason. While Valdes-Scantling ultimately landed elsewhere, the revelation highlights how determined Rodgers is to surround himself with trusted weapons as he gears up for what could be his final push for a championship in Pittsburgh.

"Familiarity or Aaron Rodgers? That’s what Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s decision boiled down to this week," Barrows wrote in his article on Thursday. "Would the wide receiver join former Green Bay Packers teammate Rodgers with the Pittsburgh Steelers, or land with the San Francisco 49ers, where he could hit the ground running?"

While Valdes-Scantling didn’t go into much detail, he did explain that Rodgers was very serious about getting him back on his team. The two played together from 2018 to 2021, and Valdes-Scantling was a somewhat electric presence with Rodgers during that stretch. 

However, instead of reuniting in Pittsburgh, he ended up signing with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad.

"He wanted me back over there," Valdes-Scantling said Thursday.

Ultimately, it came down to a 50/50 decision, and Valdes-Scantling felt the 49ers were the better fit for him at this stage of his career. Now 30 years old, he may not be the explosive threat he once was, but Rodgers wasn’t recruiting him without reason. He clearly believed Valdes-Scantling could still contribute in Pittsburgh, whether on the practice squad or potentially even on the 53-man roster.

Steelers Almost Had 2 Solid Veterans On Their Practice Squad

While there wasn’t a spot available for him on the active roster, it remains unclear whether Rodgers was pushing to create one or simply wanted his former teammate in the building on the practice squad. Instead, Pittsburgh ended up bringing back veteran Robert Woods, who returned to the Steelers’ practice squad at age 33. Woods chose to remain in Pittsburgh, believing the situation was better for him compared to other opportunities.

Had things unfolded differently, the Steelers could have entered the 2025 season with two seasoned veterans on their practice squad. While that scenario didn’t materialize, the fact that Rodgers was so heavily involved in recruiting shows just how determined he is to shape this wide receiver group in his final years under center.

One thing remains clear. Rodgers likes where the roster is, but he isn’t settling. He has been reaching out to his former teammates who are available, or asking about them in other cases. The Steelers could still make a move at wide receiver before the season kicks off.

Did you want to see Marquez Valdes-Scantling come to the Steelers for the 2025 season? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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