While the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't make any blockbuster moves right before Tuesday's trade deadline, they did make an intriguing addition to their practice squad. General Manager Omar Khan made the move to sign two-time Super Bowl champion and veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The wideout won those aforementioned two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs. Before that, he was a significant member of the offensive attack in Green Bay while current Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was there. They played together for four seasons (2018-2021). In those four seasons, Green Bay was one of the top offenses in football, with Rodgers winning multiple MVPs and Valdes-Scantling proving to be one of the league's top deep threats.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan signs pictures for the fans as the team prepares to work out during a training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
With the addition of Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad, it now has to be wondered how soon it will be before he can get elevated to the active roster. When will he be able to play in games? As luck would have it, insider Chris Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joined 93.7's The Fan Morning Show to chat about the prospect of the eight-year veteran potentially getting the opportunity to play on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers:
"I think he'll be active. I think they're going to work him in," Carter predicted. "Aaron Rodgers can tell that guy what he wants when he wants, and he'll do it... It'll fit right in with what they're doing. He's a different-bodied wide receiver."
If Carter's hunch is right, the Steelers are going to be getting another asset to the active roster. Despite being 31 years of age, Valdes-Scantling could end up proving to be quite useful in Pittsburgh. While with Rodgers in Green Bay, he, at one point, led the league in yards per catch (20.9; 2020). That 2020 season was also his best career season as he recorded 33 receptions for a career-high 690 yards and six touchdowns.
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Wide receiver Marquez Valdez-Scantling during his time with the Green Bay Packers.
While he isn't exactly a superstar player, his ability to take the top off of defenses is notable. Keep in mind too that he reeled in a total of 15 catches for 250 yards and three touchdowns across the Chiefs' deep playoff runs in 2022 and 2023. In addition to playing with Rodgers, Valdes-Scantling has also played with Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
Will Steelers' Marquez Valdes-Scantling Have A Specific Role In Pittsburgh?
Sure, Valdes-Scantling is an aging wide receiver and certainly on the back nine of his career. However, the former South Florida Bull can still be of use in the Steel City. So, how can Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith use him properly within the offense, assuming he is elevated to the 53-man roster? Seeing as he would be just the second current Steelers wide receiver on the active roster who stands at 6'4" (DK Metcalf), his height would be a huge bonus. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have another pass-catcher who has 4.3 speed and great versatility.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith talking pregame at Acrisure Stadium.
In addition to the former fifth-round pick's game-breaking speed, his ability to know where Rodgers is going with the football is a bonus. Few wide receivers can truly understand the mind of a Hall of Fame quarterback if they have only played with him for half of a season. In Valdes-Scantling's case, he has four years under his belt playing with Rodgers. His role in this offense is likely going to be based around his physical traits (speed and height), which means he could be both a big-play threat and a red zone target. His knowledge of playing with Rodgers is the cherry on top of it all. No, bringing him in wasn't the move that Steelers fans were anticipating. However, it might just work out in everyone's favor.
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