The Pittsburgh Steelers made a bold move in the 2025 offseason. A very specific approach to building the roster was taken, and it led to a defensive unit getting paid more than any other unit in the league. The big moves on the offensive side were trading for DK Metcalf, dealing George Pickens, and then signing Aaron Rodgers. With the plethora of transactions that General Manager Omar Khan was involved in, the team certainly got a bit older and more experienced. That hasn't worked out perfectly, however, as the franchise sits with a 6-6 record ahead of a Week 14 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Pittsburgh has attempted to make some small moves throughout the course of the year, but didn't make any true splashes at the trade deadline. Since the beginning of November, the front office has brought in two veteran wide receivers to try and give the offense a little bit of a jolt of energy. Marquez Valdes-Scantling was first, but has not escaped from the practice squad, and on Tuesday, the Steelers signed Adam Thielen, who was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings.
Khan and co. did not hesitate to jump on the opportunity to bring Thielen in; however, it could spark some bad news for one of Rodgers' former targets with the Green Bay Packers in Valdes-Scantling. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette echoed previous reports that the Steelers are truly in no rush to see what Valdes-Scantling can do on game days.
The move to claim WR Adam Theilen and sign him to the 53-man roster only reinforces what had become apparent — the Steelers are in no hurry to elevate or sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling from the practice squad.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) December 2, 2025
If Rodgers had it his way, it's likely that Valdes-Scantling already would have been called up to perform on the active roster. Instead, Thielen will get those responsibilities. This hints at the fact that the team may not be all that thrilled with the shape that Valdes-Scantling is in. If he isn't performing well in practice, there is no true reason to activate him, making the Thielen signing all the more interesting.
Valdes-Scantling is 31 years old compared to Thielen being 35. Both are well past their primes, but it's not unfathomable to believe that Valdes-Scantling will be paying attention around the league to other potential opportunities. Any one of the other 31 franchises can sign him directly off of the Steelers' practice squad, and he could also request to be cut if he feels as if he will never see the active roster in Pittsburgh during the 2025 season.
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Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling takes off with the football as he attempts to evade a Jacksonville Jaguars defender during a professional football game.
If Valdes-Scantling and his camp believe he has officially gotten back into football shape on Pittsburgh's practice squad, feelers could potentially be put out to see if another playoff-caliber team may need his services. With Thielen's arrival, it's becoming more evident that Rodgers' former Packer teammate will not be getting an opportunity unless an injury occurs. It remains very unlikely that the Steelers release Ben Skowronek or Scotty Miller in favor of Valdes-Scantling.
The next week or so will be extremely interesting. Another loss could also trigger Valdes-Scantling to make a decision that leads to him requesting a release. It's not all that necessary because he can be signed directly off of the practice squad, but the reality of the fact is that a 31-year-old veteran may have no interest in continuing to not be active on Sundays.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek walks on the field as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Seem To Need Complete Overhaul In 2026 Offseason At Wide Receiver
Pittsburgh has Metcalf, but there is not much else to go off of. The tight ends have not been utilized properly, and the entire pass-catching group as a unit has underperformed in 2025. There need to be extensive changes, but for now, all the front office and coaching staff can hope is that a veteran like Thielen can come in and save the day.
Do you think that the Steelers may get a release request from Valdes-Scantling despite his relationship with Rodgers? Let us know in the comments below!
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