Marquez Valdes-Scantling Reunites with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh

Inside the Pittsburgh Steelers locker room, Marquez Valdes-Scantling didn’t hesitate to reveal the reason for joining his new team. Seated just steps from Aaron Rodgers’ locker, the veteran receiver made it clear that his decision came down to one factor — reuniting with his longtime quarterback.

“This guy next to me got me here,” Valdes-Scantling said, gesturing toward Rodgers. “He’s the reason.” The two shared a laugh later during Rodgers’ weekly media session, when Valdes-Scantling jokingly called out, “How excited are you to have MVS back?” Rodgers responded with a grin and said, “I love MVS,” a brief moment that encapsulated the chemistry the two built during their years in Green Bay.

That bond, forged over four seasons with the Packers, helped produce some of Rodgers’ finest years — including back-to-back MVP campaigns in 2020 and 2021. During that stretch, Valdes-Scantling emerged as one of Rodgers’ trusted deep threats, catching 13 touchdown passes and leading the league in yards per reception (20.9) in 2020.

Now, both player and quarterback find themselves seeking a new spark in Pittsburgh. For Valdes-Scantling, it’s a chance to reignite his career under familiar leadership. For Rodgers, it’s the return of a receiver who already knows his timing, expectations, and trust signals — a rare midseason advantage for a team pushing through the AFC grind.

1. Rekindling a Proven Partnership

Valdes-Scantling’s journey back to Rodgers took a few detours. After leaving Green Bay in 2022, he spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and New Orleans Saints, where he scored four touchdowns in eight games last season. Earlier this year, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers, only to be released after a calf injury landed him on injured reserve. He said Wednesday that his decision to sign with the Steelers’ practice squad was a “joint effort” between him and Rodgers. “He called, and we talked about it a couple times,” Valdes-Scantling explained. “He said he’d love to have me here and made his pitch. It came down to the wire.” The 29-year-old receiver admitted that staying on the West Coast, where he had been with the 49ers, initially seemed more convenient. But after taking time to reset and recover, he decided to follow his instincts — and his old quarterback’s encouragement — to Pittsburgh. “I said, ‘Hey man, I want to keep playing this thing.’ And Aaron said, ‘Let’s do it.’” Fully healthy now, Valdes-Scantling sees this as an opportunity to reestablish himself in a system that values timing and precision — elements he mastered with Rodgers years ago. “It’s easy when you’ve got that guy under center,” he said. “We built a great rapport, and I’m excited to build on that again.”

2. Steelers Seek Stability in the Receiving Corps

The Steelers, meanwhile, have been searching for reliable reinforcements at wide receiver. Before Tuesday’s trade deadline, the team explored multiple options to complement DK Metcalf, but Valdes-Scantling ended up being their only addition. Head coach Mike Tomlin and Rodgers both emphasized that practice-squad signings can have immediate impact. “We’ve had guys on the p-squad who’ve been playing for us,” Rodgers noted. For Valdes-Scantling, joining via the practice squad was initially a tough pill to swallow. “I know I can still play in this league,” he said. “There was definitely some hesitation, but I just need to get up to speed and be ready when my name’s called.” NFL rules allow teams to elevate practice-squad players to the active roster twice before signing them permanently to the 53-man roster. That means Valdes-Scantling could make his Steelers debut as early as Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, depending on the health of Scotty Miller, who is recovering from a broken finger. For now, Valdes-Scantling is focused on absorbing the playbook and reestablishing chemistry with Rodgers. “My contract’s guaranteed, so I get paid the same either way,” he said. “This is about learning fast and being ready to contribute.”

3. Rodgers’ Influence Still Resonates

For Aaron Rodgers, the reunion with Valdes-Scantling represents more than nostalgia — it’s about trust and familiarity in an evolving offense. Since joining the Steelers, Rodgers has emphasized veteran leadership and accountability, qualities he and Valdes-Scantling developed over four years in Green Bay. Rodgers described his former teammate as a “smart, explosive player” who understands his rhythm and style. Their on-field connection often relied on quick reads and improvisation, something that could help Pittsburgh’s offense find consistency. “We built something special back then,” Rodgers said earlier this week. “He knows how I like to operate, and that helps a lot.” Valdes-Scantling echoed that sentiment, calling Rodgers “the best that ever played this game.” He added that simply being in the same room with his former quarterback again offers motivation. “He’s taught me so much, on and off the field,” Valdes-Scantling said. “Just being able to be around him again, four years later, it’s a blessing.” With Pittsburgh pushing for a playoff run, the reunion adds a layer of familiarity to an offense still seeking rhythm. Whether Valdes-Scantling becomes a full-time contributor or a depth piece, the move underscores Rodgers’ growing influence in shaping the Steelers’ roster and culture.