Aaron Rodgers has been trying to reunite with Marquez Valdes-Scantling for years, and now, at long last, he finally has. The veteran wide receiver spoke to reporters on Wednesday for the first time since signing with the Steelers. Currently on the practice squad, he made no secret of why he opted to come to Pittsburgh.
“This guy next to me got me here”, Valdes-Scantling explained, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, referring to Rodger. “He’s been trying to get me around since we left Green Bay”. The two played together for four seasons with the Packers in 2018-2021.
Rodgers had been in Green Bay, of course, since 2005, Valdes-Scantling coming much later. During his time with the Packers, the wide receiver caught 123 passes for 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns. Notably, he averaged 17.5 yards per catch, and is the NFL’s career active leader in that statistic.
With Valdes-Scantling on the practice squad, it’s unclear if he will ever see another pass in-game from Rodgers. HC Mike Tomlin downplayed the signing on Tuesday, but that could be a way of managing expectations. Or it could just be a reflection of the reality of a 31-year-old receiver who has evolved into a journeyman.
One thing he has in his bag, however, is his old friend. “Aaron [Rodgers]’ still got it. I’m excited”, Valdes-Scantling said. “It’s a new opportunity, and I’m grateful for it. Excited to see what the rest of the year looks like”.
Earlier this year, Marquez Valdes-Scantling said that Aaron Rodgers was trying to push for him to sign with the Steelers. On Wednesday, he explained why he chose to sign with the 49ers instead, citing schematic familiarity. But now he has familiarity with his quarterback, a shortcut you simply can’t replicate.
“Obviously, he’s the best to ever play this game, man”, he said of Rodgers. “It’s pretty easy when you’ve got that guy under center. Just to be on the same page. We’ve been on a great rapport over the four years that we got to play together”.
Valdes-Scantling also talked about how much Rodgers taught him while they played together. “Just being able to be around him again and get some more knowledge four years later, I’m excited about it”. On a personal level, he called Rodgers one of the best friends he’s made in football.
And that doesn’t appear to have changes, as both Rodgers and Valdes-Scantling exchanged kindnesses directed at one another while talking to the media. But at least for now, he is just a wide receiver on the practice squad. The Steelers already have six wide receivers on the 53-man roster, too.
Beat writers believe that the Steelers did try to trade for a wide receiver at the deadline. They failed to do so, but the Marquez Valdes-Scantling signing gives them a new face in the room. And an old face in the locker room for Aaron Rodgers, their most important player and leader.
Recommended for you