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Steelers bring back Aaron Rodgers’ former Packers target after Chargers release
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- Steelers bring back Aaron Rodgers’ former Packers target after Chargers release
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have reunited Aaron Rodgers with a familiar receiving target, signing veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad on Oct. 20, 2026. The move comes shortly after the Los Angeles Chargers released the former Green Bay Packers standout.
Valdes-Scantling returns to Pittsburgh for a second consecutive season, bringing experience and an established connection with Rodgers. The two previously spent 4 seasons together in Green Bay, where the receiver developed a reputation for stretching defenses with his speed.
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The signing also addresses an immediate concern for Pittsburgh. Injuries have reduced the team's receiving depth, leaving Rodgers with fewer established options. Adding Valdes-Scantling gives the Steelers another experienced player as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
Steelers officially reunite with Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Pittsburgh confirmed Valdes-Scantling's return on Tuesday, adding the veteran receiver to its practice squad. The transaction followed reports that the Steelers were interested in bringing him back after his brief stint with the Chargers ended.
The 32-year-old receiver previously joined Pittsburgh during the 2025 season. He appeared in 5 regular-season games, recording 10 receptions for 80 yards and 1 touchdown while working alongside Rodgers in the Steelers' passing attack.
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His return does not immediately guarantee a spot on the active roster. However, Pittsburgh's injury situation could create opportunities for Valdes-Scantling to be elevated on game day or eventually earn another promotion to the 53-man roster.
Chargers release creates another opportunity in Pittsburgh
Valdes-Scantling's latest move follows a short stay with the Los Angeles Chargers. After being released by the Dallas Cowboys in August, he joined Los Angeles in September as the team evaluated its receiving options.
His opportunities with the Chargers were limited. Across 3 appearances, Valdes-Scantling recorded just 2 receptions for 22 yards before the organization decided to move forward without him, making the veteran available to other teams.
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Pittsburgh moved quickly to bring him back after his release. The Steelers already understood his skill set and experience, making the reunion a practical option rather than requiring the organization to evaluate an unfamiliar receiver.
Injuries leave Steelers searching for receiving depth
The Steelers have experienced significant injuries at wide receiver during the early portion of the season. Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson were both placed on injured reserve, reducing Pittsburgh's available options in the passing game.
Pittman is eligible to return as early as Week 10, while Wilson must remain sidelined until at least Week 11. Ben Skowronek has also been dealing with a calf injury, creating additional uncertainty around the receiving rotation.
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Those absences have increased the importance of DK Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard. During Pittsburgh's recent victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the two receivers combined for 22 catches, highlighting their central roles in the offense.
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Rodgers and Valdes-Scantling share a lengthy Packers history
Valdes-Scantling entered the NFL when Green Bay selected him in the fifth round of the 2018 draft. He spent his first 4 professional seasons catching passes from Rodgers and developing into a valuable downfield receiving option.
During that period, Valdes-Scantling recorded 123 receptions for 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns. His ability to generate substantial yardage on relatively few catches made him a useful complement to Green Bay's other offensive weapons.
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His most productive season with the Packers came in 2020, when he recorded 33 receptions for 690 yards and 6 touchdowns. Rodgers won the NFL MVP award that season, while Valdes-Scantling averaged an impressive 20.9 yards per reception.
Mike McCarthy adds another familiar connection
The reunion extends beyond Rodgers, as Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy also has a history with Valdes-Scantling. McCarthy was Green Bay's head coach when the Packers drafted the receiver in 2018, creating another familiar connection in Pittsburgh.
Although McCarthy coached Valdes-Scantling for only part of his rookie season, their previous experience provides additional background for the reunion. The receiver now returns to an organization led by two familiar figures from his early NFL career.
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That familiarity could help Valdes-Scantling adjust to Pittsburgh's offensive expectations. While learning the current playbook remains necessary, his previous experience with Rodgers and McCarthy gives him an established understanding of their approaches to the passing game.
Veteran receiver brings playoff experience to Pittsburgh
Valdes-Scantling has played for several organizations since leaving Green Bay, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, and San Francisco 49ers. Those stops have given him experience across different offensive systems and coaching staffs.
His time in Kansas City included consecutive Super Bowl championships following the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Valdes-Scantling contributed to the Chiefs' postseason success, including a memorable performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game.
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That postseason experience could benefit Pittsburgh as the season progresses. While Valdes-Scantling is unlikely to become the offense's primary target, his familiarity with high-pressure situations provides another useful quality for a team managing injuries.
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Valdes-Scantling could provide another deep receiving option
Pittsburgh's offense has experienced inconsistent success generating explosive passing plays. Through the team's first 6 games, Rodgers completed 61.4% of his passes for 1,487 yards, 12 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
Valdes-Scantling offers a different receiving profile from some of Pittsburgh's other available options. His career has featured vertical routes and downfield opportunities, potentially giving Rodgers another player capable of challenging defenses beyond the short passing game.
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However, expectations should remain realistic. The veteran has recorded limited production during his recent stops, and his immediate role will depend on practice performance, health, and roster decisions. His familiarity with Rodgers offers an advantage but does not guarantee significant playing time.
Steelers prepare for another important matchup
Pittsburgh's next challenge comes against the New Orleans Saints in Paris, where the Steelers will attempt to maintain their momentum following their victory over Tampa Bay. The international matchup arrives during an important stretch of the season.
Valdes-Scantling's addition gives the coaching staff another option as it evaluates the receiving group. Whether he becomes available for immediate game action will depend on Pittsburgh's roster decisions and how quickly he settles into the offense.
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For Rodgers, the reunion provides another familiar teammate during a season marked by injuries and personnel changes. The Steelers are not necessarily expecting Valdes-Scantling to transform their offense, but his experience could provide useful support while other receivers recover.
Fun fact:Marquez Valdes-Scantling led the entire NFL in yards per reception during the 2020 regular season , averaging 20.9 yards per catch for the Green Bay Packers. His 690 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns helped him establish himself as a dangerous deep-ball target.
TL;DR
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The Pittsburgh Steelers signed veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad on Oct. 20, following his release from the Los Angeles Chargers.
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Valdes-Scantling previously played alongside Aaron Rodgers for 4 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, recording 2,153 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
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Injuries to Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson have created an immediate need for additional receiving depth in Pittsburgh.
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Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy previously coached Valdes-Scantling during his rookie season with Green Bay.
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The veteran receiver could provide another downfield option for Rodgers, although his immediate playing time remains uncertain.
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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