Marquez Valdes-Scantling: Everything you need to know

Valdes-Scantling secured 14 of 29 targets for 120 yards and a touchdown over 10 regular-season appearances between the 49ers and Steelers in 2025. Valdes-Scantling began the 2025 campaign in San Francisco, where he saw limited work despite the team dealing with several absences at wide receiver, as he hauled in just four of eight targets for 40 yards. After being let go by the 49ers, he linked up with the Steelers -- and former teammate Aaron Rodgers -- to close out the year. Valdes-Scantling was slightly more productive in Pittsburgh, but most of his output (eight catches on 16 targets for 55 yards) came in the final two weeks of the regular season when DK Metcalf was suspended. Metcalf is slated to return for the playoffs, so Valdes-Scantling's workload in the postseason will likely be limited. While Valdes-Scantling's role in 2026 will depend on where he ends up, his fantasy upside has been limited over the past few seasons.

Valdes-Scantling recorded three receptions on nine targets for 21 yards in Sunday's 13-6 loss to the Browns. Valdes-Scantling led Pittsburgh in targets in the absence of both DK Metcalf (suspension) and Calvin Austin (hamstring). However, he was unable to get on the same page with Aaron Rodgers, often seemingly a step or more off from where throws arrived. That was particularly noteworthy on the Steelers' final possession, as he was targeted three times unsuccessfully in the end zone to end the game. Even if Austin can return in Week 18 against the Ravens, Valdes-Scantling is likely to see a significant opportunity in a must-win matchup.

Valdes-Scantling secured one of three targets for six yards during Sunday's 29-24 win over the Lions. Valdes-Scantling reached the end zone during last week's win over the Dolphins, and he nearly caught a 60-yard touchdown in the third quarter of Sunday's Week 16 victory. However, the ball narrowly slipped through his fingers, and he was shaken up on the play. He returned to the game later in the drive but ultimately finished the matchup with an uninspiring stat line. Valdes-Scantling did rank third among Pittsburgh's wide receivers by playing 42 percent of the team's offensive snaps, but he's secured just two of five targets for 25 yards and a touchdown over his first three appearances with the Steelers.