His time with the Pittsburgh Steelers was short. But wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling helped the Steelers win their first AFC North title in five years.
Running it back to Pittsburgh in 2026, though, came down to one thing for Valdes-Scantling — Aaron Rodgers.
The veteran receiver explained during an appearance on Yahoo Sports Daily that the Steelers were on his radar this offseason. But he ultimately chose to pursue other teams because of Rodgers’ uncertainty playing status in March and April.
“Obviously, I was still interested in playing for Pittsburgh,” Valdes-Scantling told hosts Caroline Fenton and Jason Fitz. “But I was very adamant on I wanted to play with Aaron [Rodgers] if I was going to go back to Pittsburgh because he’s one of my best friends I’ve made in this league over my nine-year career now.
“He was kind of still undecided if he was gonna go back and play or if he was going to hang it up. So, I was like, ‘Man, let’s see what else is out there.’”
At the end of April, Valdes-Scantling signed a 1-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling Pursued Other Options in NFL Free Agency
It’s not clear the Steelers actually wanted Valdes-Scantling back. But the wideout can only tell his side of free agency.
Valdes-Scantling was respectful but clear about the Steelers. He didn’t see much of a draw to the organization without Rodgers behind center. The receiver also wasn’t willing to wait for the veteran quarterback to make up his mind on the 2026 campaign.
So, Valdes-Scantling will continue his career in Dallas. The Cowboys are getting experienced, veteran depth, which proved quite important last season for the Steelers with the team’s young pass-catchers, such as Roman Wilson, struggling to emerge.
Valdes-Scantling played four seasons with Rodgers at the beginning of his career with the Green Bay Packers. The wideout then won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 and 2023.
Valdes-Scantling also played for the Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers before joining the Steelers.
In 116 NFL games, he’s posted 219 catches, 3,686 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. The 31-year-old has averaged 16.8 yards per reception.
Steelers Receiving Depth at Offseason Workouts
The Valdes-Scantling departure in Pittsburgh was mutually beneficial. While the receiver found a potentially better fit for him, the Steelers landed receiver upgrades.
First, the Steelers traded for veteran Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason. He is a more capable starter opposite DK Metcalf.
Then in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers added Germie Bernard during the second round. Bernard could play in the slot as a rookie.
The Steelers are mostly using the rest of their roster spots at receiver this offseason on development prospects. Wilson remains on the team along with Max Hurleman, A.T. Perry, Cole Burgess, Brandon Smith and Brandon Johnson.
Ben Skowronek and Kaden Wetjen are two other wideouts on the Steelers roster who will likely play bigger roles on special teams. Wetjen could return kickoffs and punts while Skowronek will be back to cover kicks on the special teams units.
The Steelers grabbed Wetjen in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
In conclusion, it worked out for Valdes-Scantling that he didn’t want to return to the Steelers. It’s highly likely the team preferred other options this offseason anyway.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling Explains Why He Didn’t Pursue Steelers Return