Ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Steelers are adding a playmaker for quarterback Aaron Rodgers to work with.

It’s a familiar face, too, one that has been expected to sign with the franchise since last week. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is signing with the Steelers.

Earlier Monday morning, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Gerry Dulac reported that the Steelers were expected to sign Valdes-Scantling at some point this week. That turned out to be Monday, fresh off the Steelers’ thrilling 27-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.

Last week, Rodgers detailed the potential snag in the Steelers’ signing of his former receiver. Valdes-Scantling was apparently looking for a spot on an active roster in the NFL, while the Steelers viewed him as practice squad material.

But after seemingly not finding that active roster opportunity, and the trade deadline nearing, Valdes-Scantling is signing up to play with his former quarterback again.

The two had much success together in Green Bay from 2018-2021. During his time in Green Bay, Valdes-Scantling was a big-play threat, hauling in 123 passes for 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns. His ability to work deep drew rave reviews from Rodgers, and now he’s back to working with his former quarterback, this time in the Steel City.

Previously, it appeared that the Steelers would land Valdes-Scantling early in the season. The Seattle Seahawks cut him, and he wasn’t subject to waivers, allowing him to pick his next team. The Steelers seemed like an obvious choice with Rodgers’ presence, and they nearly landed him. But he chose to sign with the San Francisco 49ers instead.

It didn’t work out there in the Bay Area, and he found himself a free agent once again. Now, he’s in Pittsburgh.

Though the Steelers have been reportedly in the market for a receiver ahead of the trade deadline, connected to the likes of Miami’s Jaylen Waddle, Las Vegas’ Jakobi Meyers, and even New Orleans’ Rashid Shaheed, for now, they are making the move to add Valdes-Scantling.

The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo is reporting that the signing of Valdes-Scantling is a practice squad move for the Steelers. The Steelers currently have a full practice squad, and have three receivers on the practice squad in John Rhys Plumlee, Max Hurleman, and Isaiah Hodgins.

With about 24 hours until the trade deadline, the Steelers are addressing their WR room by signing veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad, source confirms.

MVS spent four seasons with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay from 2018-2021.

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) November 3, 2025

UPDATE, 3:53 PM: The Steelers released cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. from the practice squad Monday, creating room for Valdes-Scantling to land on the practice squad. Now, the Steelers have four receivers on the practice squad, giving them some options to elevate moving forward.

The Steelers don’t exactly require another receiver at this point offensively, considering they play a bunch of two- and three-tight end sets, and DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III are a solid 1-2 punch at receiver. Even second-year pro Roman Wilson has come on strong in recent weeks, though he had a major gaffe late in the game Sunday with a fumble against the Colts.

We’ll see if GM Omar Khan is active ahead of the trade deadline, but with the addition of Valdes-Scantling without needing to trade a draft pick, chances seem strong that a wide receiver won’t be the move at the trade deadline for the Steelers.