SANTA CLARA, CA — In a surprising move just one day after their Sunday Night Football loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
The signing quickly made waves across the NFL — not only because Valdes-Scantling was once viewed as a highly promising player, but also due to how fast the Steelers acted, inking him only days after the 49ers officially released him.
💥 Once a Promising Name, Now Cut Loose
At 31 years old, Valdes-Scantling entered the 2025 season with high expectations from the 49ers. However, a quad injury landed him on injured reserve early in the year, sidelining him for weeks. Shortly after, the 49ers decided to part ways — a move that many fans saw coming, yet still found disappointing.
Before joining the 49ers, Valdes-Scantling signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks, but was released before the season began.
Across eight NFL seasons, he’s recorded 209 receptions, 3,606 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns — a résumé that still commands respect despite recent struggles.
⚡ Steelers Move Quickly
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers officially signed Valdes-Scantling on Monday (October 27, 2025), just hours after their loss to Green Bay.
He’s expected to begin on the practice squad, with potential to earn a roster spot in the coming weeks.
This move is widely seen as part of Pittsburgh’s plan to bolster Aaron Rodgers’ receiving corps, which has struggled to find rhythm early in the season.
An insider told The Sporting News:
“The Steelers wanted a veteran who already knows Rodgers — someone who can step in immediately. Valdes-Scantling fits that perfectly.”
🤝 Reuniting With Aaron Rodgers
Valdes-Scantling is best known for his four-year stint with Aaron Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers (2018–2021).
During that time, the duo connected for 13 touchdowns, forming a reliable deep-threat partnership that was a key part of the Packers’ offense.
Now reunited in Pittsburgh, many believe Rodgers could help reignite Valdes-Scantling’s career — a partnership both men surely hope can recapture old magic.
🗣️ Fan Reactions Are Divided
The signing has sparked mixed reactions among fans.
Some 49ers supporters expressed regret:
“If he hadn’t been injured, MVS could’ve still helped us. He deserved one more chance.”
Steelers fans, meanwhile, are optimistic:
“Finally, Rodgers gets one of his old guys back. This could be the boost our offense needs.”
🔥 A Final Chance at Redemption?
Although he’ll start from the practice squad, Valdes-Scantling’s NFL experience and chemistry with Rodgers give him a legitimate shot to climb the depth chart quickly.
After being released twice in the same year, this may be his last opportunity to prove he still belongs in the league — and Pittsburgh might just be the perfect place to do it.
Written by: Toran Flores – The Sporting News
📍 Flores holds a Journalism degree from the University of Wyoming and has written for FanSided and Athlon Sports.
👉 Summary:
The 49ers released Marquez Valdes-Scantling after an injury-plagued and disappointing start to the season. Within days, the Pittsburgh Steelers stepped in and signed him, reuniting the wide receiver with Aaron Rodgers in hopes of reigniting their once-dangerous connection.
