Aaron Rodgers gets candid about Marquez Valdes-Scantling as WR eyes Steelers active roster spot

The Pittsburgh Steelers were reportedly close to signing veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad on Monday. However, he remains unsigned, which has raised some eyebrows.

Aaron Rodgers was asked on Wednesday about his thoughts on potentially reuniting with Valdes-Scantling following their time with the Green Bay Packers. He explained that he understands why Valdes-Scantling hasn't signed yet, stressing that he wants to be on the 53-man roster instead of the practice squad.

"I love MVS (Valdes-Scantling)," Rodgers told reporters. "I think MVS wants to be on an active roster, so if there wasn’t an opportunity here for that, then I guess he’s waiting for something else."

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Rodgers played with Valdes-Scantling for four seasons with the Packers from 2018 to 2021. They connected to produce 123 catches, 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns in 59 games.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz revealed on Tuesday that Valdes-Scantling, who worked out with Pittsburgh on Monday, still has a shot to sign with the team. However, he likely wants a guarantee from the Steelers that he'd be added to the active roster.

It's also possible that Valdes-Scantling is delaying his decision, hoping to be added to the active roster of another team based on Rodgers' comments.

Will Marquez Valdes-Scantling be the Steelers' answer at WR?

There are rumors that the Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to acquire a wideout to serve as their WR2 behind DK Metcalf before Tuesday's trade deadline.

Some may be wondering if Marquez Valdes-Scantling could fill that role given indications that the team is close to signing him. However, Pittsburgh is likely not in a hurry to secure his services. They could be considering him more as a replacement for Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek than as a solution to the opening at WR2.

The Steelers could still look for another offensive playmaker with more efficiency potential and big-play capabilities than Valdes-Scantling has to offer.

He had the most productive season of his career as a Packer in 2020, with Rodgers as his quarterback. Valdes-Scantling registered 33 catches for 690 yards and six touchdowns.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez