As the Pittsburgh Steelers approach the trade deadline, one area of need is clearly at the wide receiver position, just as we’ve spoken about many times.
Reports had indicated over the weekend that the Steelers brought in Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a 31-year-old wide receiver, on Monday.
However, after reports stating that the Steelers were going to sign him, it was reported by The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo that Valdes-Scantling didn't accept a deal, and that he was actually visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers later in the week.
Despite that, it sounds like Aaron Rodgers has some respect for what Valdes-Scantling has done throughout his career, perhaps giving the Steelers a reason to go sign him.
“I love MVS,” Rodgers said. “I’ve always enjoyed playing with him. He’s one of my favorite teammates of all time. He is a really special guy, and I think MVS can still really play. You saw last year when he was in New Orleans, he had opportunities. He had a lot of big touchdowns. He can still run. 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.”
He was last seen with the San Francisco 49ers, but was released. He only had four receptions for 40 yards in his four games played, and has never really been an elite receiver by any means.
However, he played with Rodgers during his time with the Green Bay Packers, and his rookie season in Green Bay might’ve been one of the best of his career, as he caught 38 passes for 581 yards.
While the Steelers shouldn't be able to look at someone like Valdes-Scantling and think that they can bank on him, it also isn't the worst idea to give a veteran like him a look.
It's important that the Steelers go out and add another player who plays, but I wouldn't say that Valdes-Scantling would be the perfect option for them to pursue at this point.
It'll be intriguing to see what happens at the trade deadline, but let's remember now that the Steelers offense hasn't been great at times, and it's obvious that they need a really good wide receiver.
Unfortunately, the veteran isn't that.