PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – His locker in the immediate shadow of Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling said there has been talk since before training camp of him joining the Steelers. They were now just finally able to get something done as he went through his first practice on the South Side Wednesday.
Valdes-Scantling said he had conversations with Rodgers about coming here. He almost signed here in July, it was down to the Steelers and 49ers. He was living on the west coast and thought the offense was easier to pick up, so he started with San Francisco. After an injury settlement late last month, MVS was free to go anywhere.
It was hard to tell after just meeting the new receiver if he was joking or not, but the 6’4”, 208-pounder said it was indeed Rodgers who got him to Pittsburgh. Valdes-Scantling said he’s been trying to get them back together since they left Green Bay.
There was a little reluctance to sign to the practice squad, but Valdes-Scantling said he got a guaranteed deal after passing a physical. He also understands that moving between the active roster and practice squad is different than it used to be. As Rodgers put it they’ve had guys step up every single week from the practice squad and play. Maybe this was just a comment, but Rodgers added ‘they’ll be no difference this week’.
Valdes-Scantling called Rodgers one of his closest friends he’s made in eight years in the NFL. He said Rodgers lifts the play of others because of his greatness.
“He’s the best to ever play this game,” Valdes-Scantling said. “It’s pretty easy when you got that guy under center. He’s taught me a lot. Just to be around him again and get some more knowledge four years later, I’m excited about.”
In four years together with the Packers, Valdes-Scantling caught 123 passes for 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns. That’s an average of 17.5 per game and in 2020, he led the NFL with a 20.9 yards-per-catch average on 33 receptions.
Now it’s about learning the Arthur Smith playbook, but the 31-year-old said he’s made a lot of plays in the NFL. He feels that should be a pretty quick transition.
“I can translate the offense we ran in Green Bay for a number of years into this offense,” Rodgers said. “He’s a smart guy. He’s played a lot of football, been around a long time and been productive. I think he will pick it up quick.”
“I’m excited,” Valdes-Scantling said. “It’s a new opportunity, I’m grateful for it. Excited to see what the rest of the year looks like.”