NFL news roundup: Steelers sign WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling to practice squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a quiet but intriguing move this week, signing veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad. While it might not be a blockbuster acquisition, it’s a savvy, low-risk decision that could pay dividends as the season grinds on. With the Steelers’ offense struggling to find rhythm and consistency in the passing game, Valdes-Scantling’s addition offers both experience and depth — two commodities Pittsburgh can’t afford to overlook right now.

Valdes-Scantling, best known for his deep-ball prowess during his years with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay and Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, brings a unique skill set to the Steelers’ receiving corps. At 6-foot-4 with elite straight-line speed, he’s the kind of vertical threat that can stretch defenses and open up space underneath for playmakers like George Pickens and Diontae Johnson. Even if his recent production hasn’t matched expectations, his ability to take the top off a defense remains valuable in today’s NFL.

For the Steelers, this move comes at a time when offensive creativity has been under scrutiny. With rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett struggling to generate explosive plays, Pittsburgh’s attack has often looked conservative and predictable. The addition of Valdes-Scantling might not fix everything, but it does give offensive coordinator Arthur Smith another weapon to experiment with — especially as the team searches for answers in the red zone and on third downs.

Signing the veteran to the practice squad rather than the active roster gives the Steelers flexibility. It allows them to evaluate his conditioning, fit, and chemistry with the offense before making a bigger commitment. For Valdes-Scantling, it’s also a chance at redemption. After winning a Super Bowl with the Chiefs but failing to carve out a consistent role in 2023, he’s looking for a fresh start — and Pittsburgh might be the right place to find it.

The Steelers’ receiving unit has battled inconsistency all season. While Pickens has emerged as a highlight-reel talent, his production has fluctuated week to week. Johnson’s return from injury helped, but the lack of a reliable third option has hurt the offense’s rhythm. With Calvin Austin III still developing and Allen Robinson II seeing reduced snaps, Valdes-Scantling’s experience could quickly push him into that rotational mix if he impresses in practice.

It’s also worth noting that Mike Tomlin has a long history of turning modest signings into meaningful contributors. The Steelers’ coach values professionalism, preparation, and football IQ — traits that Valdes-Scantling has shown throughout his career. “We’re always looking for ways to get better,” Tomlin said earlier this week. “You can never have too much competition in the receiver room.” That mindset aligns perfectly with this signing.

From a schematic perspective, Valdes-Scantling fits the mold of what Pittsburgh’s offense has been missing: a true vertical burner who can force safeties to play deep. His mere presence could shift defensive coverage, creating more opportunities for tight ends like Pat Freiermuth and running backs out of the backfield. Even if he doesn’t fill up the stat sheet, his ability to change spacing and dictate defensive attention can’t be understated.

Of course, there’s a reason he’s joining a practice squad rather than a starting lineup. Valdes-Scantling’s recent struggles with drops and inconsistency have followed him from Green Bay to Kansas City. His career has always been defined by flashes of brilliance followed by periods of frustration. The Steelers will be hoping that in a more defined role — and under Tomlin’s disciplined environment — he can rediscover his best form.

For now, this is a no-risk move with potential upside. If Valdes-Scantling impresses in practice, he could find himself elevated to the active roster within weeks. If not, the Steelers lose nothing by taking a look. That’s smart roster management for a team still finding its offensive identity midway through the season.

The signing also speaks to Pittsburgh’s awareness of the competitive AFC North landscape. With the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns all battling for position, every small adjustment matters. Adding a veteran with playoff experience — and a Super Bowl ring — brings an intangible edge to a young locker room.

Valdes-Scantling’s career has never lacked opportunity, only consistency. Perhaps in Pittsburgh, under a coach who thrives on accountability and toughness, he’ll find the right balance. The Steelers won’t expect him to be a savior — just a contributor who can stretch the field and help spark an offense that’s needed a jolt for weeks.

As far as midseason signings go, this one checks all the right boxes: low cost, proven talent, and upside. For the Steelers, that’s a win in itself. And for Marquez Valdes-Scantling, it’s another shot to prove that his best football might not be behind him just yet — it might simply be waiting for the right system to unleash it.