After turning down the opportunity to join the Pittsburgh Steelers this summer, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is set to sign with the team, reuniting with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This move follows Valdes-Scantling’s recent release from the San Francisco 49ers, where he was placed on injured reserve due to a calf injury.

Valdes-Scantling worked out with the Steelers on Monday. Previously, he signed with the 49ers’ practice squad, believing it offered a more favorable opportunity due to injuries affecting San Francisco’s receiving corps. However, during his five-game tenure, he managed only four catches for 40 yards.

The eight-year NFL veteran formerly played four seasons alongside Rodgers in Green Bay, where they achieved great success, including leading the league in average yards per catch during their third year together, which aided Rodgers in receiving his third MVP award. Valdes-Scantling briefly won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, catching three touchdown passes in the playoffs, including during Super Bowl LVIII.

Now joining the Steelers, Valdes-Scantling is expected to add depth to a receiving group primarily led by DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III. The passing game has also relied on running backs like Kenneth Gainwell and tight ends Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington. Valdes-Scantling’s move is largely influenced by the desire to reunite with Rodgers.

“He is a competitor,” Valdes-Scantling said in a 2023 interview. “Especially if he gets into a situation where he can prove someone wrong. He will live and die by it.”

This continues a trend of former Packers teammates linking up with Rodgers, including Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams during his recent tenure with the New York Jets.

The Steelers are looking to rebound from a recent loss to Rodgers’ former team, aiming to improve their performance in clutch situations and build better cohesion between their offense and defense.