The Pittsburgh Steelers went all in this offseason to maximize Aaron Rodgers’ championship window, surrounding the veteran quarterback with star talent and making several headline-grabbing moves. But at 4–3, the offense has struggled to find consistency, particularly in the wide receiver room, where DK Metcalf has been the lone bright spot.
In response, the Steelers have reportedly signed a two-time Super Bowl–winning wideout to bolster their passing attack. However, the player has previous ties to Rodgers, sparking criticism from the fans that head coach Mike Tomlin is pandering to his star quarterback.
Is Tomlin Letting Aaron Rodgers Control Roster Decisions?
Marquez Valdes-Scantling didn’t stay a free agent for long. After working out for the Steelers on Monday as the team explored options to bolster its receiving corps ahead of the trade deadline, the veteran wideout was signed later that day.
The 31-year-old had been released by the San Francisco 49ers earlier this month after appearing in five games, recording four catches for 40 yards. He was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 17 and released with an injury settlement the following day.
Valdes-Scantling reunites with Rodgers, his former quarterback in Green Bay, where the two spent four seasons together from 2018 to 2021. He later went on to win two Super Bowl rings with the Kansas City Chiefs. The move has already stirred debate among fans, who believe Tomlin is bending to Rodgers’ influence in roster decisions.
“Hmmm Rodgers trying to bring back his guys to his new team…feels like we’ve seen how this story ends before,” one fan wrote.
Hmmm Rodgers trying to bring back his guys to his new team…feels like we’ve seen how this story ends before
— excellence of execution (@bostontruth316) October 27, 2025
Rodgers took a similar approach during his brief stint with the New York Jets, bringing in several familiar faces from his Packers days, including Davante Adams. While it remains to be seen if the same pattern will repeat in Pittsburgh, some fans believe Tomlin allows history to repeat itself.
“Aaron doing it again, and Tomlin just asleep at the wheel,” one fan added.
“Tomlin a liar again saying week after week he’s happy with his WRs. Aaron Rodgers calling all the shots,” wrote another.
“Aaron Rodgers is the Adam Sandler of the NFL. Just gets himself a deal with a team and then brings on his entire crew,” another joked.
Aaron Rodgers is the Adam Sandler of the NFL. Just gets himself a deal with a team and then brings on his entire crew. https://t.co/tpCnVYeJBv
— Dundon (@TedDundon) October 28, 2025
Not all fans were focused on Rodgers, however. Some expressed concern about Valdes-Scantling’s recent injuries and the team’s growing list of veterans with durability issues.
“Jesus Christ. Pittsburgh is turning into a f**kin nursing home,” wrote a third.
“Can’t wait for Mike Tomlin to not play him and then say some bs about a moving train,” another complained.
Pittsburgh’s offense ranks No. 12 in the league with a 79.8 PFSN Offensive Impact Score, but the unit has lacked explosiveness in recent weeks. Rodgers, who joined the Steelers this offseason, is currently ranked QB14 with a 79 PFSN QB Impact Score. He threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday night’s 35-25 loss to Jordan Love and the Packers.
Valdes-Scantling brings a veteran presence and vertical element to the offense, even if he’s no longer the burner he once was. His familiarity with Rodgers and postseason experience could prove valuable for a Steelers team still in the thick of the AFC playoff race, provided he can stay healthy.
