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Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Attempted to Recruit Former Packers Teammate, but Missed Out for the Second Time in His Career

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By John Vaccaro | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 8:45 PM ET

When new Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers joined the New York Jets a couple of seasons ago, he was joining an organization that had already brought in some familiar faces for him to work with.

The Jets had already signed wide receiver Allen Lazard, who had previously spent five seasons with Rodgers as a member of the Green Bay Packers. They also hired Nathaniel Hackett to be their offensive coordinator after he had previously held the same role in Green Bay.

The Steelers haven't been quite as focused on surrounding Rodgers with familiar faces so far, but were recently a contender to sign one of his old teammates.

They were one of two teams wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling was considering before ultimately choosing the San Francisco 49ers.

According to The Athletic's Matt Barrows, Rodgers was trying to recruit MVS for a reunion.

This isn't the first time that Rodgers wanted Valdes-Scantling on his team and couldn't get him.

Back in 2022, there were some major question marks about Rodgers' future. Retirement was potentially on the table. There was also the possibility he could leave the Packers.

That left uncertainty even after he decided he wanted to keep playing football. However, there was a rumor that he was sure about one thing. Wherever he played during the 2022 season, he wanted Valdes-Scantling and Davante Adams on his team.

Rodgers ended up sticking with the Packers for one more season, but didn't get either of his favorite receivers back. Adams was traded to the Raiders. MVS signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rodgers and Valdes-Scanlting had a solid run together before then. In his four seasons with the Packers, Valdes-Scantling made 123 catches for 2153 yards and 13 touchdowns.

At this point, it seems like that will be where the Rodgers to MVS connection ends after the Steelers missed out on the veteran wide receiver ahead of what could be Rodgers' last season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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