Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers lost out on two-time Super Bowl champion he tried to recruit

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hit a roadblock this week as he tried to improve the receiver corps before Week 1. 

Veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling said Rodgers recruited him before he signed with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad on Wednesday. He believes the 49ers are better for his career.

"It was between here and Pittsburgh," Valdes-Scantling said. "Obviously, I have a great relationship with Aaron Rodgers over there. And he wanted me back over there. So it was a toss-up, 50/50. And I had to weigh my options and see which one I wanted to do, which was going to be better for my career at this point, and I was excited about it."

While Rodgers was a draw for the two-time Super Bowl champion, Valdez-Scantling cited familiarity with the 49ers scheme as preferable to playing for the quarterback who threw him passes during his first four seasons in the league with the Green Bay Packers.

The miss was an unusual setback for Rodgers, who was successful in recruiting pass-catchers to join him with the New York Jets. 

Receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb joined Rodgers in New York before the 2023 season during the "Green Bay East" migration. The Jets traded for Davante Adams in 2024.

The 41-year-old quarterback seems to be losing some of his influence before his 21st season in the league. The Jets' 5-12 record last season might have something to do with it.

The Steelers have concerning depth at wide receiver behind DK Metcalf. Valdez-Scantling most certainly would have been used at some point for Pittsburgh in the regular season.

Rodgers might have to prove he can win early in the regular season before a free agent takes a chance on Pittsburgh.