A pair of big-name wide receivers found themselves on the move ahead in the final hours ahead of the NFL's trade deadline. Alas, neither of them landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have been on the hunt for a 'Robin' to DK Metcalf's 'Batman' for months.
Have no fear, Steeler Nation, because Marquez-Valdes Scantling is here to quell your concerns (that was meant to be read in a tongue-in-cheek tone). Pittsburgh has signed the veteran deep threat to its practice squad, per an official team announcement.
It wouldn't be surprising to see Valdes-Scantling elevated to the Steelers' active roster and having a role on offense sooner rather than later. Considering they came out of their extensive search to add another wideout empty-handed, Pittsburgh doesn't have much choice but to roll the dice on him.
WR-needy Pittsburgh Steelers put their faith in Marquez Valdes-Scantling after quiet trade deadline
The Steelers ostensibly elected to ignore perhaps their most glaring need at the trade deadline, albeit not without trying. They were reportedly working the phones in hopes of bringing in another reliable pass-catcher. However, general manager Omar Khan didn't pony up for talented, proven contributors like Jakobi Meyers or Rashid Shaheed, so it's Valdes-Scantling's time to shine.
Meyers was linked to the Steelers for quite some time before getting sent from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Conversely, while Pittsburgh wasn't necessarily connected to Shaheed, he was known to be available and ultimately dealt to the Seattle Seahawks. They each got rerouted to their new clubs in exchange for a meaningful yet palatable package that could've been matched; fourth- and sixth-round picks.
Instead, the Steelers went shopping in the bargain bin for MVS, who's set to represent his third franchise this league year. His established rapport with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and experience across eight campaigns as a pro are valuable, especially for a midseason addition. Nevertheless, respectfully, he's nowhere near the caliber of player that Meyers and Shaheed are.
For whatever it's worth, Valdes-Scantling was reportedly between the Steelers and San Francisco 49ers after getting released by the Seahawks this past offseason. He wants to be in Pittsburgh and don black and gold. It's unclear whether the same can be said for Meyers or Shaheed, who could've proven to be expensive rentals if not.