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After landing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Aaron Rodgers didn’t waste time trying to reunite with familiar faces from his Green Bay days. He reached out to a few old teammates, but not every call went his way. One longtime favorite of Rodgers turned down the offer, opting instead to join an NFC contender chasing a Super Bowl run. Now, head coach Mike Tomlin might finally get a chance to change that.

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We are talking about Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The deep threat who once stretched defenses for Rodgers in Green Bay could soon be wearing the black and gold. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Steelers will host Valdes-Scantling on Monday, just a day after their prime-time showdown against the Packers.

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Rodgers couldn’t bring Valdes-Scantling in earlier, but now Pittsburgh might do it their way. He is not just another free agent. Drafted 174th in 2018, he spent four seasons in Green Bay with Rodgers, catching 123 passes for 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns. If Pittsburgh signs him, their chemistry could click right away.

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Tony Paulines

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But why did Valdes-Scantling turn down Aaron Rodgers’ offer that time? He answered that himself.

“I played in the system before and had success in the system before, so it’s a no-brainer to be able to come into a place where you can help out in all facets, whether it be on the field or off the field. Being able to get onto the field right away, obviously, that’s the goal. And so, being able to jump-start that process of learning the system, it betters the chances of you being on the field,” the 31-year-old said.

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For Marquez, it came down to finding the right fit and chance to shine. He was looking at Matt LaFleur’s system, the same offensive style that helped him succeed in Green Bay from 2019 to 2021.

That was in the past. Now, things might shift, and Mike Tomlin and his team have news on another roster change.

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Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers receive news on Rashid Shaheed

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “Teams continue to call the Saints regarding the trade availability of Shaheed and fellow receiver Chris Olave, sources told ESPN.”

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He noted that while New Orleans Saints isn’t expected to move Olave, Rashid Shaheed could be available for the right offer. That’s exactly the kind of situation that has caught the attention of Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers, who remain aggressive in their pursuit of offensive help.

Moreover, Schefter added some clarity to the Saints’ stance. “The Saints are attempting to re-sign Olave to a contract extension, and sources believe New Orleans would like to receive a third-round draft pick in a trade involving Shaheed.”

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It’s clear why Pittsburgh kept watching, because other teams showed interest too.

Shaheed’s elite speed has turned heads since he joined New Orleans as an undrafted free agent in 2022. A third-round pick feels steep, especially for someone who’s topped 700 yards just once in three seasons, but his return ability alone could flip field position in a heartbeat.

So far this year, Shaheed’s numbers speak for themselves: 39 catches, 431 yards, and 2 touchdowns in just 8 games. The Steel City will be watching closely. Let’s see where this one goes next.

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Pritish Ganguly

2,225 Articles

Pritish Ganguly is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports, recognized for his ability to highlight the league’s emerging talent by breaking down rookie performances, draft picks, and key matchups with sharp, insightful analysis. With a Master’s degree in Journalism and Communication, he brings clarity and depth to his coverage, helping fans understand the nuances of today’s NFL and its rising stars. Beyond writing, Pritish is a multifaceted content creator, proficient in sports photography, scriptwriting, and video editing. He uses these skills to produce engaging NFL stories that resonate with a wide audience. His analytical approach and creative storytelling combine to deliver comprehensive coverage of the league’s talent and trends.

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Kratika Vajpayee

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