Steelers finally reunite quarterback Aaron Rodgers with wide receiver they have been attempting to add to their roster for months
Finally, after weeks of rumors, talks, and speculation surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers and their WR room, Omar Khan made a move. Only it wasn't the move that many had in mind. See, Pittsburgh, but especially Omar Khan, is all about the art of the deal.
It's how he garnered the "Khan artist" moniker, and it's also why deals like Brandon Aiyuk have fallen through in the past. Khan and the Steelers never want to be seen as losers in a trade.
But you can't lose a trade if you don't make one. And the Steelers didn't lose anything to acquire a familiar face for Aaron Rodgers.
Steelers signing WR Marquez Valdes Scantling
"Free agent receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling plans to sign with the Steelers, per source," posted ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Monday. "Reuniting with Aaron Rodgers from their Green Bay days. Most likely starting on practice squad (he’s got 2025 guaranteed money from Seattle), and it’s uncertain exactly when he’ll start due to travel logistics. But, the visit went well and he’ll sign with the team."
"MVS honestly impressed me during his time with the Saints. He stepped into a bigger role when a plethora of injuries ravaged the receiving room for New Orleans and quickly found strong ties with veteran quarterback Derek Carr. He was a consistent deep threat, and some of the concerns regarding drops weren’t a problem in black and gold for the most part."
"As far as the addition for the Steelers, reuniting him with Aaron Rodgers makes a ton of sense and could provide him with another downfield piece that he has trust in. In recent weeks, it’s felt like Rodgers has passed on taking risks with deep targets to the current wide receiver room, so this addition of Valdes-Scantling may make him feel a bit more comfortable pushing it on offense. We’ll see if this is the only offensive addition Pittsburgh makes ahead of the trade deadline." - Holt
While this move provides some vaulabe depth for the Steelers, it should be far from the end for the Steelers. Pittsburgh still needs a difference maker on the perimeter and a reliable option outside of DK Metcalf. Perhaps Roman Wilson is that player after Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers.
It's more than likely, however, that the Steelers will still need help on offense.
Titans Signal Full Rebuild with Cornerback Trade to Rams
The Tennessee Titans are starting their trade deadline chatter a little early by sending cornerback Roger McCreary to the Los Angeles Rams.
The Titans are getting a fifth-round pick that they originally traded to the Rams last year for linebacker Ernest Jones IV in exchange for McCreary and a sixth-round pick. The deal officially confirms that the Titans are going to be sellers going into the Nov. 4 trade deadline.
Titans Officially Become Trade Deadline Sellers
The move clearly shows how the Titans are moving forward for the rest of the season. At 1-7, the Titans are tied for the worst record in the league and are continuing to rebuild.
The team already traded cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. to the New York Jets earlier this season, but they are continuing to tear down their cornerback room by dealing McCreary to the Rams. The trade isn't a surprise because the Titans are sellers, but it is somewhat shocking considering how dire the team's cornerback room is.
The team traded Brownlee and placed L'Jarius Sneed on injured reserve with a quad injury that continues to plague him. On top of that, the team saw Darrell Baker Jr. exit the game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8 with a concussion.
Implications for Titans/Chargers Matchup
This means that none of the team's top four cornerbacks from the beginning of the season are available for next week's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. With all of these players out, the Titans will rely on some of their depth they acquired in the offseason to aid them at a key position.
Jalyn Armour-Davis and Samuel Womack, both of whom were claimed off waivers following the 53-man roster deadline at the end of training camp, will be two of the players called into action right away. In addition, sixth-round rookie Marcus Harris and third-year pro Kendell Brooks could see his role increase.
Given the fact that the Titans are decimated at the cornerback position only halfway through the season, it's hard to imagine the team winning too many more games from here on out. The team is in dire straits and it may only get worse as the trade deadline comes and goes since more talented players could soon leave the Titans.
For the players still on the roster, it's an unfortunate situation, but the younger ones will have a chance to prove themselves for a spot on the 2026 Titans.
