As the Pittsburgh Steelers reshape their receiving corps for the 2025 season, one name has repeatedly surfaced: a wide receiver who previously played with Aaron Rodgers. That connection could give both player and QB instant chemistry—and the Steelers seem interested.
Who’s the Receiver?
There are two main candidates:
- Allen Lazard
- Lazard played with Rodgers both in Green Bay and later with the Jets. (Behind the Steel Curtain)
- According to several reports, Lazard is “in play” to be traded to the Steelers. (Behind the Steel Curtain)
- He is seen as someone who Rodgers “completely and totally trusts.” (Behind the Steel Curtain)
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling (MVS)
- MVS was with Rodgers in Green Bay and has maintained a good relationship with him. (CBSSports.com)
- The Steelers showed interest in MVS after he was released by the Seattle Seahawks. (SI)
- Ultimately, though, Valdes-Scantling opted to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, citing system fit and immediate opportunity. (CBSSports.com)
Why the Steelers Are Interested
- Chemistry & Familiarity: Rodgers has long benefited from established rapport with his receivers. Adding someone who already knows his style—routes, timing, trust—can reduce the adjustment period. Lazard and Valdes-Scantling both meet that criterion. (Behind the Steel Curtain)
- Roster Need: After trading George Pickens, Pittsburgh needed depth and production at WR beyond DK Metcalf. Bringing in a veteran with proven production and familiarity with Rodgers could help stabilize the offense. (Behind the Steel Curtain)
- Cost & Opportunities:
- Lazard, for example, has taken a pay cut with the Jets, making any trade for him more financially plausible. (Jets X-Factor)
- In contrast, MVS chose San Francisco partly because of offensive scheme familiarity and projected playing time. (49ers Webzone)
Outcome & What It Means
- As of now, Allen Lazard remains a viable target for Pittsburgh; no deal has been finalized, but he’s “in play.” (Behind the Steel Curtain)
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling, while strongly linked, ultimately passed on pairing with Rodgers again in Pittsburgh. (CBSSports.com)
- The decision by MVS suggests that besides chemistry, receivers are weighing system fit, playing time, and scheme familiarity just as heavily. Steelers may need to offer more than just a reunion if they want to land such a player.
Final Thoughts
The Steelers’ strategy of targeting WRs with established connections to Aaron Rodgers makes a lot of sense—both in terms of on-field performance and minimizing adjustment. Allen Lazard seems like the front‐runner for now; but if Pittsburgh wants to bolster its WR room, it may need to move fast and sweeten its pitch.
If you want, I can look into odds or likelihoods from sources, or how each candidate stacks up statistically this year. Do you prefer that?
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