The Steelers are making a couple of key roster moves ahead of Week 14, elevating veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling and offensive tackle Dylan Cook to the active roster.
For Valdes-Scantling, this marks another chapter in what’s been a winding NFL journey. The 30-year-old wideout was originally drafted by the Packers in the fifth round back in 2018 after a standout career at USF.
He spent four seasons in Green Bay, developing into a reliable deep threat with a knack for stretching defenses vertically. That skillset earned him a three-year, $36 million deal with the Chiefs in 2022 - a move that paired him with Patrick Mahomes in an offense built for speed and big plays.
But the NFL doesn’t stand still. After two seasons in Kansas City, Valdes-Scantling was released heading into the final year of his deal.
He briefly landed in Buffalo on a one-year contract, but was let go following the Bills’ acquisition of Amari Cooper. From there, it was a whirlwind: a short stint with the Saints, a stop in Seattle that ended after the preseason, and a run with the 49ers that saw him land on injured reserve and eventually released.
Despite the movement, Valdes-Scantling has stayed ready. In 2025, he appeared in five games with San Francisco, recording four catches for 40 yards - modest numbers, but they show he’s still capable of contributing when called upon. At 6-foot-4 with legitimate downfield speed, he remains a vertical threat who can keep defenses honest.
Now, he gets a fresh opportunity in Pittsburgh. For a Steelers offense that’s been searching for more consistency in the passing game, especially with injuries and shifting personnel, Valdes-Scantling brings veteran experience and playoff pedigree. He’s been in big games, he knows how to prepare, and he understands how to make the most of limited targets - something that could prove valuable down the stretch.
As for Dylan Cook, his elevation adds depth to the offensive line - a group that’s been tested throughout the season. Cook offers versatility and size, and while he’s not a household name, he’s the kind of player who can quietly make a difference in the trenches when called upon.
With both players elevated, the Steelers are signaling a need for reinforcements as they head into a crucial stretch of the season. Whether Valdes-Scantling can carve out a role in the offense remains to be seen, but he’s got the tools - and the motivation - to make the most of this latest opportunity.