Ex-Steelers WR gets cut as Pittsburgh’s need at wideout grows—what it means for the offense.

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Week 6 with increased wide receiver depth on paper, but a string of injuries has left the unit notably thin. With the looming trade deadline and the potential for free-agent additions, the Steelers may explore outside help at the position.

A recent development around the league could influence their chances. Veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who spent four seasons with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay and joined the Steelers late last season, was released by the Los Angeles Chargers. Valdes-Scantling, 32, is now a free agent and becomes an option for teams in need of veteran presence and playmaking ability.

Valdes-Scantling appeared in five games for Pittsburgh last season, recording 10 catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. He has familiarity with offensive systems that emphasize vertical routes and big-play potential, traits that could be appealing to a Steelers offense seeking to inject more consistency downfield.

This season, Pittsburgh has dealt with injuries to multiple receivers, including Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson, who have spent time on injured reserve, and Ben Skowronek, who will miss Week 6. The Steelers are scheduled to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium at 1 p.m. ET, a game that could influence whether the team pursues additional help at wide receiver.

Valdes-Scantling publicly expressed a desire to return to a Pittsburgh setting, but he indicated he could not wait indefinitely and explored other NFL opportunities. After a stint with the Dallas Cowboys earlier this year, he joined the Chargers’ practice squad before earning a spot on their active roster. In three appearances for Los Angeles this season, he recorded two receptions for 22 yards on five targets, with both catches coming in a Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Chargers released him to make room for another receiver, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who was activated from injured reserve.

If Valdes-Scantling remains a free agent, the Steelers’ interest will hinge on how they assess their current depth chart and whether bringing in a veteran with playoff-tested experience could help stabilize the offense. The team showed signs of life in Week 5, with productive moments from the passing game, including a 235-yard effort with three touchdowns, but improving the wide receiver corps could be key to sustaining momentum as the season progresses.