Aaron Rodgers Changes Retirement Plans, Steelres Lose QB Target

Marquez Valdes-Scantling chose to sign with the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad over the Pittsburgh Steelers despite quarterback Aaron Rodgers' efforts to recruit him back, citing the 49ers' offensive system and opportunity for playing time as key factors. Valdes-Scantling valued the familiarity with the 49ers' offense, which resembles the system he previously played in, over reuniting with Rodgers in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, the Steelers, led by head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan, are preparing strategically for the 2026 NFL Draft with a focus on finding quarterback stability after recent struggles, eyeing prospects like LaNorris Sellers and Sam Leavitt. However, there are concerns about Aaron Rodgers' fit within the Steelers' offensive scheme under Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, as Rodgers reportedly prefers a different style of play and has shown resistance to fully executing the team's playbook. This philosophical conflict has also led to off-field tensions, with Rodgers declining interviews and causing friction within the team, potentially complicating the Steelers' quarterback situation moving forward.