Steelers Linked to Stunning Colin Kaepernick Rumor After Valdes-Scantling Workout, Sending NFL Into Frenzy

PITTSBURGH — A firestorm of speculation erupted across the NFL on Tuesday after a viral report claimed that the Pittsburgh Steelers, already evaluating wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, are also being linked—however tentatively—to a potential move involving former quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

The claim, attributed online to a post circulating under the name of prominent NFL insider Adam Schefter, spread with extraordinary speed—prompting immediate debate, disbelief, and emotional reaction from fans across the league.

As of this publication, however, no official confirmation has been issued by the Steelers, the NFL, or any verified league reporting outlet. Team officials declined comment on speculative roster matters.

Still, the gravity of the name involved was enough to detonate conversation across every corner of football culture.

A Workout — And a Rumor That Followed

What is confirmed is that the Steelers recently conducted a workout with veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a move consistent with Pittsburgh’s ongoing effort to refine its offensive depth.

What followed was far less routine.

Within hours, social platforms became flooded with claims that the Steelers were preparing for an even more dramatic signing—Colin Kaepernick, who has not appeared in an NFL game since the 2016 season.

The reaction was instantaneous and explosive.

Why the NFL Reacted So Violently

For nearly a decade, Kaepernick has remained one of the most polarizing and powerful figures associated with the league—an athlete whose name still carries enormous cultural, political, and football significance.

The idea that the Steelers—one of the NFL’s most storied franchises—might consider such a move triggered:

• Intense national debate

• Massive social media engagement

• Immediate questions about competitive readiness after years away

• Sharp division among fans, analysts, and former players

Some viral posts went even further, suggesting the move would instantly elevate Pittsburgh to Super Bowl-favorite status—a claim most executives flatly reject.

“One player who hasn’t taken a snap in nearly a decade doesn’t flip championship odds overnight,” one AFC personnel executive said.

What Is Actually Verified Right Now

✔ The Steelers worked out Marquez Valdes-Scantling
✔ The team continues to evaluate offensive depth
✖ No contract has been filed with the league for Kaepernick
✖ No verified insider has officially confirmed negotiations
✖ No statement has come from Kaepernick’s representatives

For now, the possible signing exists only in the realm of speculation.

If It Were to Happen, It Would Reshape the NFL Narrative Instantly

A Kaepernick signing—by any team—would be among the most consequential roster decisions of the modern NFL era. By the Steelers? It would redefine the franchise’s global visibility overnight.

It would not simply be a football decision.
It would be a cultural event.

That reality alone explains why a single unverified post was enough to shake the league.

What Comes Next

For now, all that exists is smoke—but in the NFL, smoke often forces the league to look for fire.

If the Steelers make a surprise announcement, the response will be immediate and seismic.
If not, this episode will serve as another reminder of how instantly speculation can dominate the sports world.

Either way, Pittsburgh has the entire NFL watching.