After two uneven seasons in Kansas City, the Chiefs have officially released wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling and given him a head start on free agency. Originally signed back in the 2022 offseason, the former Green Bay Packer has played a key role in helping Kansas City win the past two Super Bowls. While drops and inconsistent play plagued his two-year tenure with the organization, he also had plenty of great moments with the team. After all, he caught the game-clinching pass in the AFC Title Game and hauled in a touchdown during the Super Bowl.
Despite those highs, the Chiefs decided to part ways with Marques Valdes-Scantling and send him into free agency. By doing this, Kansas City saves $12 million in much-needed cap space and Valdes-Scantling has a chance to sign with whichever team he desires before the league year officially begins.
5 Teams That Should Sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling In Free Agency
Marquez Valdes-Scantling is no superstar, but he shouldn’t have too hard of a time finding a new team in free agency. He’s a fine depth receiver, and the Chiefs only released him because they need every cent they can find. With L’Jarius Sneed expected to receive the franchise tag and Chris Jones on a clear path to free agency, Kansas City is going to write a few big checks in the coming weeks.
Valdes-Scantling isn’t going to break the bank, and he’s not worth $12 million in cap space. However, he will receive some interest as a free agent, and these five teams are the most likely destinations.
Best Team Fits
Carolina Panthers
Marquez Valdes-Scantling is not going to fix the Carolina Panthers in free agency all by himself, but he can play a helpful role for this team. The Panthers need multiple wide receivers, including ones that can stretch the field vertically. Valdes-Scantling is a bit of a one-trick pony, but he has the speed that defenses need to respect. Bryce Young had one of the lowest average depth of targets in the league last year, and adding the two-time Super Bowl champion should help mitigate that issue.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills might have to bargain shop for a starting wide receiver next year. Currently in salary cap hell, this team needs to find someone else capable of catching the ball. With Stefon Diggs slowing down and Gabriel Davis likely leaving in free agency, this team could use someone like Marquez Valdes-Scantling as a cost-effective deep threat. Josh Allen is one of the few human beings alive whose arm power rivals that of Patrick Mahomes, so this should be a strong pairing.
New York Jets
Marquez Valdes-Scantling used to play for the Green Bay Packers, and that’s all you need to sign with the New York Jets in free agency. All jokes aside, Valdes-Scantling could be helpful for New York. Garrett Wilson is great, but there isn’t a single other player on the roster capable of consistently getting open. Valdes-Scantling can stretch the field for this offense, and his familiarity with Aaron Rodgers is just a bonus.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots need help everywhere, but especially at wide receiver. While Demario Douglas showed some pop as a rookie, the rest of the depth chart lacks any type of explosive element. Marquez Valdes-Scantling shouldn’t be the Patriots only receiver signing in free agency, but he can take the Tyquan Thornton role in the offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both good wide receivers, but they’re not fast. The Chargers need to add more speed to their group of playmakers, especially since Williams will probably be released. Valdes-Scantling is at his best when he has a big-armed quarterback zipping him the ball, and few have better combinations of arm strength and accuracy than Justin Herbert.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
