Here are three potential wide receiver free agents for the Kansas City Chiefs. After the release of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kansas City finds itself in a hole of figuring their next WR star. Valdes-Scantling was heading into his final season on his three-year deal and now he’s on the market looking for a new home. This move provides relief for the Chiefs, saving $12 million in cap savings.
It’s crunch time in KC after the team announced they are letting L’Jarius Sneed seek a trade after the cap casualties. Also, they’re dealing with needing to sign Chris Jones to an extension as well but it’s a difficult situation. Releasing the Super Bowl hero who scored the game-winner could help provide some relief in space. Valdes-Scantling recorded 63 receptions for 1,002 yards and three touchdowns in two seasons for Kansas City.
However, Kansas City had a problem with their receiving corps this season and was heavily reliant on either Travis Kelce or Isaiah Pacheco. Last offseason, one of the most polarizing stories was the lack of investment in the wide receiver core. Some talking heads were comfortable with the receiving corps, but it’s catching up to them now. The Chiefs now have to prioritize the Receiving position to give Patrick Mahomes more weapons down the stretch.
Dropping footballs and receivers not lining up in position cost the Chiefs three games during the regular season. Now, Kadarius Toney could be on the chopping block next. Rookie now second-year Rashee Rice is showing a glimpse of promise so adding a veteran should complement him. Here are three potential wide receiver free agents that could replace Valdes-Scantling.
Three Potential Wide Receiver Free Agents for Kansas City Chiefs To Replace Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Kendrick Bourne
Adding a reliable veteran to the receiving corps could be the top priority for the Chiefs. They would still need to add talent from the Draft to fill in depth for the future. However, Bourne has been a reliable chain mover for numerous years. He could be the next threat to go deep to win those man-to-man coverages and find himself open.
Bourne was on pace to break out until he tore his ACL which ended his season. His injury could affect his chances for a top team to be intrigued but in Kansas City’s situation, they need all the help they can get. Bourne was ranked inside the Top 20 in yards after catch per reception among wide receivers with at least 55 targets. Upgrading to a quarterback like Mahomes would pair things nicely for him.
Bourne could have the versatility and production that the Chiefs are in dire need of taking the load off Rice, Kelce and Pacheco. The bottom line is that Kansas City doesn’t have a lot of spending money since they’ll want most of their key starters to return. So adding Bourne to a cheap two-year deal until they find their next franchise receiver could be wise.
Darnell Mooney
Mooney had 1,000 receiving yards during his sophomore season in the NFL in 2021. However, his production went down after not getting near those numbers for the past two years. Starting in Kansas City could give him a massive boost statistically. He could be the next standout receiver with speed and a deep threat down the stretch.
Speed was something that Kansas City was sorely lacking. Matt Nagy was the head coach of the Chicago when Mooney was drafted so this move would make sense. According to Spotrac, he is worth a $10.4 million contract per year. Due to his lack of production, he could finally find his breakout with Mahomes throwing darts at him.
Marquise Brown
Brown was linked as a potential trade for late last season when the Chiefs were struggling at the position. Brown has a similar versatility as Valdes-Scantling and could find nicely as a replacement. However, despite playing for the Ravens, he has just one season with 1,000 yards. He would still be a reliable WR No. 2 next to Rashee Rice to provide speed on quick slant plays.
