It could come down to the Chiefs and Ravens as the highest bidders for Marquez Valdes-Scantling who is a free agent. According to reports, the Bills are moving on from the South Florida product after acquiring wideout Amari Cooper from the Browns. Valdes-Scantling was a signing to add some depth behind Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins and Khalil Shakir. However, he didn’t find his rhythm in this offense since only played about 40% of offensive snaps. The veteran didn’t make any drastic impact after just recording two receptions for 26 yards.
The release was a no-brainer move for both sides since Valdes-Scantling was never going to get his shine again. It’s possible they could bring him back on the practice squad but nobody should expect it. Valdes-Scantling has been going on a downward trend since scoring a Super Bowl touchdown and catching a few critical touchdowns during his time in Kansas City. He still had a market regardless of his release so it shouldn’t be too long before a roster brings him in as a late signing.
Valdes-Scantling may have to wait a while since other teams could look to trade before the deadline. He should be able to land with a new team sometime in November in a worst-case scenario. The Chiefs and Ravens could be the biggest bidders for Valdes-Scantling.
Chiefs, Ravens May Pursue Marquez Valdes-Scantling Who is Officially a Free Agent
Reunion in Kansas City?
This would be a no-brainer signing from Andy Reid since he wants to keep building around players who know the system already. He wants to depend on his reserve players like Mecole Hardman, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Skyy Moore so they may keep doing so by bringing Scantling back. The Chiefs are open to trading but the possibility of just signing an open free-agent seems to make most sense. Kansas City may be on a 5-0 start but Patrick Mahomes hasn’t been the same player winning back-to-back Super Bowls.
The receiving room for the Chiefs is bare-bones so while Scantling won’t be the biggest signing, he could make a rotational impact to spread out the ball from Mahomes. After losing Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice, the team needs all the help they can get to keep this offense efficient. Scantling isn’t god but when he’s at his best, he could still produce at a high level.
More Weapons for Lamar Jackson
The Ravens have one of the fastest offenses, especially after signing Derrick Henry. However, the team didn’t do anything to improve the receiving room. There are still some inconsistent issues from some of the receivers which is why Lamar Jackson has been dependent on rookie Isaiah Likely, running back Justice Hill and Zay Flowers. After releasing Odell Beckham Jr., the expectation was to rely on Nelson Agholor behind Rashod Bateman.
Agholor hasn’t been doing anything special to help the passing attack. Valdes-Scantling presence should be a fine consolation prize for Baltimore who still needs a rotating reserve player even if it’s just for a playoff push. He won’t need to be a full-time starter but one to make some noise.
Other Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert needs more playmakers so he can thrive again in the passing game since losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. The Chargers brought in Valdes-Scantling for a visit but didn’t sign him despite acquiring DJ Chark in free agency and Ladd McConkey in the draft. However, they have another opportunity for Scantling again to improve the offense behind McConkey and Quentin Johnston. Los Angeles may be focused on the run but championships are won when passing the football.
Carolina Panthers
It might be fair to say the Panthers are going on another rebuilding year. Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen likely won’t be back next season despite Dave Canales hoping they could last longer. However, Scantling might not be the type of receiver to build around but the Panthers could use him in rotation to help keep the passing game intact. The Panthers have a bridge starting quarterback in Andy Dalton after benching Bryce Young so don’t expect them to make postseason contention until next season
New Orleans Saints
After releasing A.T. Perry, it came as a shock for everyone since giving up on him might’ve been the last resort. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are still two solid receivers despite not having Derek Carr healthy. The Saints are still looking for their third man and even though Scantling is more of a WR4, he could find a role as insurance policy.
