Following a series of injuries, the New Orleans Saints are bringing in wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a free agent visit.
Two-time Super Bowl champion Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a free agent, but that might not be the case for long. Originally released by the Chiefs thanks to his massive cap hit, the former Green Bay Packer spent the early part of the season with the Buffalo Bills. However, following the Amari Cooper trade, the team decided Valdes-Scantling’s skills were no longer required. Now on the open market for almost a week, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that New Orleans is bringing Valdes-Scantling in for a workout. If it goes well, the NFL insider heavily suggested a signing could happen within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Even at his best, Marquez Valdes-Scantling was never a particularly great player, and the free agent has lost a step or two in the past few seasons. However, he is still an NFL-caliber receiver who can challenge defenses deep. With injuries throughout the roster, it’s somewhat surprising that the Kansas City Chiefs haven’t tried to bring back the wide receiver for yet another run at a Super Bowl.
Saints Could Steal Free Agent Marquez Valdes-Scantling From Chiefs
Following a 2-0 start, the New Orleans Saints dropped five straight games as injuries decimated the roster. Originally led by Derek Carr, Chris Olave, and speedster Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans entered Week 7’s Thursday Night Football matchup with fifth-round rookie Spencer Rattler throwing the ball to Cedric Wilson, Bub Means, and Mason Tipton. Nobody can win with this talent, but that doesn’t mean the team won’t try and right the ship as the rest of the roster returns to health. Head coach Dennis Allen is fighting for his job, and signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling as a free agent might help him save it.
Valdes-Scantling is a clear downgrade on the injured Rashid Shaheed, but he’s better than the players remaining on the depth chart. Before the Derek Carr injury, reporters across the league believed the team would be aggressive in the Davante Adams trade sweepstakes. While the recent losses make a trade unlikely, signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling makes all the sense in the world. Someone must challenge defenses deep with Shaheed sidelined, and he’s the best free agent available.
No Chiefs Reunion?
The Kansas City Chiefs spent the offseason adding wide receiver talent largely because they knew players like Valdes-Scantling weren’t good enough for another Super Bowl run. Signing speedster Marquise Brown in free agency and trading up for first-round pick Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs entered the preseason with arguably the deepest group of receivers in the Patrick Mahomes Era. Unfortunately, injuries sidelined Brown and Rice for the season, making Marquez Valdes-Scantling worth considering as a free agent.
The Chiefs planned on having two deep threats in Brown and Worthy. While Brown is gone, Worthy is still healthy but appears unready for a featured role. Marquez Valdes-Scantling should not be a 10-target player, but his vertical speed can pressure a defense. Seeing as he’s familiar with Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, the two-time Super Bowl champion should acclimate to the offense in no time and would ultimately improve the team.
