Getty Marquez Valdes-Scantling #83 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers in the game at Levi's Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Santa Clara, California.
The Kansas City Chiefs have dipped into the free-agent wide receiver pool once again, this time signing wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a three-year, $30 million deal, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. The deal will pay Valdes-Scantling $18 million over the first two years, and with incentives, he can earn a maximum of $36 million from the contract, per Pelissero.
The #Chiefs are signing former #Packers WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a three-year, $30 million deal with $18 million in the first two years and incentives to reach a maximum of $36 million, his agents @NSAFootball tell @RapSheet and me. 💰💰
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Valdes-Scantling, 27, was a fifth-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers in the 2018 NFL Draft. During his four seasons in Green Bay with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Valdes-Scantling accumulated 123 catches for 2,153 yards — 17.5 yards per reception — and 13 touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference.
In 11 regular-season games last season, Valdes-Scantling caught 26 passes on 55 targets for 430 yards and three touchdowns.
Why Would Chiefs Sign MVS?
With Tyreek Hill no longer in Kansas City, the Chiefs need another playmaker at wide receiver that can stretch the field. Newly-signed wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster is most effective over the middle of the field, so Kansas City now adds Valdes-Scantling, who ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at the combine in 2018, per Pro Football Reference.
.@AaronRodgers12 sees the blitz and floats it to Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 72-yard TD! #GoPackGo
📺: #GBvsCHI on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/fohj8JnptQ
Based on Valdes-Scantling’s contract and ability, he will likely compete to be one of the top targets for quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2022.
The wide receivers that are locked up for the 2022 season in Kansas City along with MVS are Smith-Schuster, Corey Coleman, Mecole Hardman, Josh Gordon, Daurice Fountain, Gehrig Dieter, Cornell Powell, Justin Watson, Chris Finke, Gary Jennings, Matthew Sexton, and Omar Bayless.
Hardman, Gordon, and Fountain are the only players that were active for a Chiefs game last season.
As of the morning of March 24, Kansas City had $28.6 million in available cap space, which was No. 1 in the NFL, per Over The Cap. However, that doesn’t take into account the contracts of MVS, Chad Henne, Derrick Nnadi, Geron Christian, Luq Barcoo, Corey Coleman, and Elijah Lee. Based on the MVS deal and the level of talent among the other players, the Chiefs should have somewhere between $10-15 million in available cap space once the deals of the aforementioned players are made official.
Twitter Reacts to Chiefs Signing MVS
Twitter users reacted to Kansas City signing the former Packers receiver.
“Chiefs lost T. Hill, they in trouble” ….marquez valdes-scantling, Travis Kelce, juju smith schuster and 6 draft picks in the first 3 rounds!! (2 in the 1st) Tyreek is a BEAST but nah, Chiefs will be A-OK,” one Twitter user wrote.
“Chiefs lost T. Hill, they in trouble” ….marquez valdes-scantling, Travis Kelce, juju smith schuster and 6 draft picks in the first 3 rounds!! (2 in the 1st) 🤔🤔🤔🤔 Tyreek is a BEAST but nah, Chiefs will be A-OK
“Marquez Valdes-Scantling signing w/Chiefs. I’ll miss him in Green Bay…he didn’t truly flourish but he created big plays. Mahomes will heave several bombs deep for MVS. His size/speed combo is rare. He’s a poor-poor man’s Randy Moss. (Not near as good..just big /fast like Moss,” another user wrote.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling signing w/Chiefs. I’ll miss him in Green Bay…he didn’t truly flourish but he created big plays. Mahomes will heave several bombs deep for MVS. His size/speed combo is rare. He’s a poor-poor man’s Randy Moss. (Not near as good..just big /fast like Moss
“KC Chiefs may not draft a WR in RD1 of the ’22 NFL Draft after all. KC has signed former GB Packer WR, Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a 3yr, $30M deal. I’d still consider a WR in RD1 if I’m KC. Maybe Chris Olave or Jahan Dotson in RD1..or Skyy Moore in RD2,” another user wrote.
“Marquez Valdes Scantling has less career receptions in 3 season than Tyreek Hill had just last season. He’s not the replacement or at least he best not be. Feels like just adding depth but without the stud WR1,” another user wrote.
Marquez Valdes Scantling has less career receptions in 3 season than Tyreek Hill had just last season. He’s not the replacement or at least he best not be. Feels like just adding depth but without the stud WR1