The Buffalo Bills have released veteran wide receiver and two-time Super Bowl champion Marquez Valdes-Scantling, moments after completing a blockbuster trade for Cleveland Browns star Amari Cooper.
Soon after the Cooper trade news broke, the Bills announced they released Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The former Green Bay Packer and Kansas City Chief signed a one-year deal in free agency after being let go by the defending champions in the offseason.
“MVS” saw limited action in six games with the Bills, catching only two passes for 26 yards and no touchdowns. Khalil Shakir, second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid and rookie Keon Coleman emerged as Josh Allen’s most trusted receivers, and the addition of Cooper made Valdes-Scantling expendable.
We’ve released WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling. #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/6OCL7RNbVS
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 15, 2024
The Chiefs signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a three-year contract in 2022 free agency, hoping the speedy deep threat would replace some of the lost production from the Tyreek Hill trade.
We’ve agreed to trade for WR Amari Cooper‼️https://t.co/Ilbmxum2sf | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/HUdMM3SaUM
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 15, 2024
MVS didn’t exactly put up eye-popping numbers in Kansas City, but he made several clutch plays during their back-to-back Super Bowl championship-winning seasons. So his big-game experience and leadership could make Valdes-Scantling attractive to other WR-needy teams.
The 30-year-old had his best season in 2020, recording 33 receptions for 690 yards and six touchdowns. For his career, Valdes-Scantling has 188 receptions for 3,181 yards and 16 scores.
Teams That Could Target Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Obviously, a reunion with the Chiefs makes sense given Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s familiarity with their offense. Kansas City also needs receiving help after losing superstar Rashee Rice for the season with a knee injury.
The New York Jets completed a trade for Davante Adams on Tuesday, but Aaron Rodgers’ obsession with bringing ex-Packer teammates to Gotham could prompt GM Joe Douglas to look at MVS as well. The Dallas Cowboys are still looking for a No. 2 WR to help CeeDee Lamb, and the Pittsburgh Steelers could use another deep threat to complement superstar George Pickens.
