As NFL teams continue to make moves in the 2022 free agency period, rumors continue to swirl surrounding WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling. What are the latest reports and NFL rumors saying about where Valdes-Scantling could play in 2022 and beyond?
Marquez Valdes-Scantling Rumors
The wide receiver free agent market has been on the slower side. Teams are opting to use their cap space to build the cores of their roster first, then likely looking to address skill positions in the second wave of free agency or in the draft. A former fifth-round pick and one of the better deep threats in the NFL, Valdes-Scantling could immediately impact an offense’s explosive capabilities.
On March 14, PFN NFL Insider Aaron Wilson shared that the Raiders, Texans, Colts, Bears, Lions, Chiefs, and 49ers are showing interest in Valdes-Scantling. After signing DJ Chark, it is questionable if Detroit would still be interested at this point. With that said, how could Valdes-Scantling fit with the rumored teams?
Indianapolis Colts
While we don’t know who the quarterback will be for the Colts, they desperately need a second option in the passing game. Michael Pittman Jr. took a significant step forward last season, but the Colts need further help. There has been no decision made on current free agent T.Y. Hilton, but how much gas does he have left in the tank? Zach Pascal, one of the more underrated complementary receivers in the NFL, is also a free agent.
While this will always be a run-first offense, a vertical threat is needed to keep defenses honest and soften boxes for Jonathan Taylor. Having averaged over 17 yards per reception for his career, Valdes-Scantling could be that player for the Colts and possibly even Baker Mayfield.
Houston Texans
It does not matter what quarterback you give him — Brandin Cooks will succeed. He saw a massive role for Houston last year, accounting for 44% of the WR targets (134), 46% of the yards (1,037), and 33% of their touchdowns (6).
While I believe Nico Collins can turn into a reliable receiver, he’s not there just yet. Valdes-Scantling could shine for the Texans, given how prominent his role could be due to the likelihood of negative game scripts and lack of competition for touches.
Chicago Bears
I am still puzzled as to how underutilized Allen Robinson was last season for the Bears. Despite averaging 100 receptions, 152.5 targets, 1,198.5 yards, and 6.5 TDs from 2019-2020, Robinson had just 38 catches (60 targets) for 410 yards and 1 TD in 2021. This led to Darnell Mooney taking off and seeing 140 targets in his second year (11th-most in 2021).
With Robinson more than likely to sign with someone else as a free agent, head coach Matt Eberflus needs to bring other dynamic receivers to compliment Justin Fields. MVS could have a significant role from Day 1 with the Bears and be a very dynamic duo with Mooney.
San Francisco 49ers
There is no question the 49ers are Super Bowl contenders. They have an elite defense and an offense full of playmakers. If they make the expected switch from Jimmy Garoppolo to Trey Lance, a whole new wrinkle of Kyle Shanahan’s offense can be unleashed.
The 49ers exploit levels of defenses as well, if not better than anyone. Valdes-Scantling would allow them to target the over-the-top section of the coverage to present more splash plays. It would also soften intermediate zones, as safties are sucked back due to his verticality. According to reporter Evan Massey, the 49ers, along with the Colts and Bears, have been the most active in trying to acquire MVS.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have been expected to be players in the receiver market. However, they have remained quiet so far, choosing to focus on other needs while trying to navigate around the salary cap.
There is no question Valdes-Scantling and Patrick Mahomes could be a sensational duo. It’s not like secondaries can play far enough back when also concerned about Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. Yet, would it be the best fit? Byron Pringle, a player the Chiefs have liked for quite some time, seemed to take off last season (although he is now a free agent). Furthermore, Mecole Hardman is still there and deserves his own share of targets. While the quality of targets would be unparalleled among the teams mentioned, the volume might also be the lowest for MVS.
Las Vegas Raiders
Put together the fastest team you can. That was the apparent motto of the Raiders for decades. Valdes-Scantling would fit the mantra. He also fits a position of need as the Raiders continue to lose verticality. After Nelson Agholor flashed in 2020, he left in free agency for New England. Henry Ruggs III’s off-field decision-making has ended his career, and Zay Jones is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller are fantastic options for Derek Carr. But neither is being asked to run downfield as fast as they can. As an experienced deep-ball threat, Valdes-Scantling could slide into that role and be Carr’s main target for deep completions.