Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane stated that he isn’t intending to make any major trades in free agency, but he is considering adding a veteran player at a discounted rate.
Despite signing free agent wide receiver Chase Claypool and assigning him Stefon Diggs’ jersey number, there are still concerns about the Bills’ wide receivers. Claypool’s spot on the team isn’t guaranteed.
In the quest for the Bills to make it to the Super Bowl this season, Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report has suggested that Buffalo should sign former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
South Florida’s own MVS with a touchdown in the Super Bowl!🤘#AmericanFB pic.twitter.com/l8urJNYTCF
— The American (@American_Conf) February 12, 2024
“It was surprising to see the Bills not do more to support quarterback Josh Allen,” Knox wrote. “(Keon) Coleman might be a decent replacement for Diggs as a No. 1 target, but Buffalo didn’t add another receiver in the draft and has only brought in players like Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins in free agency.
“There’s still space for another receiver in Buffalo’s lineup, especially one who can stretch the field like Diggs once did. Acquiring former conference rival Marquez Valdes-Scantling would be a smart move for the Bills. Valdes-Scantling wasn’t consistently impressive during his two years with the Chiefs, but he made significant plays during the 2023 postseason—including two catches for 62 yards against Buffalo in the divisional round.
“After winning back-to-back Super Bowls with the Chiefs, Valdes-Scantling could also offer valuable insight to the Bills on what it takes to reach the next level. Additionally, any tips he might provide on how to beat Kansas City in the postseason would be extremely beneficial.”
Valdes-Scantling was in the final year of his $30 million contract when the Chiefs released him in late February. This move saved Kansas City $11.9 million in 2024 with a $2 million dead money charge.
The Bills Could Land Marquez Valdes-Scantling at a Hefty Discount
MVS had a lackluster regular season, catching only 21 of 42 targets for a meager 314 yards and one touchdown. Despite being the highest-paid receiver on the Chiefs roster, his postseason performance wasn’t enough to secure his spot in Kansas City. In four playoff games, he caught 8 of 13 targets for 124 yards and one touchdown.
“The 29-year-old earned just under $9 million with Kansas City last year and might not be willing to accept a significant pay cut,” Knox wrote. “However, at this stage in the offseason, he might not have much of a choice.”
The Bills currently have around $2.8 million in cap space, but they will free up an additional $10.2 million with Tre’Davious White’s post-June 1 release. Jay Skurski from The Buffalo News also suggested the former 2018 fifth-rounder as a free-agent option for the Bills.
“It was Valdes-Scantling, not Stefon Diggs, who was making big plays down the field when the Bills hosted the Chiefs in January in an AFC divisional playoff game,” Knox added. “At the very least, Valdes-Scantling, at 29, has proven himself in big games.”
Marquez Valdes-Scantling was there when @PatrickMahomes needed him. 💪 pic.twitter.com/d1UgupcETq
— NFL (@NFL) January 31, 2023
While it’s not particularly thrilling to consider Valdes-Scantling, it’s worth noting that he played a role in the Chiefs’ journey to the Super Bowl last year as well. Despite only catching 42 of 81 targets for 687 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2022, he made 6 catches for 116 yards and 1 touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship game.
Ari Meirov from The 33rd Team reported that MVS had a meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday, May 6. This suggests there could be some competition among teams to sign the veteran.
Bills News: The Veteran FA Wide Receiver Market Is Dwindling
Valdes-Scantling’s tendency to drop passes might discourage the Bills, especially since there are fewer options in the free-agent wide receiver market. Skurski suggested Michael Thomas, a former starter for the New Orleans Saints, and Zay Jones, a former Bills wide receiver, as potential choices. These names have also been mentioned by Chiefs analysts, who anticipate Kansas City might sign another experienced player due to Rashee Rice’s likely suspension.
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