The Kansas City Chiefs are off and running in free agency as they try to reshape the roster to ensure that another Super Bowl collapse doesn't happen in 2025.
This team has seen many players come and go during the course of the dynasty, particularly at wide receiver. Over the last two seasons, the position has been a major point of contention for the organization as Patrick Mahomes hasn't had the help that'd be expected for a team of this caliber.
One former playoff hero, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who struggled in 2023 though came up clutch in the biggest moments, just found a new home in a perfect fit that could revitalize his career. Unfortunately, that home isn't in Kansas City.
Veteran WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling is signing with the #Seahawks on a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2025
Deal negotiated by Harold C. Lewis, Ezra Thompson and Chad Berger of @NSAFootball pic.twitter.com/Uxe40X7F8v
Former Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling Signs With Seahawks
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Valdes-Scantling agreed to a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks worth up to $5.5 million. He'll now be paired with new quarterback Sam Darnold, who was the league's most effective deep-ball passer in 2024.
That fits perfectly with Valdes-Scantling, whose value proposition is more or less serving as a deep threat hoping to hit a home run once or twice each week. He averaged a remarkable 22.6 yards per catch with the New Orleans Saints this season, notching four TDs on only 17 catches. After the Seahawks traded away DK Metcalf and released Tyler Lockett, Valdes-Scantling now has an opportunity to emerge as a top-two option in the offense.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be the focal point of the passing attack, though Valdes-Scantling's unique skillset pairs well with Darnold. This is still an organization that intends to compete for the playoffs and the ex-Chief could be a major part of that theoretical success. At the least, this gives him a chance to prove he's deserving of a long-term extension following the campaign.
In two years with Kansas City, Valdes-Scantling established himself as a clutch performer, dominating the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship and catching the game-sealing pass against the Baltimore Ravens the following year. With someone who will look to throw deep under center, Valdes-Scantling will turn heads next year. Still just 30 years old, he's got good football ahead of him.
Here's hoping the veteran wideout earns his contract and shows why he's still a premier deep threat in the NFL.