Former Chiefs Wide Receiver Already Failing With New Team

Former Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling enjoyed his fair share of ups and downs in Kansas City, leaving the organization as a playoff hero with two Super Bowl rings. Unfortunately for the 29-year-old deep threat, he's off to a poor start with his new squad, the Buffalo Bills.

Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic recently wrote that Valdes-Scantling is at risk of not even making the 53-man roster, a significant fall from grace given the Bills' underwhelming wide receiver room.

Valdes-Scantling only signed a one-year deal with Buffalo. If he doesn't turn things around quickly, he could be looking for his third team in a matter of months.

Former Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling Could Be Cut by Bills

"Valdes-Scantling has faded into the background in the last few practices," writes Buscaglia. "He has yet to make a strong impression in the passing game during team drills, and his opportunities with quarterback Josh Allen and the top unit have dwindled."

He notes that Valdes-Scantling was sent off with the second and third-team units during drills despite Chase Claypool being out with an injury, cast away from Allen and the other offensive centerpieces.

2023 was Valdes-Scantling's worst as a pro, catching just 21 of 42 targets for 315 yards and one TD, notably dropping a deep game-winning TD pass from Patrick Mahomes against the Eagles. He was effective in the playoffs, even scoring in the Super Bowl, but it seemed his best days might be behind him.

That being said, it's fairly shocking to hear he could be cut.

"It’s clear that he has not been one of the top five receivers this summer thus far," continues Buscaglia. "Second-year player Tyrell Shavers has outplayed Valdes-Scantling and offers more versatility...Chase Claypool has also had his moments before getting injured and has worked in with Allen more consistently than Valdes-Scantling more recently."

Releasing him would cost the Bills $2.25 in dead cap money. That's not nothing, though certainly not enough to keep a more promising receiver off the 53-man roster because of it. He's got time to turn things around, but Valdes-Scantling needs to prove he's still an NFL-caliber player before it's too late.

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