One report claims that Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a free agent, was taken by the Buffalo Bills from at least two interested teams.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling signed a one-year contract worth “up to” $4.5 million with a $1.125 million signing bonus with the Buffalo Bills after visiting a number of organizations. Buffalo is adding another wide receiver to a group of players who are all vying to replace Stefon Diggs. The Bills outbid at least two clubs for the services of the two-time Super Bowl champion, even though it didn’t cost the earth.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling was Taken by Bills From Saints, Chargers.
While it’s not unexpected that the Saints are pursuing Marquez Valdes-Scantling, they could use another seasoned wide receiver. Chris Olave is a youthful, all-around talent for New Orleans, and Rashid Shaheed is a trustworthy deep threat. A successor for Michael Thomas is needed for this club, and Valdes-Scantling is a whole different kind of player. If anything, with Shaheed on the roster, he would be a little redundant.
Conversely, the Los Angeles Chargers are a logical choice. Given that Justin Herbert lacks a dependable wide receiver, it seems sense that they competed with the Bills for Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Perhaps Valdes-Scantling wanted to go to a more open depth chart because the team has signed DJ Chark and drafted three wide outs in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Look for the Chargers and the Saints to begin targeting the best free agent wide outs left in the class now that Marquez Valdes-Scantling is with the Bills. Hunter Renfrow is a slot receiver who thrives in the short area of the field and has a good relationship with quarterback Derek Carr, so New Orleans should show some interest in him. Even though he might not be able to have another 1,000-yard season, he can serve as a suitable stand-in for Michael Thoams in 2023.
In the meanwhile, the Chargers are most likely searching for a different vertical threat. Mecole Hardman is one of the league’s fastest players, yet he’s merely a gadget player. His verticality can open up underneath routes for Ladd McConkey, and an astute coach like Jim Harbaugh should be able to get the most out of him. Hardman can be to the Chargers what Marquez Valdes-Scantling is to the Bills, with Josh Palmer’s future still up in the air.
