Marquez Valdes-Scantling has secured a new role, signing with the Saints, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport. The veteran receiver had a workout with the team on Monday, and according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, he also drew interest from the Colts, Commanders, and other teams before ultimately choosing New Orleans.
Valdes-Scantling spent the last two seasons with the Chiefs before joining the Bills in the offseason. He participated in each of Buffalo’s first six games but managed only two catches despite being on the field for nearly 40 percent of the team’s offensive plays. After the Bills acquired Amari Cooper last week, they released him, enabling him to continue his career with another franchise.
In New Orleans, he may quickly play a crucial role due to the team’s need for wide receivers. Chris Olave missed Sunday’s game while recovering from a concussion, and Rashid Shaheed has been lost for the season due to meniscus surgery. With the team’s depth in receivers waning, it’s clear why they were in pursuit of Davante Adams before the Jets-Raiders trade and have also been linked to Mike Williams, whom the Jets are looking to trade after acquiring Adams.
While Valdes-Scantling isn’t typically regarded as a top receiver, he can bring a reliable presence to the Saints’ receiving corps. He recorded 687 receiving yards in 2022 and surpassed 400 receiving yards in each of his four seasons with the Packers. However, his 2023 performance fell short, as he achieved career lows with 21 receptions and 315 yards.
Nevertheless, the Saints will take any help they can get. In their loss to the Broncos on Thursday, they had to rely on players like Bub Means, Mason Tipton, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. to lead their receiver lineup. Even with Olave’s return, Valdes-Scantling should be able to establish a significant role with the team.
