In a move that’s caught the attention of NFL circles nationwide, the San Francisco 49ers have officially added veteran wideout Marquez Valdes‑Scantling — a former member of the Green Bay Packers’ hallowed receiver corps — to their roster, signaling a possible shift in strategy and a hint at aggressive mid-season movement.
49ers make surprising mid-season move: former Packers WR Marquez Valdes‑Scantling
Jan 22, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan during the game against the Green Bay Packers during a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Jan 22, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan during the game against the Green Bay Packers during a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Valdes-Scantling, who was initially drafted by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, totaled 123 receptions for 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns during his time in Green Bay. After several stops — the Chiefs, Bills, Saints and Seahawks — he most recently landed with the 49ers and is now poised to inject big-play ability into an offense in need of a spark.
According to league sources, the 49ers signed Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal as they contend with injuries at receiver and seek to diversify their passing attack. Analysts point out his career average of roughly 17.4 yards per reception and his role as a deep threat make him a potential game-changer in specific packages.
While financial terms and guaranteed money were not disclosed, the timing of the deal — right as the trade deadline looms — raises questions: Are the 49ers preparing for a playoff run and looking to outpace rivals with bold additions? Or is this an inside gamble on a veteran hoping to recapture earlier form?
A Look At Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s Career Stats
Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) against the Buffalo Bills in the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) against the Buffalo Bills in the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Games played: 111 (to date)
Receptions: 209
Receiving yards: 3,606
Average yards per catch: 17.3
Longest reception: 78 yards
Receiving touchdowns: 20
Games started: 68
Key Performance Highlights
His best statistical season in terms of average yards per catch came in 2020 with the Green Bay Packers: 33 receptions for 690 yards (20.9 avg) and 6 touchdowns.
In 2024, playing for the New Orleans Saints, he recorded 17 receptions for 385 yards (22.6 avg) and 4 touchdowns in 8 games.
He has been valued as a deep-threat receiver given his high average yardage per catch.
What to Watch
How the 49ers integrate Valdes-Scantling: will he start in base sets or serve as situational deep-threat option?
Whether his presence forces opposing defenses to respect more vertical attack, thereby opening up underneath routes for other receivers and the tight ends.
Whether this signing signals more aggressive trade-deadline activity from San Francisco — either for more receivers or other offensive weapons.
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