The retooling of the Seattle Seahawks’ wide receiver room began Wednesday with free agent Marquez Valdes-Scantling agreeing to a one-year deal worth $5.5 million, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
The move comes after Seattle parted ways with two of the most decorated receivers in franchise history last week. The Seahawks cut fan favorite Tyler Lockett last Wednesday and reportedly traded standout DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
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Valdez-Scantling comes to the Seahawks after spending last season with the Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints, playing under new Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak for eight games in New Orleans.
Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy reacted to the reported signing just minutes after the news surfaced.
“Wide receiver was obviously an area of need for Seattle,” co-host Stacy Rost said. “I don’t know that either of us expected them to go after big-ticket names. I know a lot of fans were hoping for (Chris) Godwin before he re-signed (with Tampa Bay), hoping for (Stefon) Diggs, who’s still out there.
“What do you make of this one?” Rost asked co-host Michael Bumpus.
“I like it. I’m not mad at this,” said Bumpus, an analyst and former NFL wide receiver. “People are gonna be underwhelmed. They’re not gonna be extremely excited about this, but this is the type of receiver that you need. (He’s) 6-4, 206 pounds, has had some decent years.”
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Valdes-Scantling, a fifth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2018, would appear to fill at least part of the role vacated by the big-bodied Metcalf. As Bumpus pointed out, Valdes-Scantling possess a big frame similar to Metcalf, although Valdes-Scantling is about 30 pounds lighter. He’s also a viable downfield threat who can take the top off of defenses (he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds at the 2018 scouting combine).
7️⃣5️⃣ yards from @AaronRodgers12 to @MVS__11!
TOUCHDOWN! 🙌 #GBvsMIN | #GoPackGo
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/uZA2PtBNBg
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 21, 2021
The South Florida product has averaged an impressive 17.4 yards per catch throughout his seven-year pro career, which leads all active NFL receivers with at least 200 receptions. Valdes-Scantling has recorded at least one reception over 50 yards in all but one year, including four seasons with at least one grab of 70 yards or more.
He had his best season in 2020, leading the NFL with 20.9 yards per catch while totaling 690 yards and six touchdowns on 33 receptions. He also won back-to-back Super Bowl championships with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 and 2023, including securing a career-best 42 receptions in 2022.
MVS! 71 YARDS TO. THE. CRIB.
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/Xf8Sl9id0R
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 17, 2024
However, there is some downside to the 30-year-old Valdes-Scantling’s game. He’s caught just 49.5% of his career targets (205 receptions on 414 targets). For reference, Metcalf has caught 65.2% of his targets over six seasons.
One of the factors Bumpus likes about the signing is the impact it will have on the rest of the wide receiver group.
“It provides competition for Jake Bobo and Dareke Young,” Bumpus said. “I still think Marquez gets the nod (over those two), but you have a big outside receiver that can hold safeties responsible. I’m not expecting him to go for 1,000 yards. I don’t think you need that out of this type of receiver. But what I do like: (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) has some help right now, some young guys like Jake Bobo can compete, and I guarantee you they’re going to grab a wide receiver in the draft.”
Tune in to Bump and Stacy weekdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.
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