On Tuesday, the Buffalo Bills, the New York Jets’ AFC East rivals, signed free agency wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a former Kansas City Chiefs star.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero broke the news on X. Furthermore, ESPN disclosed that Valdes-Scantling’s contract is for one year and worth up to $4.5 million:
It’s a one-year deal for MVS, who won two Super Bowls with the #Chiefs and now will try for a third with their AFC rival in Buffalo. https://t.co/loeJExxfdE
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 14, 2024
Jets lose opportunity to team up Aaron Rodgers with former teammate Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Valdes-Scantling’s name was extensively associated with the Jets because he played with Jets starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers for four seasons with the Green Bay Packers from 2018 to 2021. He was one of Rodgers’ favorite outside targets, contributing to his two NFL MVP wins in 2020 and 2021.
The 29-year-old wideout, along with prominent receivers Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams, has the potential to aid the Jets on the outside.
Valdes-Scantling could have added depth to the Jets’ receiving corp
In 2020, the Florida native led the NFL with 20.9 yards per reception, and in 2023, he averaged 15 yards. The Jets failed to make big plays in the air last year, but with Rodgers back to full health, a player like “MVS” would have been another exceptional pass-catcher for the four-time league MVP to blast down the field.
Valdes-Scantling gives the Bills a third deep-ball threat for next season
However, he now joins the Bills, who dealt superstar wideout Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans on April 3. Valdes-Scantling will join the Bills as one of quarterback Josh Allen’s most talented receivers next season. Buffalo won the division last season, 11-6, and will be a challenge for the Jets in their quest to reach the Super Bowl.
Even without Diggs, New York must be prepared for Buffalo’s aerial attack in 2024. Allen will still have several options to spread out his offense, thanks to fellow offseason acquisition WR Curtis Samuel and the Bills’ remaining trio of pass-catchers in WR Khalil Shakir and TE Dalton Kincaid, all of whom will have at least 600 receiving yards in 2023.
Valdes-Scantling provides Allen a second wideout who averaged more than 15 yards per reception last season. The Jets’ outstanding secondary will have to prepare for the Bills’ regular-season and possibly playoff matches this autumn.
