The Kansas City Chiefs have made the decision to part ways with veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. This move is expected to free up a substantial $12 million for the Chiefs against the salary cap for the upcoming 2024 season. Valdes-Scantling, 29, was signed to a three-year contract during the 2022 offseason, but his time with the team has come to an end.
During his two-year tenure with the Chiefs, Valdes-Scantling recorded a total of 63 catches for 1,002 yards and three touchdowns. While these numbers may not have been as high as some had hoped for during regular-season play, his impact was felt during back-to-back postseason runs that culminated in Super Bowl championships for the team.
Chiefs releasing WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/4ajMzXoGxP
— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2024
In the postseason games, Valdes-Scantling proved to be a valuable asset, tallying 15 catches, 250 yards, and three touchdowns. His performance in critical moments, such as catching six passes for 116 yards and a touchdown in the 2022 AFC Championship game, as well as making a game-clinching catch in the 2023 AFC Championship game, solidified his contributions to the team’s success. His presence was also felt in Super Bowl LVIII, where he added another touchdown to his postseason resume.
Not only did Valdes-Scantling make an impact on the field, but his mentorship also left a lasting impression on rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice, who credited the veteran for helping him transition smoothly into the NFL.
Marquez will enter free agency
Chiefs are cutting Marquez Valdes-Scantling, per @JFowlerESPN
They’ll save $12M in cap space by releasing MVS pic.twitter.com/TZayVLhRSH
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) February 28, 2024
However, despite his postseason heroics and mentorship, Valdes-Scantling’s high salary cap number for the 2024 season made it impractical for the Chiefs to retain him. Therefore, the decision to release him allows both parties to move forward. This move may also give Valdes-Scantling an advantage as he enters free agency, providing him with an opportunity to explore potential landing spots for the next phase of his career.
In the competitive landscape of the NFL, tough decisions like this are often made in the best interest of both the team and the player. As Valdes-Scantling prepares to embark on a new chapter, his impact on the Chiefs and his potential future in the league will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
The #Chiefs have released WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling after two seasons and two Super Bowl victories, as @JFowlerESPN said.
An expected move as the team clears $12M in cap space. MVS can sign with a new team at any time. pic.twitter.com/Y1WZfc2RoP
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 28, 2024
