Former Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling Signs with Bills

Former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling has officially signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, as announced by the team on Tuesday.

The contract, reported to be worth up to $4.5 million, includes a $1.125 million signing bonus, according to a report from ESPN.

Role in Bills’ Roster

Valdes-Scantling’s departure from the Chiefs came in February as part of the team’s strategy to free up $12 million in salary cap space.

With Stefon Diggs traded to the Texans and Gabe Davis moving to the Jaguars during free agency, Valdes-Scantling fills a significant role as another experienced receiver in the Bills’ roster. He joins free agent acquisitions Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins, along with second-round draft pick Keon Coleman, as some of the team’s notable additions this offseason.

Buffalo’s signing of Valdes-Scantling (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) keeps up their strategy of adding bigger receivers this offseason. The 29-year-old is a strong deep threat, averaging at least 15 yards per catch every season of his career. Before this, Davis was the main deep target for Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

Competition Among Receivers

Valdes-Scantling’s inclusion intensifies the competition among receivers ahead of the summer training camp, making him the 14th receiver on the team’s roster and the ninth addition this offseason.

Valdes-Scantling’s Performances

Valdes-Scantling, who also visited the Chargers last week, spent two seasons with the Chiefs after signing as a free agent from the Packers. He caught 42 passes in 2022 and 21 last season, but his biggest moments often came in the playoffs.

He caught eight passes for 116 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs’ AFC Championship Game victory over the Bengals after the 2022 season.

Last season, he secured the Chiefs’ AFC Championship Game win over the Ravens with a crucial catch and scored their first touchdown in their Super Bowl LVIII victory over the 49ers.