Next month, the Kansas City Chiefs plan to make wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a Super Bowl hero, available to the public. A story claims that if the Chiefs cut ties with him, they will profit handsomely. With regard to their salary cap going forward this offseason, the franchise is in a difficult situation. There are several ways for Kansas City to make room, but one of the ways might be to let some of their best players take advantage of free agency.
Due to pay cap casualties, players like Chris Jones and Clyde Edwards-Helaire might not be able to rejoin the squad. This includes Valdes-Scantling, who performed admirably during this year’s playoffs. Just 21 throws totaling 315 yards and a touchdown were caught by the former fifth-round pick. During the previous postseason, he improved his output to 128 yards and four touchdowns in four games.
It was insufficient evidence, though, to demonstrate that he was living up to his pay. For the 2024–25 season, Valdes–Scantling carries a $14 million cap charge, therefore the Chiefs might decide not to offer him that much money. The fire was fueled by a source who added his name to the list of possible cap victim candidates. A lot of people are saying that this offseason, Valdes-Scantling ought to be cut.
He nevertheless scored a touchdown during the contest to assist the Chiefs in capturing their second consecutive Super Bowl ring in overtime. He was acknowledged by Patrick Mahomes as the unsung hero, but he’s probably a cut before the market opens. They would be able to save $12 million against the cap if they cut him, but they would also be generating $2 million in dead money.
Kansas City Chiefs Could Release Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the Super Bowl Hero.
The majority of the regular season was difficult for the Chiefs receiving corps. Mahomes’ receiving options were limited to rookie Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce. Though they possessed Mecole Hardman and Kadarius Toney, they also faced difficulties, much like Valdes-Scantling. Despite his incredible performance in the Super Bowl, they are still of the opinion that they might have to start over with their wide receiving corps.
With only roughly $15 million in salary space, the Chiefs won’t have much time before they have to extend the contracts of a few of their best players. Jones still needs to be extended, but given his desire for a large contract, that looks quite improbable. For the next campaign, Kansas City might look to replace Valdes-Scantling as their WR1 and centre their offence around Rice. The Chiefs are still not convinced by his productivity, thus a reworked contract would probably be necessary for him to rejoin the team.
Even though Mahomes would miss his leadership, quickness, and run blocking, it wasn’t enough to locate the open man. The amount of such assets fell short of what Kansas City had anticipated. If they take Valdes-Scantling out of the starting lineup, there will likely be a significant shift in the wide receiver room. The Chiefs are the front-runners to sign Mike Evans from the Buccaneers, according to sources.
Possible Destinations for Valdes-Scantling
Many organisations will be keeping an eye out for a fresh wide receiver to enter the market. The Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, and Baltimore Ravens are a few potential teams. The Ravens boast one of the most complete rosters, but once Odell Beckham Jr. is expected to enter the market, they will require a new receiver. Valdes-Scantling might be a possibility if the Chargers lose Mike Williams due to cap concerns.
The Cowboys are concentrating on developing players like CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. Thus, following a lacklustre performance in the previous season, they might let rid of Michael Gallup.
