In a strategic decision aimed at achieving financial flexibility, the Kansas City Chiefs are releasing wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Fresh off helping the Chiefs win their second-straight Super Bowl, MVS will be looking for a new home.
The move makes sense for Kansas City as they are looking to free up as much money as they can. The decision to release the veteran receiver is expected to save them $12 million against their salary cap.
Chiefs releasing WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/4ajMzXoGxP
— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2024
The move comes hot on the heels of another pivotal decision by the Chiefs.
The organization has reportedly informed star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed of their intention to utilize the franchise tag on him, with an openness to exploring trade possibilities if a long-term agreement isn’t reached.
Employing the nonexclusive franchise tag on Sneed will cost them approximately $19 million for the upcoming season.
The Chiefs are making moves today 👀
• L’Jarius Sneed has received the franchise tag ($19M).
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been released (Clears $12M in cap space). pic.twitter.com/LspZlrpRNM
— Let’s Chat Chiefs (@LetsChatChiefs) February 28, 2024
Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach, speaking at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, underscored the team’s readiness to take decisive action regarding Sneed and defensive captain Chris Jones … However, keeping both won’t be easy.Â
"Hopefully, we can find a scenario that works for us."@Chiefs GM Brett Veach discussed the contract situations for DT Chris Jones and CB L'Jarius Sneed.
📻 https://t.co/Xb5uYT1St1#Chiefs | #ChiefsKingdom | #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/ZzwR7hL6IS
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) February 28, 2024
Valdes-Scantling, who joined the Chiefs as a free agent from the Green Bay Packers, leaves behind a legacy of impactful performances, particularly in playoff games.
Despite modest regular-season contributions – and frequent frustrations caused to the fan base – MVS consistently rose to the occasion when the lights were brightest.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling is being released by the @Chiefs.
This crazy catch iced the AFC Championship game, sending Kansas City to Super Bowl LVIII! pic.twitter.com/tynq1kNhMu
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) February 28, 2024
Notable among his postseason heroics was an impressive showing in the AFC Championship Game victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022, where Valdes-Scantling tallied eight receptions for 116 yards and a crucial touchdown.
His clutch catch in this season’s AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens and his role in hauling in the Chiefs first touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII further highlight his postseason contributions.
The Kansas City Chiefs are cutting WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling. A move that saves them 12m in cap space.
Interesting move by the Chiefs. Maybe this is just a restructure the control type of release and he’ll be back with the team before next season or they have bigger plans.… pic.twitter.com/dNvYCrg9Jw
— Variety Sports Network (@variety_sports_) February 28, 2024
However, Valdes-Scantling’s departure marks a strategic shift for the Chiefs, with rookie Rashee Rice emerging as a prominent figure in the team’s receiving corps, leading the squad with 79 receptions in the 2023 regular season.
It was also hard to ignore MVS’s overall decline in production.Â
With the #Chiefs releasing WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, we can be expecting them to look to upgrade at Z-receiver in the draft.
Two dynamic threats should be in their sights, Oregon WR Troy Franklin at 32 or Texas WR Xavier Worthy in round 2.
Kansas City has a chance to pair… pic.twitter.com/TYldNd6k1V
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 28, 2024
What are your thoughts on the Chiefs decision to release Valdes-Scantling?
Considering the high-level players Kansas City needs to take care of, the move makes perfect sense.Â
Besides saving significant money, when the Chiefs truly needed skill position players to step up, MVS was inconsistent and didn’t exactly answer the bell.
Having said that, he’ll forever be remembered as a two-time Super Bowl champion … That type of legacy never goes away.Â
Where do you think he will end up next? … Possibly back with old teammate Aaron Rodgers???
Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a big play waiting to happen👀 The Chiefs made a huge mistake! pic.twitter.com/6i4Ivk47wa https://t.co/Gi7Xfv2v38
— Cam (@DrakeMayeFC) February 28, 2024