In need of salary cap flexibility, the Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly releasing veteran wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The move, reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, will save the Chiefs around $12 million in salary cap alongside $2 million in dead money.
The Chiefs will use the savings to try to retain some of their key free agents, including star defensive tackle Chris Jones and standout corner L’Jarius Sneed.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling joined the Chiefs ahead of the 2022 season, signing a three-year, $30 million contract. He had a solid first year in Kansas City but struggled in 2023 with career lows across the board, including 21 catches for 315 yards and one touchdown. However, Valdes-Scantling made a big contribution in the Super Bowl LVIII win over the San Francisco 49ers, catching the Chiefs’ first TD of the game.
Valdes-Scantling has a reputation for being a deep threat, averaging 17.0 yards per catch throughout his first six years in the league. Considering there are more than a few wide receiver-needy teams out there, he shouldn’t have a lot of trouble landing a contract with a new team.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, just saw their already deficient WR corps becoming even thinner. They now have just five wideouts on the roster and lack of No.1 wide receiver. The organization is expected to address this issue both through the upcoming draft and free agency.
