Adding championship pedigree and experience to a young position group is always a good idea, isn’t it?
During the 2024 NFL offseason, the Buffalo Bills made significant changes to their receiving group. They let go of experienced players Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis and centered the group on youngster Keon Coleman and third-year player Khalil Shakir. Even though the team brought in outside reinforcements in the form of Mack Hollins, Chase Claypool, and Curtis Samuel, it appears that Buffalo intends to rely heavily on young, relatively inexperienced pass-catchers for the majority of its aerial production—especially when tight end Dalton Kincaid, a second-year addition, is taken into consideration.
Many analysts believe that the Bills still need to make a few moves at wide receiver because of the turnover and ensuing inexperience at the position, casting doubt on the unit’s long-term viability and future production. One writer believes that adding a two-time Super Bowl champion to Buffalo’s roster would be beneficial; Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently highlighted one unsigned veteran that could help strengthen each NFL contender, and he suggested former Chiefs wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling as a possible fit for the Bills.
Knox stated, “Buffalo’s receiving group could use another receiver, especially one who can stretch the field like Diggs used to.” “The Bills would be wise to acquire Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a former conference opponent. During his two years with the Kansas City Chiefs, Valdes-Scantling wasn’t very reliable, but he had a great playoffs in 2023, with two catches for 62 yards against Buffalo in the divisional round.
After leading the Chiefs to consecutive Super Bowl victories, Valdes-Scantling may also assist in demonstrating to the Bills what is necessary to make the figurative next move. Furthermore, any advice he could give on defeating Kansas City in the postseason would be extremely beneficial.
On paper, the marriage seems like a good fit. The Bills could use more veteran players and strong wide receivers, and Valdes-Scantling hasn’t exactly been unproductive in his NFL career, having caught 186 passes for 3,155 yards and 16 touchdowns in his six seasons. He would provide quarterback Josh Allen with a quick, powerful deep threat and sporadic slot option, and Buffalo’s executive administration has already expressed (some) interest in “MVS”; Considering the Bills’ receiving predicament, adding Valdes-Scantling to Buffalo wouldn’t really be a drastic move, but it’s still not a terrible idea. On the depth chart, he wouldn’t surpass Coleman, Shakir, or Samuel to take the starting position right away. Given that he hasn’t regularly participated on special teams since his rookie season, Pro Football Focus indicates that he probably wouldn’t add much there. There probably isn’t too much “untapped potential” there either at 29 years old.
It would be more like switching seats than anything else—sure, he would provide the team experienced knowledge, but is he a long-term solution? Do you want him to divert attention from reclamation projects like Claypool or KJ Hamler, or from potentially intriguing developing pieces like Tyrell Shavers and Justin Shorter?
If Buffalo is unhappy with how its receiving corps is developing throughout training camp, it may consider adding Valdes-Scantling. However, as of right now, the team appears content with the mix of young players and skill levels it has on staff.
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