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Cowboys potential signee Marquez Valdes-Scantling
The final cutdown days in the NFL usually feature some surprise moves. One move that surprised some was the release of veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling by the Seattle Seahawks.
Valdes-Scantling signed with the Seahawks back in March on a one-year $5.5 million deal. The two-time Super Bowl Champion had his most successful season with the Kansas City Chiefs, but his best individual season came as a Green Bay Packer.
In 2020, the downfield threat had 33 receptions for 690, six touchdowns, and averaged 20.6 yards per catch. Valdes-Scantling has been most used as someone who can stretch the field, and that was assumed to be his role once again when he signed with the Seahawks. Seattle had other plans, though, and that came as a shock to Valdes-Scantling.
MVS Was Shocked
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who is now a member of the Seahawks’ rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, was not expecting to be cut by Seattle. The main reason is his relationship with Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Kubiak was the offensive coordinator on the New Orleans Saints last season, where Valdes-Scantling started eight games. The partnership was successful as Valdes-Scantling had 17 catches for 385 yards and four touchdowns. He also averaged 22.6 yards per catch, proving he still could stretch the field.
Valdes-Scantling spoke with Matt Barrows of The Athletic about how he believed his relationship with Kubiak was a factor in his being brought to Seattle in the first place.
“It definitely wasn’t news I was expecting,” Valdes-Scantling said to Barrows. “Like I said, I was brought over with that OC to continue what we did the year before. So when the news happened, it was a shock to me.”
Now, Valdes-Scantling will have two opportunities this year with the 49ers to gain a measure of revenge against the Seahawks.
MVS Chose the 49ers Over the Steelers
Marquez Valdes-Scantling examined his options after being released by the Seahawks at the end of the preseason. Valdes-Scantling was choosing between the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He had the opportunity to reunite with his former quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, with whom he had his most successful seasons individually. Valdes-Scantling told NBC Sports Bay Area & California about why he chose the 49ers over the Steelers.
“It was between here and Pittsburgh,” Valdes-Scantling told reporters. “Obviously, I have a good relationship with Aaron Rodgers over there, and he wanted me back over there. So, it was a toss-up, 50/50. I had to weigh my options and see which one I wanted to do, which was going to be better for my career at this point, and I was excited about it.”
Valdes-Scantling will also have more of an opportunity to get significant playing time right away due to the 49ers dealing with multiple injuries at the position. Brandon Aiyuk will miss the early portion of the season recovering from a torn ACL, and Jauan Jennings is dealing with both a calf injury and working towards a new contract.
Valdes-Scantling’s time as a Seahawk was more brief than he expected, but he’ll still be spending time in Seattle this season.
Chad Gelfand Chad Gelfand is a journalist covering the NFL with focus on the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and Carolina Panthers for Heavy.com. Gelfand has over six years of writing experience.
Gelfand previously covered the Philadelphia Eagles for Last Word On Sports. He also has experience writing in the worlds of entertainment and wrestling.
Gelfand was an Entertainment writer for the List.com, and a contributor for Fansided’s wrestling website Daily DDT and The Wrestling Estate. Gelfand has also appeared multiple times as a guest on POST Wrestling’s “Bushby and Thompson’s Wrestling Adventure” podcast. More about Chad Gelfand
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