Former KC Chief WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling signs with Buffalo Bills

The Kansas City Chiefs revamped part of their front office this offseason at the cost of losing some familiar faces. One of the players the team parted ways with was Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who remained a free agent for more than two months.

After his release from Kansas City and a long stint on the open market, Valdes-Scantling finally has a new home. According to numerous reports, first revealed by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the former fifth-round pick signed with the Buffalo Bills. It’s a one-year contract.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the contract is worth “up to $4.5 million, including a signing bonus of $1.125 million.” It’s a pact comparable to what Zay Jones recently made with the Arizona Cardinals: a one-year deal worth up to $4.25 million. Valdes-Scantling was initially released early in the offseason, which freed up approximately $12 million in cap space for the Chiefs while incurring only $2 million in dead money.

Over the weekend, Joshua Brisco of Arrowhead Report on SI.com wrote about whether it made sense for the Chiefs to reunite with Valdes-Scantling or Mecole Hardman.

“Stylistically, Valdes-Scantling makes more sense for the Chiefs’ current passing group than Hardman,” Brisco wrote. “Brown and Worthy should be upgrades over a lot of things Hardman has done, but Valdes-Scantling could still be a feasible upgrade over Justin Watson and Justyn Ross.

“If Valdes-Scantling wants to come back to KC, if the Chiefs want him back, and if he’s willing to compete for a smaller role with a smaller salary, a reunion would make sense. Those are a lot of ‘ifs “, “However, and at this point, KC may prefer to give its current group of receivers the first chance to play a larger role during their offseason programs. If the Chiefs aren’t comfortable with their pass catchers by the time they arrive in St. Joseph, Mo., for training camp, perhaps Valdes-Scantling or Hardman will get the call.

During Valdes-Scantling’s first year in Kansas City, he completed 42 passes for 687 yards and two touchdowns during the regular season. During the playoffs, he exploded for 116 yards and a score to help the team get over the hump in the AFC Championship Game. Although he managed to return to form somewhat in time for last season’s playoffs, he saw a sharp decline in receptions (21) and yards (315) in 16 regular season outings.

Now, Valdes-Scantling and his new team will host the defending champions at some point during the 2024 season.

Read more: Chiefs re-sign LB Cole Christiansen, release DT Matt Dickerson