Packers free agent expected to cash in during free agency
Aaron Rodgers is set to return in 2022 and so is Davante Adams. However, Rodgers still needs/wants more weapons at his disposal. So, it may be a good idea to re-sign current impending free agent wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard. The only problem with that, though, is the Packers are currently estimated to […]
Aaron Rodgers is set to return in 2022 and so is Davante Adams. However, Rodgers still needs/wants more weapons at his disposal.
So, it may be a good idea to re-sign current impending free agent wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard. The only problem with that, though, is the Packers are currently estimated to be nearly $49 million over the cap when it comes to effective cap space. That number is "good" for dead-last in the NFL.
Now, that figure will definitely change once the true details of Rodgers' contract come out. His extension will help bring down the initial cap hit and the Packers will create more cap room if they can somehow work out a long-term deal with Adams. Roster cuts and restructures are still options, as well.
But even then, those moves may not be enough to re-sign either receiver. Especially Valdes-Scantling.
This is because the 6-foot-4 speedster is likely to receive a big payday, per multiple outlets that cover the league. Spotrac.com has his market value at $8.7 million per year. Now, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero says MVS' deal could earn as much as $10 million per year.
The fifth-year receiver has never caught more than 40 passes for the Packers in a regular season. But, he has a career average of 17.5 yards per reception due to his unique blend of size and speed. The NFL loves it when they have a big receiver that can also take the top off a defense. And they're usually willing to pay a lot of money for those guys, too.
Tyrell Williams is the first player that comes to mind. He's 6-foot-4, like MVS, but actually has about five pounds on MVS (210-pounds vs. 205-pounds) and ran a 4.42, compared to MVS's 4.37.
Williams inked a four-year, $44.3 million contract with the Raiders back in 2019 after playing with the Chargers for four years. Granted, Williams had a 1,000-yard season under his belt when he signed that deal, but it had come in 2016. He logged at least 650 receiving yards over the next two seasons, showcasing his prowess as a downfield threat. That's what led to his big deal with the Raiders.
Valdes-Scantling doesn't have the amount of production that Williams had before Williams signed his deal, but it's close. And as already mentioned, he has the size and speed. Zero drops on 55 targets in 2021 will definitely help, too. Therefore, $9-$10 million per year certainly isn't out of the picture.
It's easy to see why Valdes-Scantling may find himself walking into a nice payday this offseason. The only problem is he may not find it with the Packers.
Featured image via Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
