Seattle Seahawks address depleted position group in underwhelming fashion during final moments of legal tampering
The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to terms with free agent wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a one-year, $5.5 million contract, per NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Originally a fifth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2018, Valdes-Scantling will suit up for his fifth team as he enters his eighth NFL season. He is very physically […]
The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to terms with free agent wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a one-year, $5.5 million contract, per NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
Originally a fifth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2018, Valdes-Scantling will suit up for his fifth team as he enters his eighth NFL season. He is very physically gifted at 6-foot-4 and possessing 4.3 40-yard dash speed. His biggest value is as a deep threat, and he averaged a whopping 21.6 yards per reception in 2024.
Unfortunately, that is pretty much the extent of his game. Despite his large frame, Valdes-Scantling isn't great at making contested catches. In fact, catching the ball has been an issue throughout his entire career, carrying a 6.0 percent drop rate. He isn't a high volume pass catcher either, averaging just three receptions per game during his career.
It would be very disappointing if the Seahawks are viewing Valdes-Scantling as a D.K Metcalf replacement. They may share physical traits on paper, but Metcalf is levels above Valdes-Scantling. As a depth piece who can occasionally hit a big play and bring veteran experience to the WR room, the signing of Valdes-Scantling is perfectly fine.
Seattle still has a need for a legitimate No. 2 WR. Jaxon Smith-Njigba proved last season that he has what it takes to be the No. 1 guy, catching 100 passes for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. If the Seahawks can complement him with someone either through free agency or the draft, they'll be in solid shape. Perhaps they can get into the mix for former Offensive Player of the Year WR Cooper Kupp, who was just released by the Los Angeles Rams.
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