Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Wide Receiver
When the Chiefs signed MVS last offseason, they didn’t expect him to be more than a #3 wide receiver on a team that was trying to replace Tyreek Hill’s production. In 2022, that’s exactly what he was. He came close to matching his regular season career-high, falling just three yards short. However, he proved to be a valuable asset in the playoffs. His best game as a Chief (so far) was in the AFC Championship victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, where he recorded 116 yards and a touchdown after JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kadarius Toney both suffered injuries. His clutch performance should not be forgotten in Chiefs Kingdom.
Despite his contributions, Valdes-Scantling may be at risk of losing playing time due to the emergence of multiple young receivers on the team. The Chiefs have high hopes for Kadarius Toney, and Skyy Moore is expected to take a step forward in 2023. Additionally, Rashee Rice could be a surprise rookie this year, although first-year receivers have typically struggled in the Andy Reid era. If two or three of the young pass-catchers perform well during training camp and the preseason, it’s very possible that MVS’s target share could decrease. As a result, he could find himself playing a more limited role.