Why the Chiefs should consider bringing back Marquez Valdes-Scantling (if released)

Patrick Mahomes said it best when he arrived at training camp a few weeks ago. "Even though we won the Super Bowl, we feel like we didn't play our best, especially offensively, So it's our goal to be better that way."

Despite a historic run of success, there's a certain sense of failure around the Chiefs offense last year. General manager Brett Veach has done a great job of turning over the unit by adding players like Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, Jared Wiley, and Irv Smith. However, the Chiefs offense still has a certain floor that could be below their expectation, especially when you factor in injuries for their smaller-bodied wide outs, their 34-year-old star tight end, and a potential suspension of Rashee Rice.

Like it or not, given the current construction of the wide receiver room, there's a very real chance that both Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore not only make the roster but play meaningful snaps. But what if the Chiefs could add an established veteran receiver with lots of experience in the offense who also fills a direct need? Enter Marquez Valdez-Scantling.

It sounds like MVS could be on the outside looking in to make the Bills roster out of camp. The Bills are working through their own WR room renovation that might not include MVS. If he's released, the Chiefs should consider bringing back the playoff hero for another run with the team.

Make no doubt about it, Valdes-Scantling was a major disappointment last year but his role and compensation might change how he is viewed in 2024. Instead of making $11 million, he would likely be on a veteran minimum deal. Last year, he played 54% of the offensive snaps which was just beat out by Rashee Rice's 55% snap share to lead the receiver room.

The Chiefs' receiver corps is very different now than it was in 2023. Valdes-Scantling would now be the 3rd or 4th fastest deep threat the Chiefs have rather than their 1st. He also would not need to be a leading snap getter. The need for a bigger-bodied X receiver is still something the Chiefs haven't quite solved yet in camp.

Last year, MVS led all receivers in snaps from a wide alignment for the Chiefs. Rashee Rice and Justin Watson would be the top candidates for the job with the outside chance of Justyn Ross. MVS would instantly be the best blocking WR on the roster if added—something that is fairly underrated for receiver play.

Ultimately, lots of Chiefs fans are going to get bad vibes bringing back Valdes-Scantling after such a rough 2023 season. It's understandable, since he played a big part in the offensive confusion last year. However, the chances of Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore both not making the roster are very slim. The Chiefs are going to have some of those players from last year's debacle back on the roster. It's just a fact. So they might as well add one who fills a specific role and was a consistent playoff performer.

A wide receiver corps of: Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman and Marquez Valdez-Scantling would be the fastest possibly ever assembled. The Chiefs offense has raised its ceiling but now it's time to ,look to raise the floor as well. The question isn't if MVS can be better than Rice, Worthy, or Brown; it's if he can be better than Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, or Justyn Ross. There's a large body of work that definitively says he is.