In a surprising move, the Los Angeles Chargers have expressed significant interest in former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Despite his inconsistency over the past two seasons, he will visit the Chargers on Monday in search of a new team. The news was initially reported by Ari Meirov from The 33rd Team.
Los Angeles Chargers’ Crowded Yet Inexperienced Receiver Room
The Chargers currently boast a crowded receiving corps that includes six rookies and second-year players such as Quentin Johnston, their 2023 first-round pick, and Derius Davis. Bringing in an experienced veteran like Valdes-Scantling could theoretically help mentor these young pass-catchers. However, his history raises questions about whether he is the best fit for this role.
BREAKING: Former #Chiefs speedy standout receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is visiting with the Los Angeles #Chargers, his agent Harold C. Lewis of @NSAFootball tells @_MLFootball.
The two time Super Bowl Champion would be an amazing fit for Justin Herbert. pic.twitter.com/vkQywrlBej
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 5, 2024
The Inconsistencies of Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Valdes-Scantling’s tenure with the Chiefs was marked by crucial dropped passes. In the last two seasons, he dropped eight passes out of 123 targets, meaning he failed to secure 6.5% of his opportunities. For context, the Los Angeles Rams led the NFL with a drop rate of 6.5%.
His most memorable mishap came against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11 last season. In a rematch of Super Bowl LVII, Valdes-Scantling dropped what would have been a game-winning 51-yard touchdown. The costly error epitomized his struggles during the 2023 season, where he recorded career lows across the board: 42 targets, 21 receptions, 315 receiving yards, one touchdown, and an average of 15.0 yards per reception.
Los Angeles Chargers’ Risky Bet on Experience
With Valdes-Scantling entering his age-30 season and in decline, the Chargers are taking a significant gamble by banking on him to be a steadying influence. Can a player with a history of drops and declining production inspire a young receiving unit to excel? Only time will tell if this is a strategic investment or a misguided attempt to plug a glaring veteran leadership gap.
While the Chargers search for answers to fill their void of experience, signing Valdes-Scantling will undoubtedly be scrutinized. It remains to be seen if he can be the solution or merely add to their existing problems.
