The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off of back-to-back Super Bowl championships, so you wouldn’t think they would have many needs heading into 2024.
However, even last year, it was clear that the Chiefs had a hole at wide receiver.
Outside of Rashee Rice, Kansas City had very little at the position, as Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore were both massive disappointments.
The Chiefs have addressed the issue this offseason, signing Marquise Brown in free agency and then selecting University of Texas standout Xavier Worthy in the first round of the NFL Draft.
But a problem has ensued.
Rice has gotten himself into some pretty serious legal trouble and may end up facing a lengthy suspension from the NFL next season. If that occurs, Kansas City will essentially be back to square one at receiver.
Remember: Brown just had a couple of subpar campaigns with the Arizona Cardinals, and while Worthy looks electric, he is entirely unproven.
That’s why Gordon McGuiness of Pro Football Focus thinks the Chiefs should make an other move at wide out by signing another free agent.
There aren’t many guys left. Veterans like Tyler Boyd, Odell Beckham Jr. and DJ Chark have all already signed. Michael Thomas is the biggest name remaining, but he has barely played the last four seasons due to some pretty debilitating injury issues.
So, how about bringing back Marquez Valdes-Scantling?
Valdes-Scantling isn’t flashy and isn’t going to excite anyone, but he spent the last couple of seasons in Kansas City and helped the Chiefs win those two Super Bowls with some big playoff receptions.
Patrick Mahomes is familiar with him and trusts him, so he may end up representing the best possible pickup for the club as we get deeper into the offseason. I mean, Mecole Hardman is also still available, but let’s face it: outside of the game-winning catch in the Super Bowl last February, there really isn’t much there with him.
Valdes-Scantling had one of his best seasons in 2022, catching 41 passes for 687 yards and a couple of touchdowns. He wasn’t quite as productive this past year, but again, he at least knows the Chiefs’ system, and it’s not like he’s a bum. Plus, he’s durable.
Don’t be surprised to see Kansas City bring back Valdes-Scantling for 2024.
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