Chiefs star WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling released days after Super Bowl LVIII touchdown

The Kansas City Chiefs started the 2023 with a lackluster performance but ended up getting their consecutive Lombardi trophy. The team’s success can be mostly attributed to their defensive excellence while their offensive side was almost terrible throughout last season.

The Chiefs are now eyeing a three peat Super Bowl title. Their focus is now on retooling their O-line and beginning pursuit of the esteemed goal. Despite being less than three weeks removed from their third NFL title in five years, the team parted ways with wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Why is WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling being released by the Chiefs?

The Chiefs have made the decision to release Marquez Valdes-Scantling, according to reports from The Associated Press and NFL insider Tom Pelissero. This move was not entirely unexpected, as his overall lack of production played a significant role in the decision-making process.

Valdes-Scantling, who joined the Chiefs for the last two seasons after leaving the Green Bay Packers in free agency, was entering the final season of his three-year deal. The move to release him will result in a substantial $12 million in cap savings for the Chiefs. The franchise had $28.15 million in cap space before this transaction, ranking 17th in the league.

MVS had moments of impact in the Chiefs, but his overall contribution may not have justified the financial commitment for the Chiefs. The team faces other pressing needs, particularly on the defensive side. Their key players like Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed are heading into free agency. The release of Valdes-Scantling allows the Chiefs to allocate resources more strategically to potentially retain key defensive assets.

General manager Brett Veach, speaking at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, hinted at the possibility of using the franchise tag on one of their impending free agents. The Chiefs’ defense played a crucial role in their success, and preserving key components became paramount.

What are Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s 2023 NFL stats?

Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s 2023 NFL season saw a notable decline in his statistics compared to his previous year’s performance with the Chiefs. He secured 42 catches for 687 yards and two touchdowns in 2022. However, the 2023 season saw a dip in his productivity, tallying only 21 catches for 315 yards and a lone touchdown.

One defining moment of his 2023 season came in Week 11 when he infamously dropped a potential game-winning touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. Cameras captured his visible frustration after the missed opportunity, but quarterback Patrick Mahomes gracefully assumed responsibility for the play.

Nevertheless, MVS managed to shine in key moments for the Chiefs. He recorded a 62-yard outing against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs. His athleticism also surfaced in the Super Bowl LVIII victory over the San Francisco 49ers, where he contributed with a crucial touchdown catch.