Marquez Valdes-Scantling (MVS) is one of the fastest wide receivers in the NFL. While dropped passes were an issue for the first three years of his NFL career, the four-year veteran did not drop a single pass in 2021. Now a free agent, MVS is expected to receive plenty of interest on the free agent market. So much interest, in fact, that it is likely he will not be returning to the Green Bay Packers next season.
Salary Rumors
According to multiple reports, MVS is expected to be looking for a deal that will pay him about $10 million annually. So far, as many as three teams have been linked to MVS. These include the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars. One team that has not been rumored to be in the running: the Green Bay Packers. This should come as no surprise to Packers’ fans. The team has not yet cleared enough salary cap space to get under the cap. Davante Adams has been tagged, which will take up another $20 million. In all likelihood, MVS will be elsewhere in 2022.
As I wrote here, per sources, the #Patriots have shown interest in several veteran wide receivers. List includes Allen Robinson, Jakeem Grant, Allen Lazard, D.J. Chark, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, among others. https://t.co/bEhlSno6em
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) March 11, 2022
Retooling the Wide Receiver Position in Green Bay
Davante Adams will be back, and that is the most important part in making sure the Packers’ wide receiving core will be effective. Allen Lazard is a restricted free agent, and many expect him to be back with the Packers. Honestly, given his blocking abilities, he should be brought back anyway for all the other things he brings to the team.
The Packers, of course, will need a speedy downfield threat to replace MVS. Luckily, this year’s batch of wide receivers in the NFL Draft has a plethora of players who could fill that role. So many, in fact, that the Packers do not necessarily need to take one in the first round. Remember, the Packers have not taken a wide receiver in the first round since 2002 (Javon Walker). With so many other needs on the team (edge rusher, IDL), it is likely they wait until the second or third rounds to take one.
Another interesting name to look at is Jarvis Landry. The Cleveland Browns just traded for Amari Cooper and are rumored to be planning to cut Landry. Depending on his market, the Packers could make a play on him as well. Unlikely? Perhaps. But we will see what happens.
[pickup_prop id=”20801″]
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherAdams14 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
