Breaking News: Saints Ink Deal with Wide Receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling
The struggling New Orleans Saints signed experienced wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, according to reports from NFL Network and ESPN on Monday.
Valdes-Scantling, who is 30 years old, joins a Saints team that has suffered five consecutive losses since starting the season 2-0. He was released by the Buffalo Bills last week after they acquired receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns.
In six games with Buffalo this season, Valdes-Scantling had two receptions for 26 yards and did not start in any of those games. However, he is expected to have a larger role in the Saints' receiving corps, which has been plagued by injuries.
According to Saints coach Dennis Allen, "He's a bigger receiver, with good speed, and can provide some of the things that we may need, especially with the absence of (Rashid) Shaheed. Another player with speed is something we can consider."
Shaheed, a wide receiver and All-Pro return specialist, underwent knee surgery last week and will be out for the rest of the season. Chris Olave, who missed the Saints' 33-10 loss to the Denver Broncos on Thursday due to a concussion, remains in the concussion protocol as of Monday.
Valdes-Scantling spent his first four seasons with the Green Bay Packers (2018-2021) before playing for the Kansas City Chiefs for two years, where he won two Super Bowls. In his seven-year career, he has recorded 188 receptions for 3,181 yards and 16 touchdowns in 98 games, starting in 60 of them.
The Saints, who currently have a record of 2-5, will face the Los Angeles Chargers (3-2) in Week 8 next Sunday.
