Chiefs’ Andy Reid shares thoughts on how Marquez Valdes-Scantling can fit into offense
One day after they traded star wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins, the Chiefs signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a three-year contract worth up to $36 million.
That doesn’t mean Valdes-Scantling should be viewed as Hill’s replacement. Hill has a unique skill set that won’t be easy to replicate.
Coach Andy Reid said Monday as the Chiefs began Phase I of their offseason workout program that the 6-foot-4, 206-pound Valdes-Scantling can be utilized many ways in Kansas City’s offense.
“I think Marquez can do a lot of different things. He’s got good stop-start abilities, he’s a big target,” Reid said. “He can run your slant games, he can take your deep throws, he’s gonna run those intermediate routes, he’s got a good feel in space so it gives us a little flexibility in there.”
Reid added: “It’s more than just a deep threat with him. I mean, they (Green Bay) incorporated him in the whole passing game and he can kind of do all that stuff, as well.”
Valdes-Scantling, 27, was limited to 11 games last season. But in 2020, he had 33 receptions for 690 yards and six touchdowns. He led the league by averaging 20.9 yards per catch.
Reid was pleased that Valdes-Scantling was working with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who organized time in Texas with the Chiefs’ pass catchers.
Although he has met with Valdes-Scantling, Reid is eager to work with his new receiver.
“Look forward to getting him in and mixing him in there. He seems like a really good kid,” Reid said. “I haven’t had a lot of time to spend with him. Zero time with football.
“But I think that when he came in for his visit, just him talking about what they did there at Green Bay and watching the tape with him that you could really see that he’s got a nice, nice package to work with.”
This story was originally published April 19, 2022 at 8:48 AM.
