Chiefs Rumors: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Ronald Jones, Stephon Gilmore Among Targets

The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly targeting wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, running back Ronald Jones and cornerback Stephon Gilmore as they look to replenish their roster after trading Tyreek Hill.

Jeffri Chadiha of NFL Network reported the Chiefs are "50-50" on Valdez-Scantling and "feel good" they can land Jones. Adding Gilmore could depend if his price on the open market comes down.

The Chiefs currently have $17.7 million in salary-cap room, per Spotrac, after sending Hill to the Miami Dolphins in a foundation-shifting blockbuster.

Valdes-Scantling could provide some of the downfield threat in the passing game that will be missing without Hill. The former Green Bay Packer averaged 17.5 yards per reception over his first four NFL seasons and led the NFL at 20.9 yards per catch in 2020. While he would be a clear downgrade from Hill, the Chiefs need to add downfield pop to their offense and Valdes-Scantling should come at a moderate cost.

Jones is likewise a plug-and-play option at running back who could spell Clyde Edwards-Helaire and replace Darrel Williams, who is currently a free agent. There won't be any added explosion on the roster with Jones largely working between the tackles in Tampa, but he's not commanding a huge pay day on the open market.

Of the three names mentioned, Gilmore is the potential difference-maker on the roster but is also the most expensive. He earned a Pro Bowl berth last season in Carolina despite only suiting up for eight games, reemerging as a lockdown corner after a down 2020. 

The market has been surprisingly quiet for Gilmore, but that's likely because he's trying to extract his highest possible offer before deciding on a team.