NFL Rumors: Marquez Valdes-Scantling Interests Chargers in FA After Chiefs Stint

Former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling has received interest from the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency.

"The Chargers, I'm told, have some interest," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said during a Friday appearance on NFL Live (1:00 mark). "They're looking for a speed receiver out there."

Kansas City released Valdes-Scantling on Feb. 27, saving the team roughly $12 million against the salary cap. The 29-year-old appeared in 16 regular-season games with the Chiefs in 2023, including 10 starts.

The Chargers are in need of wide receiver help after several key offseason departures. First, Los Angeles released wideout Mike Williams just before the start of the new league year after seven seasons with the team in order to save $20 million.

Then, the team traded veteran Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears on March 14 in exchange for a fourth-round pick. Allen was a franchise icon, ranking No. 2 on both the Chargers' all-time receptions and receiving yards lists.

Running back Austin Ekeler, who was Los Angeles' third-leading receiver in 2023, signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency.

The team's current wide receiver room is headlined by 24-year-old Josh Palmer and 22-year-old Quentin Johnston, making it easy to see why new head coach Jim Harbaugh may prefer to add a veteran such as Valdes-Scantling into the mix.

The former fifth-round pick didn't meet expectations in 2023, hauling in just 21 catches for 315 yards and one touchdown. However, he's still a viable deep threat and has surpassed 650 yards in two of the past four seasons.

It isn't difficult to imagine him thriving alongside Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert as the Chargers attempt to return to the playoffs in 2024 following a dismal 5-12 season. Valdes-Scantling may not single-handedly revitalize Los Angeles' passing attack, although he could help the offense get back on track if he's signed.