Marquez Valdes-Scantling Signs 49ers Contract in NFL FA After Seahawks Release

The San Francisco 49ers are signing veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

This comes a day after the Seahawks cut Valdes-Scantling as they trimmed their roster to 53 players.

The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar wrote the 30-year-old "simply outplayed in camp" by Cody White. The fact he played in Seattle's preseason finale, a 20-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers, was a telltale sign he still had to impress the coaching staff. Catching three passes for 33 yards didn't get the job done.

Valdes-Scantling is coming off a 2024 season in which he finished with 19 receptions, 411 yards and four touchdowns across spells with the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills.

The 6'4" wideout remains a dynamic downfield target. Averaging 21.4 yards per catch speaks to that.

But having fewer than 20 receptions in 14 appearances and catching just 43.2 percent of his targets also point to his limitations.

San Francisco might be a spot where Valdes-Scantling can carve out a regular role in the passing game. The Niners traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders, while Brandon Aiyuk will miss at least four games after the team placed him on the physically unable to perform list. Jauan Jennings' relationship with the 49ers isn't in a great place, either.

Ricky Pearsall, a 2024 first-round pick, will likely be featured heavily to open the year. Beyond that, there are a lot of variables with the receiving corps, presenting Valdes-Scantling with an opportunity to make an impact.