PurplePTSD: FA Fits: Marquez Valdes-Scantling Would Be Another Weapon For Vikings Offense

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

K. Joudry

2022-03-04

Adding another receiver is more of a luxury than it is a need. Minnesota boasts one of the deepest, most talented groups out there. Be that as it may, it’s plausible that the team looks for a specific type of receiver. The long and fast Marquez Valdes-Scantling may be precisely what the Vikings are looking for.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling and The Vikings

MVS came up when I discussed how the Vikings may look the plunder the Packers. The cheeseheads are in a cap crunch, so they won’t be able to bring back all of their talent.

His value goes beyond just his individual stats. He is a 6’4 receiver who runs a 4.37 forty. Elite size and speed scares defenses.

K/O would be able to layer the routes in a more unique manner with MVS on the field. As fans know, Kirk Cousins does a nice job targeting the intermediate area of the field. Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen thus thrive on crossing routes. With MVS on the field, Jefferson and Thielen could find themselves even more open. Defenses need to respect his ability to beat them deep, thus pulling attention away from the intermediate. If a team chooses to play MVS one-on-one, then Minnesota could target him for large gains.

Last year, MVS averaged 16.5 yards per catch. The year before, that number was 20.9. In other words, he isn’t on the field to be a chain-mover. Rather, he is there to threaten defenses down the field. As we saw last season when Vikings safety Xavier Woods got torched, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is very capable in this regard.

He is coming off his rookie deal. Over the Cap explains that MVS made just over $2.2 million last season. It seems likely he’ll try to find a deal that is at least on par with his 2021 salary. If the team moves on from Thielen, it’s plausible they elevate K.J. Osborn to that WR2 role as they search for a complementary WR3. If that occurs, signing a true deep threat makes sense.

Closing Statement

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Packers look to retain their speedy receiver. The current internet rumors suggest Aaron Rodgers may be sticking around, so perhaps that means they’ll look to retain some of his weapons.

Keep in mind, though, that Davante Adams will be their priority. If things end up materializing in the manner everyone expects, Adams will get the franchise tag. That’s a move that will require the team to clear a ton more in cap space.

In other words, the Adams focus may mean that MVS flies under the radar. If that occurs, the Vikings may look to add yet another weapon to their already talented offense.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.