Since winning Super Bowl 58, a lot of the focus for the Kansas City Chiefs has been on keeping key contributors. Head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach are both in the process of getting extensions done with the franchise.
With the window open to use the franchise tag, the Chiefs have opted to place it on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who is a prime trade candidate. That could mean Kansas City is optimistic they will be able to work out a long-term deal with Chris Jones, otherwise, they would have used the tag on him.
To make all of these moves possible, the Chiefs need to open up some more cap space. Using the franchise tag means nearly all of their projected salary cap space will be used up. Now, the moves to clear that space are beginning to trickle in.
According to Nate Taylor and Larry Holder of The Athletic, the Chiefs are moving on from wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The veteran will be released, which will save Kansas City about $12 million on the salary cap.
NFL News & Rumors: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Kansas City Chiefs Updates
That is a significant amount of money to save as the team needs every penny of it. Weakening what is already a need wouldn’t make sense to some people, but for the Chiefs, this was a move that had to be done.
Valdes-Scantling spent the last two seasons in Kansas City and saw his production and usage drop in Year 2 despite the team searching for answers at the position. Valdes-Scantling answered the call in the postseason with some big plays, but it wasn’t enough for him to secure a roster spot for 2024.
A fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, Valdes-Scantling has been known for his downfield prowess. He is capable of providing a team with big plays, averaging 17.0 yards per reception in his career.
It will be interesting to see what kind of market develops for the six-year veteran. Valdes-Scantling is right around the top 10 for wide receivers available in free agency. But, with how deep the rookie class is at the position, teams could opt to go younger and more affordable at the position this offseason.
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