Former Bills WR Finds New Team Shortly After Release

The Buffalo Bills released wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling last week to make room for newly acquired Amari Cooper. Just days later, Valdes-Scantling has found a new team.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network on October 21, Valdes-Scantling has signed with the New Orleans Saints. Despite winning two Super Bowls during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Valdes-Scantling struggled to secure a consistent role in Buffalo. Now, he will look to contribute to a Saints team that is dealing with multiple injuries.

Valdes-Scantling’s Time in Buffalo

Valdes-Scantling joined the Bills last offseason after significant changes to the wide receiver corps. With Stefon Diggs traded to the Houston Texans and Gabe Davis departing in free agency, the Bills added a mix of veterans, including Valdes-Scantling, alongside rookie Keon Coleman.

Although the team employed a strategy of spreading the ball among multiple receivers, Valdes-Scantling had difficulty making an impact. He played in six games, recording just two catches for 26 yards. Prior to joining the Bills, he spent two seasons with the Chiefs, tallying 63 receptions for 1,002 yards and three touchdowns.

Valdes-Scantling now joins a Saints offense hit hard by injuries, including the loss of rising star Rashid Shaheed to a season-ending knee injury. As John Sigler of Saints Wire noted, Valdes-Scantling’s size and speed make him a potential deep threat to help fill the void left by Shaheed. At 6-foot-4 and with a 78-inch wingspan, Valdes-Scantling brings a larger presence compared to the 6-foot Shaheed.

The Saints, currently struggling on offense with an average of 17.2 points per game during a five-game losing streak, hope Valdes-Scantling can help turn things around.

Amari Cooper’s Strong Start in Buffalo

Meanwhile, Amari Cooper made an immediate impact for the Bills following his trade from the Cleveland Browns. Despite joining the team mid-week, Cooper played in Sunday’s 34-10 victory over the Tennessee Titans, making four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback Josh Allen praised Cooper’s ability to quickly adapt to the offense and contribute, highlighting his professionalism and experience as a seven-year veteran.