The New Orleans Saints are not standing pat after losing dynamic rookie receiver Rashid Shaheed to a season-ending knee injury. In a pivotal move to bolster their receiving corps, the Saints have agreed to terms with veteran speedster Marquez Valdes-Scantling, according to a source close to the situation.
MVS Brings Experience and Deep Threat Ability
Valdes-Scantling, 30, entered the league as a fifth-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2018. The 6-foot-4 wideout spent four seasons in Green Bay before catching on with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was part of their Super Bowl LVIII championship team.
Known for his blazing speed, MVS has carved out a niche as a deep threat throughout his career. He averages a robust 16.9 yards per reception over his six NFL seasons. His ability to take the top off defenses should mesh well with strong-armed Saints quarterback Derek Carr.
“He’s played in our league. He’s a bigger receiver, got a good speed element to him and he’s somebody that can fit some of the things that we might be needing in particular with the loss of Shaheed. Another speed element is something I think we can consider.”
– Saints head coach Dennis Allen on Valdes-Scantling
Filling the Void Left by Shaheed’s Injury
The signing of Valdes-Scantling comes at a crucial juncture for the 2-5 Saints. New Orleans is looking to salvage its season after a disappointing start, and the loss of Shaheed dealt a significant blow to those efforts.
Before undergoing season-ending meniscus surgery, the undrafted rookie out of Weber State had been enjoying a stellar debut campaign. Shaheed led the Saints in receiving yards and touchdowns, showcasing game-breaking speed and earning All-Pro honors as a kick returner.
While Valdes-Scantling may not be a one-for-one replacement for Shaheed, his veteran savvy and downfield abilities should help fill the void. MVS has eclipsed 400 receiving yards in each of the past three seasons and caught 26 touchdowns over his career.
Acclimating to the Saints Offense
Valdes-Scantling joins a Saints receiving group that is also missing 2023 first-round pick Chris Olave, who remains in concussion protocol. The lack of continuity at wideout has hampered a New Orleans offense that ranks just 22nd in passing yards per game (216.7).
The hope is that MVS can acclimate quickly and develop chemistry with Carr to jumpstart the aerial attack. Valdes-Scantling is familiar with learning new systems, having played for three different teams over the past three seasons.
“He had a good workout this morning, he ran around pretty good. I think so far it’s been a good visit.”
– Coach Allen on Valdes-Scantling’s workout with the Saints
Aiming for a Midseason Turnaround
At 2-5, the Saints find themselves in last place in the highly competitive NFC South. However, in a division where no team has a winning record, New Orleans remains just a game and a half out of first place.
If Valdes-Scantling can provide a spark and help unlock the downfield passing game, the Saints have an opportunity to make up ground quickly. New Orleans will look to kick-start its playoff push in a pivotal Week 8 home matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The addition of MVS signals that the Saints are not content to let injuries derail their season. By bringing in a proven veteran with speed to burn, New Orleans is making a concerted effort to reignite its offense and keep its postseason hopes alive.
