The New York Jets are once again linked to a third proven wideout that they could add to their ranks this offseason.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox proposed that the Jets trade for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling and reunite him with his former Green Bay Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers in New York, even though he just joined the Bills earlier this spring (h/t Evan Massey of Fan Nation’s Jets Country):
“Valdes-Scantling spent four seasons with Rodgers in Green Bay and could be a capable ancillary target for the Jets. His presence on the rival Bills makes this hypothetical trade a long shot, but it’s still more realistic than New York landing [DaVante] Adams,” Ballentine wrote.
Jets: Marquez Valdes-Scantling may not crack the Bill’s 53-man lineup for 2024
The South Florida product put up 315 receiving yards and a lone REC TD along with a 50 percent catch percentage for the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs in 2023. He joined a Bills team that recently lost their featured pass-catcher Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans and has room for a WR to burgeon in their offensive scheme.
Nonetheless, Buffalo has several players that could contend with Valdes-Scantling for a fixed spot in the rotation, thus leaving his status for making the final 53-man roster up in the air.
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Jets could swoop in and execute a mutually beneficial trade with the Bills for MVS
The Jets have their two starting outside WR slots cemented with Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams. However, another veteran would not hurt their efforts, especially as a safety net in their second string. Should New York make a play for the former fifth-round pick, they’d have him, as well as rookie WR Malachi Corley, to consider deploying in a tertiary role from the onset of the year.
Last season’s No. 2 option Allen Lazard had similar numbers to Valdez Scantling, despite being made a punching bag for the disappointing quality of his play for the Jets on the year. Yet, he’s shown out in spring activities so far and is expected to bounce back in 2024. Valdes-Scantling would also have to compete with him for time on the field. Be it as it may, “MVS” has pre-existing chemistry with Rodgers and could be another familiar face to help the four-time MVP get the offense going next season.