Marquez Valdes-Scantling (MVS) signed a 3-year/$30 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Over the last few seasons, MVS gave the Packers a “take the top off of the defense” weapon that allowed for Davante Adams to put up monster numbers and enabled the running game to have favorable looks. It also allowed for MVS to put up solid WR2/WR3 numbers during a rookie contract for a second day pick — and those opportunities also came with their share of frustrating drops in key moments.
However, in the end, it was his absence in the recent 49ers playoff loss that should be remembered most by Packers fans — for as exhilarating and frustrating MVS was to watch when the ball came his way — he was able to make an impact on the defensive scheme because of his speed that will be the largest hole to fill.
His production actually looks fairly meager, and for $10 million per year it’s not something most would immediately say is appropriately valued. However, the Chiefs are a unique spot — MVS and recently signed JuJu Smith-Schuster will replace the elite production of Tyreek Hill (traded to the Miami Dolphins for a haul of draft picks) — in need of the speed of Hill to make the offense viable for other possession-style receivers to have openings underneath.
The lingering disappointment is that MVS could have been a valuable WR2/WR3 option on a bargain deal for the Packers, but the current WR market wouldn’t let that happen. This means the legit WR1/WR2 players in terms of scheme for the Packers need replacing immediately.
MVS was and always will be an incredible WR3 in any offense — the Andre Rison to the Brooks/Freeman combination that the Favre-era Packers needed to make big plays in the playoffs and Super Bowl. But his value will be maximized in Kansas City, and the Packers need to start looking underneath for winning opportunities and stop playing hero ball in key moments. (Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur both.)
Allen Lazard is incredibly capable of a 100 catch, 1,000 yard, 10 TD season with the right opportunities.
Green Bay is now on the path of the Patriots (and most other dynasties) in NFL history: possession receivers relying on scheme to accomplish moving the ball, scoring, and giving time for the defense to stay fresh.
Going heavy on getting to the QB with four down linemen (Jarran Reed recently signed to bolster Kenny Clark’s dominate inside play), athletic and aggressive corner play, and linebackers athletic enough to tackle inside and maintain speed with TEs and slot receivers — long enough to make 3rd-down seam throws in a Cover 2 turnover plays. The QB will manage the game, the defense will control the game, and the special teams won’t loose the game — and may even provide a spark play or two.
This is the way.
