Uh-Oh: Jets Targeting Another Receiver Connected to Aaron Rodgers?
If recent history serves as an indication, the New York Jets are a likely landing spot for a former Green Bay Packers' receiver this offseason.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who played four seasons with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback in Green Bay, is apparently hitting the free agent market. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Kansas City Chiefs will release Valdes-Scantling with one year remaining on the deal he signed in 2022.
After watching Rodgers win a second straight NFL MVP award in 2021, Valdes-Scantling joined the Chiefs as a free agent and never fully lived up to the three-year deal reportedly worth $30 million. Following 687 yards receiving over 17 games in 2022, Valdes-Scantling managed only 315 yards and failed to secure catchable passes in a couple of key spots this past season.
Teams are most likely attracted to the 6-foot-4 receiver's ability to stretch the field. The former fifth-round draft pick ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37s at the 2018 NFL Combine. His 17.0 yards per reception career average and familiarity with Rodgers make him a potential target for New York, which needs to add complementary pieces around WR1 Garrett Wilson.
© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Last offseason, the Jets inked former Green Bay pass-catchers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb in conjunction with acquiring Rodgers through a trade. In a disappointing outcome, Lazard and Cobb combined for 350 yards and two touchdowns on 28 receptions after Rodgers tore his Achilles. Also of note, Jets' Practice Squad receiver Malik Taylor, who was activated for three games in 2023, made 25 appearances for the Packers during a two-year stint (2020-21).
By all indications, Rodgers, who returned to practice in December, will be ready to go in time for the 2024 season. In the meantime, the 40-year-old field general continues to make his presence felt throughout the Jets' organization.
"Aaron is an unbelievable addition to this team, off the field. We all know what he can do on the field, but off the field. We texted a little bit since he left the building, but I can't wait to have him back here because he makes such a large impact with our group and our guys, so we are going to have some more conversations here shortly," said Jets' general manager Joe Douglas on Wednesday at the NFL Combine.
Rodgers was the quarterback for Valdes-Scantling's most-productive season as a pro. In 2020, the receiver totaled 690 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 20.9 yards per catch over a 16-game sample. Thirteen of his 16 career TD receptions have been thrown by Rodgers.
