Marquez Valdes-Scantling has joined forces with another elite quarterback, signing a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills to catch passes from former All-Pro Josh Allen. Allen, who has earned NFL MVP votes in three of the last four seasons, convinced Valdes-Scantling to join by hosting him for dinner. Allen’s performance stats are impressive, with over 40 touchdowns in four consecutive seasons, a feat unmatched in NFL history.
In preparation for the 2024 season, Allen will have several new targets. The Bills made significant changes to their receiving corps during the offseason, parting ways with Gabriel Davis and perennial Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs. This departure represents a loss of 241 targets, 152 receptions, and 1,929 receiving yards from the previous season. To fill these gaps, the Bills added Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins, and rookie Keon Coleman. They are also expecting increased production from Khalil Shakir and second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid.
Questions naturally arise regarding Buffalo’s new pass-catching lineup, such as who will replace Diggs and whether the team has added sufficient talent around Allen. However, Valdes-Scantling remains unfazed by these concerns. He focuses on what he can control and draws on lessons from his previous teams to prepare for the upcoming season.
Valdes-Scantling shared his perspective during an appearance on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” explaining that he does not see his role as replacing a previous player. He referenced his experience in Kansas City when he joined after Tyreek Hill’s departure. Valdes-Scantling emphasizes being true to himself and not trying to emulate former teammates like Davante Adams or Randall Cobb. Instead, he aims to be the best version of himself, a lesson he learned from Adams.
The Bills fans will have their first chance to see Valdes-Scantling integrate with the team’s new receiving group when training camp begins at St. John Fisher University in Rochester next month. Valdes-Scantling is determined to make his mark by being authentic and contributing to the team’s success.