The 2024 NFL Draft is less than three weeks away, and Jim Harbaugh’s eyes are still looking for talents to add, especially to the receivers’ room. After being hit with salary cap issues, the Los Angeles Chargers had to pull a plan to restructure contracts and let go of some of their players. Among them was their veteran WR Keenan Allen, who was traded to the Chicago Bears.
With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams gone, the Chargers need to bring in more receiver talent who could run the ball. Jim Harbaugh’s special talent in locating prospective winners might keep his new interest popping up in the Chargers news. The two-time Super Bowl champ from the Kansas City Chiefs might be a good fit for Harbaugh’s new lineup for the 2024 season.
Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers eye Marquez Valdes-Scantling
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers’ quest for a speedy wide receiver continues. In a recent report on X, “The #Chargers have expressed interest in FA WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, per @JFowlerESPN.” The Chargers’ interest is fixated on the former Chiefs WR, who became a free agent in 2024. Fowler also said in a statement on NFL Live, “They’re looking for a speed receiver out there.”
The #Chargers have expressed interest in FA WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, per @JFowlerESPN.
Fowler also mentioned the Chargers are specifically looking for some speed at receiver. pic.twitter.com/n9l5k4sr3i
— Guilty As Charged Podcast (@GACPodcast17) April 5, 2024
Valdes-Scantling played in 16 games in Kansas City last season, starting in 10. On February 27, the Chiefs released him to save around $12 million on the salary cap. Meanwhile, the Chargers are looking for a receiver after releasing Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen for a fourth-round pick to stabilize their salary cap issue. Given their current situation with receiver issues, the 29-year-old free agent could be a good fit for the Chargers WR room.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Chargers’ receiver scenario
In the offseason, the Chargers had to release their high-value players to balance their salary cap issues and save $20 million. In addition, RB Austin Ekeler signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency. Currently, they have Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston, but understandably, Harbaugh might want to sign a veteran receiver like Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The NFL veteran may not have had the best season in 2023. He recorded 21 catches for 312 yards and one touchdown for the 16 games he appeared in. But he’s still a talented deep threat with more than 650 yards in two of the past four seasons. His career record stands at 186 receptions for 3,155 yards and 16 touchdowns. It would be interesting to see if he can fit into Jim Harbaugh’s fresh lineup.
READ MORE: 2024 NFL Draft: Caleb Williams and Bears Take Next Step Towards Potential Union on April 25th
