New Orleans Saints Sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling To Help With Wide Receiver Injuries

With their top two wide receivers banged up, the New Orleans Saints signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling after the back-to-back Super Bowl Champion was released from the Buffalo Bills after they traded for Amari Cooper.

After starting the season 2-0 and putting up 40 or more points in each victory, the Saints have sputtered and are on a five-game losing streak. The most humiliating defeat came last Thursday at the hands of the Denver Broncos when former head coach Sean Payton smoked New Orleans 33-10. N.O. started rookie Spencer Rattler at quarterback due to Derek Carr’s rib injury, and he lost two fumbles while not completing a touchdown pass.

They also did not field their usual talent at receiver as Chris Olave missed out with a concussion, and Rashid Shaheed did not suit up due to a knee injury. The former practiced the week and is questionable for Sunday, but the latter underwent surgery to his meniscus and will miss the rest of the season.

MVS will be looking to get his season going after completing just two catches with the Bills before his release. He recorded 63 catches for over 1,000 yards in Kansas City and scored a touchdown in the Super Bowl. However, throughout his career, he always struggled with drops, and the Saints are hoping to coach that out of him. On Monday, head coach Dennis Allen spoke about what he could bring to the team.

“He’s played in our league. He’s a bigger receiver, got a good speed element to him and he’s somebody that can fit some of the things that we might be needing in particular with the loss of Shaheed. Another speed element is something I think we can consider,” Allen said.

New Orleans plays another reeling team on the road this week in a late afternoon matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. ESPN Bet lists L.A. as touchdown favorites.

Article by Jordan Silversmith