Around the NFL

March 01, 2022

Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Story calls deep threat a goner

A story in The Athletic indicates that free agent wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling will probably be too expensive for Green Bay to retain. The Packers are hoping to bring back both Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams for another run at a Super Bowl, so they need to save money elsewhere. Question to me if they'd really be losing all that much.

The 27-year-old Valdes-Scantling, at least according to Spotrac.com, could command a deal in the $8M per year range. In a word, YIKES. If some team is willing to give Valdes-Scantling that kind of coin, the Packers will be fortunate if they don't have the resources (financial or cap-wise) to keep him around. That's crazy money for a marginal deep threat who's never proven to be worth that kind of money.

I won't pick on MVS's sub-50 percent career catch rate. Running almost exclusively deep patterns, the success rate on those plays is low.

But if you're going to pay a wide receiver $8 million a year he has to at least achieve some impressive level of production at some point, right? Valdes-Scantling has been around and generally a starting, No. 2 wideout for four years now, and he's never put up big numbers. That's while working with one of the game's elite quarterbacks. The team that pays that kind of coin, if there is one, will probably regret it.

Over the last four years, there have been 110 wide receiver seasons were a player has started at least 7 games (to squeeze in MVS's 2021 season, which he was injured at the end of) and averaged under 4 catches per start (No/St, in the table below). Only one guy has done it in all four years. Valdes-Scantling.

WRS AVERAGING UNDER 4 CATCHES PER START, 2018-2021
Year	Player	St	No	Yrds	TD	No/St
2020	Michael Gallup, Dall.	15	59	843	14.3	5	3.9
2018	Danny Amendola, Mia.	15	59	575	9.8	1	3.9
2018	Demaryius Thomas, 2TM	15	59	677	11.5	5	3.9
2019	Corey Davis, Ten.	11	43	601	14.0	2	3.9
2018	Antonio Callaway, Cle.	11	43	586	13.6	5	3.9
2019	Nelson Agholor, Phil.	10	39	363	9.3	3	3.9
2018	Marvin Jones, Det.	9	35	508	14.5	5	3.9
2021	Olamide Zaccheaus, Atl.	8	31	406	13.1	3	3.9
2019	DK Metcalf, Sea.	15	58	900	15.5	7	3.9
2019	Josh Gordon, 2TM	7	27	426	15.8	1	3.9
2018	Dante Pettis, S.F.	7	27	467	17.3	5	3.9
2018	Doug Baldwin, Sea.	13	50	618	12.4	5	3.8
2018	Marquez Valdes-Scantling, G.B.	10	38	581	15.3	2	3.8
2018	Quincy Enunwa, NYJ	10	38	449	11.8	1	3.8
2021	Corey Davis, NYJ	9	34	492	14.5	4	3.8
2021	Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cle.	9	34	597	17.6	3	3.8
2019	Kelvin Harmon, Was.	8	30	365	12.2	0	3.8
2020	T.Y. Hilton, Ind.	15	56	762	13.6	5	3.7
2018	Zay Jones, Buff.	15	56	652	11.6	7	3.7
2021	Adam Humphries, Was.	11	41	383	9.3	0	3.7
2020	Jerry Jeudy, Den.	14	52	856	16.5	3	3.7
2021	Marquez Valdes-Scantling, G.B.	7	26	430	16.5	3	3.7
2018	David Moore, Sea.	7	26	445	17.1	5	3.7
2020	Nelson Agholor, L.V.	13	48	896	18.7	8	3.7
2018	Devin Funchess, Car.	12	44	549	12.5	4	3.7
2018	Josh Doctson, Was.	12	44	532	12.1	2	3.7
2020	Allen Lazard, G.B.	9	33	451	13.7	3	3.7
2020	N'Keal Harry, N.E.	9	33	309	9.4	2	3.7
2021	Courtland Sutton, Den.	16	58	776	13.4	2	3.6
2018	Josh Reynolds, LAR	8	29	402	13.9	5	3.6
2019	Curtis Samuel, Car.	15	54	627	11.6	6	3.6
2019	Demaryius Thomas, NYJ	10	36	433	12.0	1	3.6
2021	Quez Watkins, Phil.	12	43	647	15.1	1	3.6
2021	Tajae Sharpe, Atl.	7	25	230	9.2	0	3.6
2021	Brandon Aiyuk, S.F.	16	56	826	14.8	5	3.5
2019	JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pitt.	12	42	552	13.1	3	3.5
2019	Tyrell Williams, Oak.	12	42	651	15.5	6	3.5
2018	Ryan Grant, Ind.	10	35	334	9.5	1	3.5
2019	John Ross, Cin.	8	28	506	18.1	3	3.5
2019	Robby Anderson, NYJ	15	52	779	15.0	5	3.5
2021	Allen Robinson, Chi.	11	38	410	10.8	1	3.5
2018	Keelan Cole, Jac.	11	38	491	12.9	1	3.5
2021	Kalif Raymond, Det.	14	48	576	12.0	4	3.4
2018	Donte Moncrief, Jac.	14	48	668	13.9	3	3.4
2021	Henry Ruggs, L.V.	7	24	469	19.5	2	3.4
2018	DeVante Parker, Mia.	7	24	309	12.9	1	3.4
2018	Josh Gordon, 2TM	12	41	737	18.0	4	3.4
2020	Tim Patrick, Den.	15	51	742	14.6	6	3.4
2020	TreQuan Smith, N.O.	10	34	448	13.2	4	3.4
2021	Odell Beckham, 2TM	13	44	537	12.2	5	3.4
2018	Michael Crabtree, Balt.	16	54	607	11.2	3	3.4
2019	Isaiah McKenzie, Buff.	8	27	254	9.4	1	3.4
2020	A.J. Green, Cin.	14	47	523	11.1	2	3.4
2020	Damiere Byrd, N.E.	14	47	604	12.9	1	3.4
2019	Chris Conley, Jac.	14	47	775	16.5	5	3.4
2020	Darius Slayton, NYG	15	50	751	15.0	3	3.3
2019	Ted Ginn, N.O.	9	30	421	14.0	2	3.3
2021	Robby Anderson, Car.	16	53	519	9.8	5	3.3
2021	Tim Patrick, Den.	16	53	734	13.9	5	3.3
2020	Odell Beckham, Cle.	7	23	319	13.9	3	3.3
2020	Richie James, S.F.	7	23	394	17.1	1	3.3
2019	Mike Williams, LAC	15	49	1001	20.4	2	3.3
2021	Emmanuel Sanders, Buff.	13	42	626	14.9	4	3.2
2020	Cam Sims, Was.	10	32	477	14.9	1	3.2
2019	Demarcus Robinson, K.C.	10	32	449	14.0	4	3.2
2020	Gabriel Davis, Buff.	11	35	599	17.1	7	3.2
2019	Zach Pascal, Ind.	13	41	607	14.8	5	3.2
2020	Zach Pascal, Ind.	14	44	629	14.3	5	3.1
2021	Freddie Swain, Sea.	8	25	343	13.7	4	3.1
2020	Jalen Guyton, LAC	9	28	511	18.3	3	3.1
2019	Jarius Wright, Car.	9	28	296	10.6	0	3.1
2021	Julio Jones, Ten.	10	31	434	14.0	1	3.1
2021	Allen Lazard, G.B.	13	40	513	12.8	8	3.1
2019	Brandin Cooks, LAR	14	42	583	13.9	2	3.0
2019	Adam Thielen, Min.	10	30	418	13.9	6	3.0
2021	Sammy Watkins, Balt.	9	27	394	14.6	1	3.0
2019	Zay Jones, 2TM	9	27	216	8.0	0	3.0
2018	Pierre Garcon, S.F.	8	24	286	11.9	1	3.0
2018	Equanimeous St. Brown, G.B.	7	21	328	15.6	0	3.0
2021	Van Jefferson, LAR	17	50	802	16.0	6	2.9
2021	Zach Pascal, Ind.	13	38	384	10.1	3	2.9
2020	Denzel Mims, NYJ	8	23	357	15.5	0	2.9
2018	Marquise Goodwin, S.F.	8	23	395	17.2	4	2.9
2018	Allen Hurns, Dall.	7	20	295	14.8	2	2.9
2021	Nelson Agholor, N.E.	13	37	473	12.8	3	2.8
2021	Bryan Edwards, L.V.	12	34	571	16.8	3	2.8
2020	Jalen Reagor, Phil.	11	31	396	12.8	1	2.8
2019	Willie Snead, Balt.	11	31	339	10.9	5	2.8
2018	John Brown, Balt.	15	42	715	17.0	5	2.8
2020	Marquez Valdes-Scantling, G.B.	12	33	690	20.9	6	2.8
2021	Kenny Golladay, NYG	14	37	521	14.1	0	2.6
2019	Marquez Valdes-Scantling, G.B.	10	26	452	17.4	2	2.6
2020	Preston Williams, Mia.	7	18	288	16.0	4	2.6
2021	T.Y. Hilton, Ind.	9	23	331	14.4	3	2.6
2021	Keelan Cole, NYJ	11	28	449	16.0	1	2.5
2021	Jalen Reagor, Phil.	13	33	299	9.1	2	2.5
2020	Breshad Perriman, NYJ	12	30	505	16.8	3	2.5
2021	Demarcus Robinson, K.C.	10	25	264	10.6	3	2.5
2018	Kelvin Benjamin, 2TM	10	25	380	15.2	1	2.5
2018	Kenny Stills, Mia.	15	37	553	15.0	6	2.5
2018	Chris Conley, K.C.	13	32	334	10.4	5	2.5
2018	Chad Williams, Ariz.	7	17	171	10.1	1	2.4
2019	Cody Latimer, NYG	10	24	300	12.5	2	2.4
2021	Chris Conley, Hou.	10	22	323	14.7	2	2.2
2020	Henry Ruggs, L.V.	12	26	452	17.4	2	2.2
2018	John Ross, Cin.	10	21	210	10.0	7	2.1
2018	Tajae Sharpe, Ten.	13	26	316	12.2	2	2.0
2020	Miles Boykin, Balt.	13	19	266	14.0	4	1.5
2019	Miles Boykin, Balt.	11	13	198	15.2	3	1.2
2021	Josh Gordon, K.C.	7	5	32	6.4	1	0.7

MVS has averaged over 15 yards per reception in all four of those seasons, which is impressive. He's not a nobody; he can be a big asset to an offense.

But averaging under 4 catches -- under 3 in two of those seasons -- as a starting wideout isn't something that should earn you a huge contract. Catching all of 13 TDs in those seasons, while working with a quarterback who's thrown 136 in that timeframe, isn't impressive either. Pretty likely he will disappoint wherever he ends up.

--Andy Richardson

Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Older

Newer

My dad and I have subscribed since I was 10 years old and I am 38 now. We canʼt go a season without it.

Trevor T. Sparks, Nev.

You guys are great - if you look at my account, I believe I have been a subscriber for around 20 years! Unfortunately, a few years ago a couple of other owners found the same publication (they didnʼt get it from me; I always disguised the sheets while at the draft!)

Michael B. St. Charles, Mo.

I have purchased your magazine since my first fantasy football season ever 12 season ago and love the insight you offer. Thank you for the great service, I look forward to many many more years of enjoying your subscription!

Paul L. Mequon, Wisc.

The magazine is exactly the same as last year, which is perfect. Boys, we have a chance to repeat in the 33rd year of the NWFFL. I am counting on you to help pull it off. FI has been a league staple for decades, one of my guys has every edition. A few years ago, we devised a clever way to use one of your lists to draft a team for an absent owner, the sob won it all. We love you guys. Peace!

Glenn S. Olympia, Wash.

Hi, received my copy over the weekend and I think it's the best work you guys have done (I've been reading your publication since 1988). The writing is terrific and full of good humor, along with more substance than anybody else has.

Keep up the great work!

John L. Madison, Wis.

I'm in 3 leagues. All have different formats. I bought one magazine, the same magazine for 30 years. I keep the Fantasy Football Index handy and refer back to your preseason reports throughout the season to help me evaluate roster moves in every format. This week I'm in two championship games and a semifinal. Did I tell you I'm in three leagues? Three playoff teams! Best fantasy season ever. Thank you.

Henry G. Bartlett, Ill.

Thanks for another great season of Fantasy Index, you avoid group-think and form your own opinions, and always have. I've been using your products since 1992, and you've always been a cut above the rest.

Rob D. Wellington, Fla.

Thank you for all you do and what your team does. Been playing since mid 90s and your mag has been there every year. The mailer I get with the questions on the front is what I consider the beginning of the fantasy football season. Get the updates and listen to the podcast. I write a weekly column for the newspaper I work at and always appreciate the work you put in to produce as much as you do. Just a fan saying thanks and will keep up with you and the site through the season.

Jason C. Tulsa, Okla.

A little feedback from a long time customer.

Our fantasy pool is entering its 25^th year and I have used multiple books and on-line tools over the years.

I have locked on to Fantasy Index as my go to for the last 5 years and have won the pool 3 of those years and finished no lower than 4^th.

Interesting to see how much more accurate you were at the end of the year compared to other books my competitors used.

Having it in a format that allows me to work the forecasts to match our scoring system and then receive updates as the season approaches is invaluable. Whoever your sources are for the forecasts are the best. Hang on to them. Thanks for the help!!

Peter M. London, Ontario, Canada

I did receive the updated draft ranking from you guys in plenty of time for my draft that night. My draft report gave me an A+ and predicted me to go 14-0 and win my league! I just want to say thank you for the excellent customer service that your company provided me. When I first started playing fantasy football more than 15 years ago, I used to buy as many fantasy football magazines as I could find. It wasnʼt long before I only purchased Fantasy Football Index each year. It is by far the most comprehensive, well written fantasy football magazine on the market. Also, I almost always rank in the top three in my fantasy football leagues, and won my league last year. Thank you to you and all of your great team. You have a customer for life!

Trey C. Fort Worth, Texas

Thank you for all the updates etc. In the last 14 or 15 years, we have placed in the top three 9 times winning it all 4 times. I have been a customer of yours for many years. Our success is partially due to luck, but I think your magazine with all of the good stuff has been a real contributing factor. Keep up the good work. Will be a customer until the time I can't read anymore.

Richard M. Imperial, Neb.

I just wanted to send everyone at Fantasy Football Index an apology. Since 2003 (Ricky Williams cover), I've protected my source of information and have gone out of my way to hide Fantasy Football Index from my leagues prying eyes. I've won championships in leagues and money playing Daily Fantasy and your Training Camp updates are the highlight of my summer and a recurring order for me every single season. I just wanted to Thank You and everyone there (customer service, the writers, janitors, secretaries and assistants) for your hard work and dedication.

You are appreciated and valued part of my Fantasy Football Operations department even if i never speak your name in fear that others in my league will discover the wondrous bounty of knowledge contained in your pages…

From the bottom of a champion's heart,

Dave M. Elma, N.Y.

I wanted to send a quick note and thank you for your great magazine! The information you provide, has allowed me to win my league 3 years in a row!

The payoff in the league is not bad, six hundred dollars to be exact, but it is those all important bragging rights that really make it fun!

I epically enjoyed this last issue because you included all the covers for the past 30 years, I did not buy 87, and 88, but all the rest I have purchased.

All I have to do is read and then plug and play, thanks again for doing all the work so I don't have to, except for cash the check of course! Lol.

I will be continue to purchase your magazine, and recommend it to others, although I don't like to give away my secret!

I typically don't write emails to magazines, but after 3 wins in a row, and others which I did not list, I felt like you would like to know.

Thanks again to you and your staff,

Darrell W. Holt, Mich.

I wanted to let you know I finished my season going 16-0 winning my league, breaking every record in our 19 year history along the way. A special thank you to FI for the insightful knowledge as it provided me much help along the way.

Ryan M. Lynnwood, Wash.

You guys do a great job. I got laughed at by a few people at the draft but they're not laughing now. I'm leading the league in record (8-1) and PF thus far.

John W. Aylett, Va.

And a side note… we've got a re-draft 16-team, 20 players drafted league (drafting water boys by the 17^th round) that I've won 2 years in a row. Nobody's ever done that in 21 years… using your cheat sheet. it's an old school league that used to draft out of piles of magazines.

Thanks again,

Todd S. Grand Junction, Colo.

This is my ninth year competing with my two very savey adult children and their 11 regulars to make it a 14 team draft with a $200 bid limit. Your SuperFanatic package has put me into the 6 team play- offs 4 out of the 8 years and there is no way I could compete with these guys without my cheat sheets! They still have no idea how I can be so lucky every year :-) Cheaters do prosper!!!!

Robert A.

I wanted to thank you for such an amazing product and your customer service. I ordered the wrong date for my update and called to correct the mistake. Your customer service person was very kind, helpful and took care of the issue immediately.

I have used your product for the past 18 years or so… Every now and then I will be tempted and look at what other magazines have to offer, quickly realizing no one comes close.

In addition to the magazine, I started buying the weekly updates years ago when my dad taught me a lesson. The draft came and dad was sitting in the 12 hole for his pick. He told me he felt very comfortable about who he was going to select but would not tell me who his prized gem was to be. I was doubtful. The pick? Priest Holmes (his first dynamite year). I remember telling my dad, "that is a decent pick but they plan to pull him at the goal line." Ever the teacher, dad explained he had purchased the Fantasy Football Index update and read Holmes would get the goal line carries. "Update?", I asked. That was 2002 and Holmes had 21 rushing TDs and Dad won the title! Lesson learned.

By the way, I have made the title game for the last 5 years in a row. Thanks for the detailed, hard work and an great product!

David R. Queen Creek, Ariz.

Fantasy Index

Customer Service

Around the NFL

Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Today's Trivia

Mailbag

Member updates

Follow

Why Choose Fantasy Index?

Quick hits

Your Stuff

In-Depth

Resources

All Products

Help & Support

Fantasy Index

Customer Service

Customer Service