Seahawks Release Veteran WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

The Seattle Seahawks have released veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling despite guaranteeing him $3 million for the 2025 season, as the team opted to prioritize younger players who also contribute on special teams. Valdes-Scantling was signed to be the Seahawks' third receiver and a deep threat following the trade of DK Metcalf, partly due to his previous connection with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak from their time with the Saints. However, rookie Tory Horton outperformed him during training camp and preseason, regularly taking first-team reps, and other receivers like Dareke Young and Jake Bobo offered more versatility. Valdes-Scantling does not play special teams, which is crucial in Kubiak’s scheme, making his roster spot untenable despite his experience and career production. The Seahawks attempted to trade him but found no buyers, and by releasing him, they will absorb $3 million in dead cap while saving about $1 million in cap space. As a vested veteran, Valdes-Scantling becomes an unrestricted free agent immediately, with a possibility for the Seahawks to recoup some money if he signs elsewhere.