Source: Ex-Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling to join Bills

Former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling plans to sign a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million with the Buffalo Bills, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.

The deal includes a $1.125 million signing bonus, the source said.

The Chiefs released Valdes-Scantling in February in a move to free up $12 million on their salary cap.

After Stefon Diggs was traded to the Texans and Gabe Davis signed with the Jaguars in free agency, Valdes-Scantling adds another veteran receiver to the Bills’ depth chart. He joins free agent acquisitions Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins and second-round draft pick Keon Coleman as some of the team’s notable additions this offseason.

Buffalo’s acquisition of Valdes-Scantling (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) continues the team’s trend of adding size to its receiving corps this offseason. The 29-year-old also provides a downfield threat, averaging at least 15 yards per reception in every season of his career. Davis had played the role as a downfield target for Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

Valdes-Scantling also adds competition to a crowded room ahead of training camp this summer, becoming the 13th receiver on the team’s roster.

Valdes-Scantling, who also visited with the Chargers last week, played two seasons with the Chiefs after signing as a free agent from the Packers. He caught 42 passes in 2022 and 21 last season but often had his biggest moments in the playoffs.

He caught eight passes for 116 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs’ AFC Championship Game victory over the Bengals after the 2022 season.

Last season he caught a pass to secure the Chiefs’ AFC Championship Game win over the Ravens and had the Chiefs’ first touchdown in their Super Bowl LVIII victory over the 49ers.

ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg and Adam Teicher contributed to this report.