Being in your 30s is worse at some positions than others, a wide receiver is definitely one of them. Veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling is hoping to push back against NFL ageism and prove that he still has the skills to contribute as a participant in the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 training camp.
Background
Years in NFL: 8
Acquired by: Free agency (2026)
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Valdes-Scantling was a fifth-round pick in 2018 by the Packers, part of Mike McCarthy’s last Green Bay draft class. At 6’4” and over 200 lbs, plus running a 4.37 forty, he offered prototypical athletic potential, but was extremely raw in technical ability and with suspect hands coming out of South Florida. His draft stock was still fairly low. Nevertheless, the Packers took a chance on him as a potential weapon for Aaron Rodgers.
As a rookie, Valdes-Scantling quickly provided results as both a backup WR and kick returner. He finished 2018 with 38 catches for 581 yards and two touchdowns, having to start 10 games and play significant roles in others with injuries to Randall Cobb and others. Despite being the 19th WR drafted in 2018, he finished seventh among his fellow rookies in receiving yards.
Despite the strong start, his role and production in Green Bay never really changed. His best season was 2020: 690 yards and six touchdowns. Seen more as a product of the Packers’ potent offense, he was not a priority re-signing when his rookie contract expired. He ended up signing with the Chiefs in 2022 on a three-year, $30 million deal.
His role in Kansas City, again a very high-functioning offensive system with an elite QB, was about the same, starting 21 games over two years and with similar average production. He contributed to two Super Bowl championships from 2022-2023, but was released before the final year of his contract for cap savings.
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Valdes-Scantling signed with another AFC contender in Buffalo that offseason, but wound up further down the depth chart. He was released midway through 2024 after the Bills traded to acquire Amari Cooper from Cleveland. He caught on as a depth option with New Orleans for the rest of the year.
In 2025, he signed with Seattle but didn’t make it past their final cuts. He was on the 49ers’ practice squad for a bit, then reunited with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh for the last two months of the season. But with production steadily declining, and turning 31 last October, Valdes-Scantling’s career appeared to be ending. He entered 2025 free agency with little going for him, which made him a classic “bargain bin” signing for the Cowboys.
Contract Status
Years Left: 1
2026 Cap Hit: $1.26 million
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Even last year, Valdes-Scantling still got $5.5 million in his one-year deal with Seattle. So this minimal contract from Dallas, with only about 10% guaranteed money, tells you how little of a market he had. It also may speak to his actual roster chances this summer.
2026 Projections
Role: Backup WR
Roster Chance: 35%
The Cowboys’ WR depth chart is fairly open toward the bottom. We can guarantee CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Ryan Flournoy for the top three spots. And while his continued offensive role remains to be seen, KaVontae Turpin is probably still holding a spot as a backup receiver and return specialist.
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From there, Valdes-Scantling has about as good a shot as anyone. He, Jonathan Mingo, Tyler Johnson, and newly-signed Denzel Mims bring varying degress of experience to the competition. They’re up against the young prospects: primarily rookies Anthony Smith and Jordan Hudson, along with Traeshon Holden.
Just a few months away from turning 32, Valdes-Scantling is far from a favorite to emerge from the competition. Still, as Mingo has done nothing with his opportunity so far in Dallas, you could see him being ousted by Valdes-Scantling for veteran depth. Obviously, we’d prefer to see prospects with upside claim roster spots, but while the future is a consideration, the coaches will always lean toward the guys who can help them win games now.
At the very least, Valdes-Scantling has a history of doing that. He’s been a contributor for league-leading offenses and even Super Bowl teams throughout his career. If he still has something in that big-bodied tank, the Cowboys may find a use for it.
Check out our previous player profiles from this series:
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RB Israel Abanikanda | C Cooper Beebe | G Tyler Booker | S Alijah Clark | DT Tommy Dunn | CB Cobie Durant |
OLB Donovan Ezeiruaku | TE Princeton Fant | TE Jake Ferguson | WR Ryan Flournoy | C Matt Hennessy | S Malik Hooker |
OLB James Houston | WR Jordan Hudson | LB Shemar James | G Trevor Keegan | CB Derion Kendrick |
OLB Isaiah Land | S P.J. Locke | FB Hunter Luepke | RB Phil Mafah | QB Joe Milton III | WR Jonathan Mingo |
CB Devin Moore | LB DeMarvion Overshown | TE DJ Rogers | TE Luke Schoonmaker | LS Trent Sieg |
WR Anthony Smith | OT Terence Steele | CB Reddy Steward | OT Nate Thomas | DT Jay Toia | OLB Tyrus Wheat | RB Javonte Williams | OLB Sam Williams | DT D.J. Withers | S Julius Wood
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