After being released by the Seattle Seahawks, veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling quickly drew interest from multiple NFL teams. The San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers emerged as the two most aggressive suitors, leaving the Super Bowl–winning receiver with a tough decision.
On one side, Valdes-Scantling had the chance to reunite with his former Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, in Pittsburgh. On the other hand, he could join a system he already knew well—one that closely mirrored the offensive scheme he played in with Seattle under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, whose brother Klay Kubiak holds the same role with the 49ers.
Klint Kubiak and Valdes-Scantling were also together with the New Orleans Saints in 2024.
"It was between here and Pittsburgh," Valdes-Scantling explained on Thursday. "Obviously, I have a great relationship with Aaron Rodgers over there, and he wanted me back over there. So, it was a toss-up, 50/50, and I had to weigh my options and see which one I wanted to do, which was going to be better for my career at this point, and I was excited about it."
Ultimately, Valdes-Scantling chose the 49ers' practice squad, prioritizing familiarity and fit over a reunion with Rodgers.
"I played in the system before and had success in the system before, so it's a no-brainer to be able to come into a place where you can help out in all facets, whether it be on the field or off the field," Valdes-Scantling said.
He added, "Being able to get onto the field right away, obviously, that's the goal. And so, being able to jump-start that process of learning the system, it betters the chances of you being on the field."
Long-standing 49ers interest
This wasn't the first time San Francisco had pursued Valdes-Scantling. The team was one of the first to call when he became available in 2022. However, he ultimately chose the Kansas City Chiefs, where he went on to win two Super Bowls—including one against the 49ers. San Francisco also tried to sign him a couple of years ago.
"It's been a long journey coming," Valdes-Scantling admitted. "Obviously, I've been a big fan of [49ers GM] John [Lynch]. He was a former Buccaneer, and that's where I'm from. So I got to watch him growing up, and now, he's the GM I get to talk to every day. So it's cool."
Sharing Seahawks intel
With a Week 1 divisional matchup against the Seahawks looming, rookie safety Marques Sigle already plans to pick Valdes-Scantling's brain for insights into Seattle's tendencies.
"Most definitely, just because he's been around those guys," Sigle said. "He kind of can give me some hidden details that he watched from them, the best he can for me."
Valdes-Scantling confirmed he's happy to share what he can, though he emphasized that most of Seattle's tendencies are already visible on film.
"Obviously, I just spent the last six months with those guys, and I went against those guys every single day," Valdes-Scantling noted. "So, of course I'll be able to say, 'Hey, this is the type of things that give them trouble,' or 'This is the type of coverage that they'd like to play,' or 'This is the style of football that these corners like to play.'
"But it's not any knowledge that anybody else doesn't have. They just turn the tape on. Everybody does the same thing that they do on film; they do [it] in the next game. So it won't be much that I can say that hasn't been said already, but I'll obviously be able to give more insight to the receivers about how certain guys play certain leverages and stuff like that."
Excited to catch passes from Brock Purdy
While his Seahawks intel will help early, Valdes-Scantling is most excited about building chemistry with his new quarterback, Brock Purdy.
"He's been really good since he's gotten into the league," Valdes-Scantling said. "He's led in a bunch of categories. He doesn't turn the ball over. He's very efficient with how he throws the ball, [and he] throws a good football. So I'm excited."
For the 49ers, the addition of Valdes-Scantling provides veteran depth, experience, and valuable knowledge of a divisional rival. For the receiver, it's a chance to reignite his career in an offense built for playmakers.