Released by the Seattle Seahawks, wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling quickly found a new destination and will play in San Francisco this season.
Earlier this week, Valdes-Scantling was left off Seattle’s final 53-man roster and was released. He drew interest from Pittsburgh, where he would have reunited with former teammate Aaron Rodgers, but ultimately chose to sign with the San Francisco 49ers.
“It was between here and Pittsburgh,” Valdes-Scantling told reporters Thursday, via NBC Sports Bay Area & California. “Obviously, I have a good relationship with Aaron Rodgers there, and he wanted me back. So, it was a close race, 50/50. I had to weigh my options and see what I wanted to do, what would be best for my career at that moment, and I was excited about it.”
At 30 years old, Valdes-Scantling initially signed with the practice squad, but with Brandon Aiyuk sidelined by a knee injury (targeting a Week 6 return) and Jauan Jennings dealing with a calf injury, the wide receiver could be elevated to the starting lineup in Week 1.
The main reason for choosing San Francisco, Valdes-Scantling explained, was the familiarity with the system under offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak.
“Not having to learn a new system,” Valdes-Scantling said. “Being able to get on the field right away, obviously that’s the goal. And being able to jumpstart that process of learning the system increases your chances of being on the field.”
In Week 1, the San Francisco 49ers will travel to Seattle, giving Marquez Valdes-Scantling the opportunity to face his former team.
