The veteran savvy of Kansas City Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been essential to their offense as they navigate with so many young pass catchers. The battles for playing time and a spot on the team will be exciting to watch throughout the offseason drills leading into training camp next month.
At the start of the offseason, the Chiefs added a veteran receiver and returner specialist Richie James to bolster the good young unit. James played well last season with the New York Giants in the same role and should get more opportunities in Kansas City.
Valdes-Scantling has already taken notice of James’ abilities so far at minicamp and shared his thoughts with reporters on Wednesday.
“Richie (James) has been doing a hell of a job,” said Valdes-Scantling. “He’s a Florida boy. . . we’re from the same area, but you know, he’s done a great job; came in and doesn’t talk much, he just goes to work, learns the plays, and gets after it.
“Same with all of those guys, pretty much our whole room is getting after it. You know, it’s a passing camp. And we’re the receivers, so we catch all the passes. And they’ve been doing a good job learning it, making some mistakes, but fixing them and keeping it rolling.”
Valdes-Scantling is only in his second season with the Chiefs but will be viewed as a veteran among the young receiver corps. The growth of the room will be vital for the team’s long-term success as they seek a repeat championship.
