Packers & MVS Reunion Makes Sense & there is Reported Interest
By Paul Bretl
Just a day ago, it seemed like a forgone conclusion that Marquez Valdes-Scantling would not be returning to the Green Bay Packers.
As I recently wrote, there is a strong market for MVS that includes several interested teams and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network projects that he could land a contract in the $10 million per year range.
But as we have all seen, things can change very quickly. With Davante Adams heading to Las Vegas, leaving the Packers with a massive need at receiver and an additional $20.1 million in available cap space—a reunion with MVS seems much more likely, and according to Tom Silverstein, Green Bay is interested.
Silverstein would also add that MVS is looking for a one-year deal in the $7-$10 million range. If the team adds voided years to a contract — something they’ve routinely done the last two years — the Packers could help lower his 2022 cap hit by several million dollars.
This is a move that would make a lot of sense for the Green Bay Packers.
As previously mentioned, the receiver room is incredibly thin at the moment, and MVS provides a veteran presence who knows the offense and has the trust of Rodgers, who has spoken very highly about him this past season.
"“I don’t even want to talk about the receiver,” Rodgers said last season via Packers News. “I want to talk about the person. The person is in a way different head space. I think he is so settled mentally, very clear, very present. There’s habits that go along with that, I think. And I think they’re interchangeable — personal, professional — but he’s become a true professional.”"
On top of that, MVS brings an important speed element to this offense that no one else on the roster currently does. With Valdes-Scantling sidelined last season, the Packers’ offense took a noticeable step back in explosive pass play rate after finishing second in that category in 2020 when MVS led the NFL in yards per catch with 20.9.
But in addition to the obvious downfield ability that he brings, MVS’ presence and 4.37 speed draws the attention of other defenders, specifically the safeties, which opens up the passing game for his teammates and creates better spacing.
As I’ve mentioned before, the playoff game is a great example of how this offense missed having MVS on the field. With San Francisco not concerned with the deep ball, they were able to shrink the field, which made moving the ball through the air all the more difficult.
We’ve also seen Valdes-Scantling’s game develop into more than just a deep threat with him making a greater impact on short and intermediate routes as well—and even seeing some action from the slot, where he was highly efficient.
Now, with all that said, this doesn’t mean that MVS is meant to replace Adams. For one, their skill-sets and what they are asked to do is completely different, and also, there is no replacing Adams.
Also, this doesn’t mean Green Bay will be done adding to the receiver position. If MVS is signed, I still wouldn’t be surprised to see the Packers add another free agent or address receiver early in the draft—in fact, I still expect it.
A reunion with MVS would add needed depth, give Rodgers a familiar target who he trusts, and provide the Green Bay Packers with an element this offense is missing and desperately needs.