The Los Angeles Chargers are adding depth at wide receiver after a rough Week 1. On Tuesday, head coach Jim Harbaugh and the front office signed veteran wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad. The move gives the Chargers an experienced deep threat after several injuries in Sunday’s 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
NFL insider Jeremy Fowler broke the news on X on Wednesday.
“Source: Chargers are signing veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad. Valdes-Scantling joins his ninth NFL team,” Fowler tweeted.
Rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, while Ladd McConkey is day-to-day with a rib injury. Return specialist Derius Davis is also dealing with an injury. Valdes-Scantling gives Los Angeles an experienced option as it prepares for a Week 2 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s NFL Career
Valdes-Scantling was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of South Florida. In four seasons with Green Bay, Valdes-Scantling caught 123 passes for 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns. He led the NFL with 20.9 yards per reception in 2020.
His deep-threat ability earned him a three-year, $30 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. He helped the Chiefs win back-to-back Super Bowls in Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII. During the 2022 AFC Championship Game against Cincinnati, he caught six passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. He also caught a touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers.
After leaving Kansas City in 2024, Valdes-Scantling spent time with the Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints. He had a two-touchdown game with New Orleans. In 2025, he had short stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Valdes-Scantling spent the 2026 preseason with the Dallas Cowboys before being released on final roster cutdown day. In 116 career regular-season games, he has 219 receptions for 3,686 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging 16.8 yards per catch.
What Valdes-Scantling Brings to the Chargers?
The Chargers struggled to create big plays in their Week 1 loss to Arizona. Justin Herbert often faced tight coverage as the Cardinals kept defenders closer to the line.
Valdes-Scantling gives the Chargers a proven deep threat. His speed can force safeties to play deeper, which could create more room underneath for players such as McConkey and tight end David Njoku. It could also help open up the running game.
He also brings plenty of playoff experience, including two Super Bowl wins. Whether he stays on the practice squad or gets a chance to play, Valdes-Scantling gives the Chargers another experienced option at receiver.
