Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Allen Lazard

Wednesday, March 12, 1:12 PM

Free-agent wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is signing with the Seattle Seahawks on a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 30-year-old is set to join his fourth team in three years after posting 17 receptions on 35 targets for 385 yards and four touchdowns in eight games with the New Orleans Saints to close out the 2024 campaign. MVS was originally a fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of USF and has totaled 205 catches for 3,566 yards, and 20 touchdowns in 106 career games. While the veteran is unlikely to be a consistent fantasy producer, he could have spike weeks in Seattle's new-look offense led by Sam Darnold. With DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett out of town, Valdes-Scantling could have the opportunity to start in three-wide sets from Day 1 of the 2025 NFL season.

Wednesday, May 7, 10:34 AM

As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to navigate the offseason, trading for New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard is "in play," according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. As Florio notes, the move likely hinges on whether the Steelers sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This wouldn't be the first time a team has pursued a receiver to satisfy the veteran signal caller. The Green Bay Packers once re-acquired Randall Cobb as part of Rodgers' demands during a contract holdout, and the Jets signed Lazard after trading for Rodgers in 2023. The 29-year-old would likely slot in as Pittsburgh's No. 2 receiver behind DK Metcalf after they traded George Pickens to Dallas. He typically plays much better with Rodgers throwing him the football, as he commanded 100 targets from the future Hall of Famer in 2022. He also opened last season with 412 yards and five touchdowns over his first seven games, all of which featured Rodgers under center. Any sort of Lazard trade likely won't happen until Rodgers makes a decision on his future. While nothing is imminent, fantasy managers should keep tabs on Rodgers, as his eventual decision will surely have a ripple effect on many players across the league.