Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Isaac TeSlaa

Wednesday, August 27, 12:37 PM

The San Francisco 49ers are signing veteran free-agent wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday, a source tells Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Valdes-Scantling was unable to make the Seattle Seahawks' final 53-man roster heading into the regular season, but he'll remain in the NFC West division and join a 49ers team with a banged-up receiver room. MVS was choosing betwen the 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers. The 30-year-old still shouldn't be drafted in 12-team fantasy leagues, but he should have a better shot at playing time early in 2025 in the Bay Area. Brandon Aiyuk (knee) will miss at least the first four games (and possibly more), while Jauan Jennings (calf) is also up in the air for Week 1 against Seattle. MVS has never had more than 42 catches, 690 yards or six touchdowns in a single season, though, and most likely will just give San Fran an extra body for receiver depth.

Wednesday, August 27, 7:17 AM

Following the trade that sent Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has a clear path to open the season as the team's No. 3 wide receiver. During the preseason, the rookie from Arkansas was one of the most impressive pass catchers. The Lions selected TeSlaa with the 70th overall pick in April's draft. In the Hall of Fame Game, TeSlaa racked up 46 yards. Then, in his next contest, the wideout found the back of the ned zone for the first time in his career. In their preseason finale against the Houston Texans, TeSlaa punched in another score, which further solidified his starting role. With Patrick now out of the picture, fantasy managers should expect the 23-year-old to open the season sitting behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Given his dominant preseason, he is worth a late-round look in all 3-WR 12+ team leagues.