Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Jaylin Noel

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.

Friday, May 9, 3:52 PM

Per the team's transaction logs, the Houston Texans have signed third-round wide receiver Jaylin Noel to a four-year, $6.46 million deal. Noel was the No. 79 overall pick and the second of two Iowa State wideouts selected by the Texans, joining second-rounder and fellow Cyclone Jayden Higgins. With the news that WR Tank Dell (knee) will likely miss the 2025 season, the door is open for both pass catchers to compete for snaps and impact the field. Veteran wideout Christian Kirk does pose a threat and significant target competition. Particularly for Noel, who profiles more like Kirk, considering he operated out of the slot in college. However, the rookie bolsters much more juice than the veteran (4.39 40-yard dash) and should eventually make his way to the starting roster. He caught 80 balls for 1,194 yards last season (eight TDs) and is also a seasoned returner.