Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or T.J. Hockenson

Wednesday, February 28, 10:44 AM

The Kansas City Chiefs are releasing wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling ahead of free agency in a cap-saving move. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the team saves $12 million on the cap. The veteran speedster spent two seasons with the Chiefs, totaling 63 receptions for 1,002 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 33 games. He wasn't overly productive, but he did catch two touchdowns in the 2022 playoffs and caught a touchdown in the victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. Valdes-Scantling is unlikely to sign a big-money deal this offseason, but his field-stretching skill set will be attractive to a few teams.

Tuesday, December 26, 4:18 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) suffered a torn ACL and MCL in the Week 16 loss to the Detroit Lions. He is expected to be placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season. Given the late-season injury, the 26-year-old could start the 2024 season on the PUP list. The former first-round pick signed a four-year, $66 million contract this offseason with Minnesota. Hockenson had career-highs in receptions, receiving, yards, and targets during his first entire season with the Vikings. He caught 95 of 127 targets for 965 yards and five touchdowns over 15 games in 2023. Hockenson will likely undergo surgery in the next few weeks and looks to recover fully in 2024. Josh Oliver is expected to be Minnesota's top tight end with Hockenson sidelined. Fantasy managers searching for tight end help or a replacement for Hockenson can look to add Oliver in most league formats.