By Niles Carpenter, Saints Contributor

The New Orleans Saints have made a significant move to strengthen their wide receiver group by signing veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Valdes-Scantling was available after being released by the Buffalo Bills, who acquired Amari Cooper in a trade.

The Saints weren’t the only team pursuing the speedy wideout, as the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders also expressed interest. With the Saints reeling from five consecutive losses after a promising 2-0 start, this signing comes at a critical time, especially following a 33-10 blowout loss to the Denver Broncos.

Injuries have plagued the Saints’ offense, with star receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee surgery) both sidelined. Shaheed is expected to miss the rest of the season, leaving the Saints in dire need of a veteran presence. Valdes-Scantling brings a wealth of experience, including two back-to-back Super Bowl appearances with the Kansas City Chiefs, and a career-best 690 receiving yards with the Green Bay Packers.

Known for his speed, he can stretch the field and take advantage of single coverage when Olave returns to the lineup. With quarterback Derek Carr nursing an oblique injury and Spencer Rattler stepping in, Valdes-Scantling will be tasked with helping the Saints rebound and compete in the NFC South.

Valdes-Scantling is renowned for his deep-threat ability, having run a 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Throughout his career, he has averaged an impressive 16.9 yards per catch.

He joins a depleted Saints receiving corps that currently features Chris Olave, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Mason Tipton, and Bub Means, with Jermaine Jackson, Equanimeous St. Brown, Dante Pettis and Kevin Austin Jr. on the practice squad. His addition gives the Saints the speed and vertical threat they desperately need as they look to turn their season around.