In a surprising turn of events, the San Francisco 49ers have signed veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to bolster their depleted receiving corps, a move that could have significant implications for Kendrick Bourne’s potential return to the team. Valdes-Scantling, a speedy eighth-year veteran, was signed just a day after being released by the Seattle Seahawks, marking his third team in the 2024 season. The 49ers, grappling with a dire shortage of healthy wide receivers, are banking on Valdes-Scantling’s experience and blazing speed to provide an immediate spark.
Valdes-Scantling, 30, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to San Francisco. A 2018 fifth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers, he ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, showcasing the speed that has defined his career. Over eight seasons with the Packers (2018-21), Kansas City Chiefs (2022-23), Buffalo Bills (2024), and New Orleans Saints (2024), he has amassed 205 catches for 3,566 yards and 20 touchdowns. His career average of 17.4 yards per reception leads all active NFL players, making him a deep-threat weapon capable of stretching defenses.
Despite his impressive resume, Valdes-Scantling’s recent performance has been inconsistent. In 2024, he recorded just 19 catches in 14 games, and over the past two seasons, he has caught only 40 of 86 targets. His release by both the Bills and Saints in the past 10 months raised questions about his fit in certain systems. However, the 49ers, desperate for healthy bodies at the wide receiver position, see Valdes-Scantling as a low-risk, high-reward addition who can contribute immediately while their injured players recover.
The 49ers’ receiving corps has been decimated by injuries and suspensions, prompting general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan to make aggressive roster moves. After setting their initial 53-man roster, the team kept only five wide receivers, with just two—Ricky Pearsall and Skyy Moore, recently acquired from the Chiefs—currently healthy. Jauan Jennings (calf), Jordan Watkins (ankle), and Jacob Cowing (hamstring) are dealing with injuries, with Cowing expected to miss at least six weeks and Watkins’ Week 1 status uncertain. Additionally, Demarcus Robinson will miss the first three games due to a suspension stemming from a DUI last season.
Shanahan expressed optimism that Jennings, who has not practiced since July 27, will be ready for the season opener. However, the team’s lack of depth at the position necessitated immediate action. In addition to signing Valdes-Scantling, the 49ers are expected to add Russell Gage to the active roster within the next 24 hours after releasing him on cut-down day. Veteran Robbie Chosen was also re-signed to the practice squad, providing further depth and the flexibility to be activated for up to three games this season.
The signing of Valdes-Scantling has sparked speculation about the 49ers’ interest in Kendrick Bourne, another 30-year-old wide receiver who was released by the New England Patriots on the same day. Bourne, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the 49ers (2017-20), was reportedly a target of interest for San Francisco, particularly after the team attempted to include him in trade discussions involving Brandon Aiyuk last year. Bourne’s familiarity with Shanahan’s system and his versatility as a route-runner made him an attractive option for a reunion.
However, Valdes-Scantling’s addition may signal that the 49ers are prioritizing speed and experience over sentimentality. While Bourne offers reliability and a strong connection to the organization, his role with the Patriots in 2024 was limited, and his release suggests he may not command the same market as in previous years. The 49ers’ decision to sign Valdes-Scantling could indicate that they view him as a more immediate fit for their needs, potentially placing Bourne’s return in jeopardy.
Beyond the wide receiver position, the 49ers have been active in reshaping their roster. They claimed defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson, a 2024 fourth-round pick from LSU, off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jefferson, who recorded 12 tackles and one sack in eight games as a rookie, adds depth to the defensive line. The team also waived defensive tackle Evan Anderson in a corresponding move.
The 49ers’ practice squad was bolstered with 13 signings, including notable names like cornerback Eli Apple, defensive end Trevis Gipson, and wide receiver Malik Turner. Former Jets quarterback Adrian Martinez and running back Jeff Wilson Jr., a 49ers veteran from 2018-22, also found new homes, with Martinez joining San Francisco’s practice squad and Wilson signing with the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad.
On the injury front, rookie nickel back Upton Stout is set to return to practice for the first time since August 7, providing a boost to the secondary. The team also re-signed punter Thomas Morstead to a one-year deal, placing Jacob Cowing on injured reserve in a corresponding move.
The signing of Marquez Valdes-Scantling underscores the 49ers’ urgency to address their wide receiver crisis as they prepare for the 2025 season. While his addition brings speed and veteran savvy, it also raises questions about the team’s long-term plans at the position. Kendrick Bourne’s potential return remains a possibility, but Valdes-Scantling’s presence may force Bourne to look elsewhere if the 49ers prioritize other targets.
As the regular season approaches, San Francisco’s front office will continue to monitor the waiver wire and free-agent market for additional reinforcements. With injuries piling up and key contributors like Greg Papa sidelined by a cancer diagnosis, the 49ers are leaning on their depth and adaptability to navigate a challenging start to the year. For now, Valdes-Scantling’s arrival provides a much-needed jolt to a struggling unit, but the ripple effects of this move could reshape the team’s roster in unexpected ways.