Grading Biggest NFL Trades, Claims and Moves After 2025 Roster Cuts

Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling wasn’t traded, but he is on the move. The Seattle Seahawks released the 30-year-old as part of this week’s cuts—likely to make room for rookie Tory Horton—and the rival San Francisco 49ers were quick to snatch him up.

While Valdes-Scantling hasn’t surpassed 500 receiving yards in a season since 2022, he remains a capable deep threat who can stretch the field. Last season with the New Orleans Saints, he averaged an impressive 22.6 yards per catch.

Adding Valdes-Scantling—to a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner—was about the best move San Francisco could make at receiver, barring a trade. The 49ers simply don’t have many healthy wideouts at this point.

Jauan Jennings (calf), Jordan Watkins (ankle) and Jacob Cowing (hamstring) are all ailing, while Brandon Aiyuk will open the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This means Ricky Pearsall, recent trade acquisition Skyy Moore and, now, Valdes-Scantling may be the only healthy receivers the 49ers have in Week 1.

This isn’t a signing that will rock the NFL landscape, but it’s a valuable one for San Francisco.