Valdes-Scantling, 30, inked a deal on San Francisco’s practice squad but with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) targeting Week 6 to play and Jauan Jennings seeking a new contract, the journeyman wideout could be in line to play Week 1 with uncertainty looming the team’s top two receivers.
MVS told the media that it wasn’t the first time the 49ers and general manager John Lynch reached out to him. The former Packers WR said after his rookie contract in Green Bay expired, the 49ers tried a few times to sign him. A few years later, Lynch and the 49ers finally got Valdes-Scantling as he enters his eighth NFL season.
Whether he contributes right away or later in the season is yet to be determined with a new offense to learn.
Valdes-Scantling explained the playbook familiarity between 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak to Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak is what tipped the scale for his decision to sign with San Francisco.
“Not having to learn a new system,” Valdes-Scantling said. “Being able to get onto the field right away, obviously, that’s the goal. And so, being able to jump-start that process of learning the system, it betters the chances of you being on the field.”
The 49ers travel to Seattle to face Valdes-Scantling’s former team in Week 1.