Why did the Dallas Cowboys sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling?

The Signing and Its Context

The Dallas Cowboys agreed to sign veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal on Monday, April 27, 2026. The signing came amid uncertainty surrounding Pro Bowl receiver George Pickens' status with the team. Pickens had yet to sign his franchise tender at the time of the Valdes-Scantling signing, creating a gap in clarity for the Cowboys' receiving corps.

George Pickens Uncertainty

Although Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones stated on April 23 that the team had no intention of trading Pickens and was excited about his future with Dallas, Pickens had not signed his franchise tender. The tender would guarantee him $27.3 million but would subject him to fines if he missed mandatory minicamp or training camp. Additionally, the Cowboys indicated they would not engage in long-term contract extension discussions with Pickens before the end of the next season.

Valdes-Scantling's Role and Performance

Valdes-Scantling, 31, figures to serve as a depth piece for the Cowboys' receiving corps. In 2025, he recorded career lows of 14 catches for 120 yards across five games each with the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, in 2024 he demonstrated field-stretching ability, averaging 21.6 yards per catch. Over his career, he has accumulated 219 catches for 3,686 yards with 21 touchdowns.

Pickens' 2025 Production

Pickens led the Cowboys in receiving during 2025 with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdown catches. His status as one of the team's most potent weapons made the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation significant for the team's offensive planning.