Brandon Marshall’s Top 10 Potential Suitors

(Above: Marshall is praying for a way out.)

I broke the news about Brandon Marshall’s trade demands shortly after rotoworld.com did, and before ESPN was able to.

But now we’re dealing with an entirely different type of monster. While owner Pat Bowlen led the rest of us to believe that Denver would try to resolve this matter, it appears the front office has already given up and will attempt to trade their star receiver.

Marshall wants a fat paycheck after turning in two seasons with 100-plus catches, and Denver wants him to show the world he can do it again.

Seems a bit unfair, no?

Marshall brings a strong argument to the table outside of his production as well.

After Josh McDaniels arguably drove Jay Cutler out of town, Marshall lost the guy who helped him put up his gaudy numbers. Now the receiver is in a new offense, with a new coach, and a new quarterback that isn’t horrible, but clearly is no Cutler.

So, really, we’re right back where we started.

Marshall has every reason to want a new contract, as a down year resulting from these changes may affect his contract positioning with Denver, as well as the rest of the league.

It’s because of this fact that Denver wants this over and done with. They know they have an explosive weapon in Eddie Royal, they just signed Brandon Lloyd, and they also have the wily veteran Brandon Stokley.

Regardless of your opinion on Marshall, Bowlen, McDaniels, or any other Denver Broncos employee, the fact that Marshall is already saying his goodbyes still exists, and it’s time to think about where he might be playing in September.

First, with this AFC talk…

 

Baltimore Ravens

Everyone keeps talking about Baltimore, but I just don’t see it happening. First, what can/would Baltimore part with that wouldn’t cripple them and Denver could use?

It would have to be on the defensive side of the ball, but if a trade went down, I wouldn’t be shocked if McDaniels tried grabbing former Ohio State product Troy Smith as a project player.

I still don’t see the Broncos dealing to anyone in the AFC. The Jets and Browns were both willing to pay a hefty price for Cutler, and the Broncos decided to send their former quarterback where he wanted to play.

Despite not coughing up the cash, it seem this Denver front office is actually fairly decent about where they trade their disgruntled stars.

 

New York Jets

Again, I don’t believe they’ll trade him to a team that could do damage to them in the future in the playoffs, and they definitely won’t even think about moving him within the division.

However, the Jets definitely need another receiver (probably two more, actually), and unless they’re sold on Plaxico Burress (they aren’t), Marshall could be worth the risk.

The Jets probably have some defensive players McDaniels would be interested in, while they could also package their slew of average slot receivers.

I still don’t see him landing in the AFC.

 

New York Giants

That’s right—we could have a duel in the Big Apple for a receiver with a busted hip, contract demands, and a domestic abuse past.

The Giants were rumored for some time to be interested in Braylon Edwards, so why not take the next superstar receiver available? Marshall is easily better than Edwards, and while his hands can also be suspect, they are nowhere close to as unreliable as Edwards’ are.

The Giants did just draft two impressive rookie receivers, however, and already have some solid youth and talent at the position.

But are we seriously saying they’d rather go into the season with rookies and unproven players than Marshall?

I don’t think so.

 

Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones and co. may have learned their lesson, but lightning always strikes twice, at least in the NFL.

Jones hasn’t bitten on Matt Jones or Burress yet, and I’m impressed with his patience, but he can’t be as confident in Miles Austin and Patrick Crayton as he seems.

Heck, he can’t even be that confident in Roy Williams.

Marshall would give them a new type of receiver who is big, fast, and physical, while lacking the abrasive attitude of Terrell Owens. Well, not quite as abrasive.

 

Philadelphia Eagles

This is fairly unlikely, but by doing this, Philadelphia would finally be bringing in that true No. 1 receiver the Eagles have been lacking since T.O.

Donovan McNabb would be happy, and the offense would definitely be better because of it.

The Broncos could steal Kevin Curtis and a little-used Reggie Brown from Philly, both of whom McDaniels could turn into superstars in his offense.

McDaniels clearly likes former Eagles players, as he’s already added Brian Dawkins and Correll Buckhalter to his team.

Never say never.

 

Chicago Bears

Denver did Cutler a solid favor by shipping him to Chicago, which is exactly where he wanted to go. But will they do that for an upset player twice in one offseason?

The way McDaniels is running this team, it can’t be out of the question.

Chicago knows the chemistry Cutler and Marshall have is not something that can be replaced with the options they currently have. If they can talk Denver into it, it’s going to happen.

Chicago has some good defensive pieces they could send over to Denver, and they could even part with one of the rookie receivers they just drafted.

 

Minnesota Vikings

If Brett Favre is coming to town (and he is), then Minnesota better get serious and add a stud receiver.

After all, we don’t want a repeat performance of average receiver play, now do we?

While the Vikings may simply be waiting to pull the trigger on a Burress, Jones, or even Marvin Harrison, landing Marshall would make the most sense.

He’s only 25, and he solves two problems. First, this would impress Favre and give him a reliable option, and it would also rescue their receiver corps for the present and the future.

 

Atlanta Falcons

It’d be crazy—absolutely insane—to see a lineup with Marshall, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez.

But for the sake of Matt Ryan’s already booming future, it just might happen.

Atlanta could throw the solid Michael Jenkins in a trade with some picks, and possibly a defensive player or two.

This is, like Philadelphia, one of the more unlikely trade scenarios, but it’d be interesting to see what happens in Atlanta if Ryan has three Pro Bowl options.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

OK, so Tampa Bay isn’t ga-ga about their quarterback situation.

I have a way to make them feel better. Add a second star receiver to the lineup, and see if your starter can fail.

Whether it’s Byron Leftwich or Luke McCown, it’d be awfully hard for him to falter with options like Antonio Bryant, Kellen Winslow, and Marshall.

Tampa Bay is rumored to be interested in Burress as well, but considering their dramatic youth movement, Marshall would be a better fit.

 

Arizona Cardinals

While it sounds crazy, this could be the best possible outcome for all sides.

Anquan Boldin and Marshall both want new contracts and wouldn’t mind new jerseys. At the same time, both Denver and Arizona don’t want to lose their star receivers without proper compensation.

It could be a one-for-one swap, but since Boldin doesn’t have anything that could possibly prevent him from seeing the field in 2009, the Broncos actually may have to give something up to make it happen.

That’s the thing that may stop McDaniels from pulling the trigger.

The goal is not to help other teams, but to make them think they are winning in the trade, while in turn, you are.

Clearly McDaniels knows all about winning, as he’s on his way to helping two Pro Bowl players leave his team.

Regardless, Marshall’s days are numbered, and these 10 teams look to be the most likely landing spots.

Denver Broncos: Deja Vu All Over Again

First things first—this story is still developing.

With that having been said, I don’t think that there is anyone, especially those who call Denver their home team, who doesn’t view the recent demand by Brandon Marshall to be traded as a retread of a very bad nightmare.

A nightmare that ended with Jay Cutler wearing Chicago Bear colors.

It doesn’t look like we’re done talking about the Jay Cutler situation yet. You see, there can be no discussion of the Brandon Marshall trade demand without mentioning Jay Cutler’s. While the reasons for the trade request may be slightly different—Brandon Marshall reportedly wants a new contract—the result will be same for the Broncos if he is allowed to saddle up and ride out of Denver like Jay Cutler.

Broncos brass will be hard pressed to explain letting two of the top contributors to their second-ranked offense of a year ago get away in the same offseason. Two Pro Bowlers, no less. McDaniels made light of the contributions that Jay Cutler made to that offense, implying that he could pretty much put any quarterback into his system and they would be successful (That of course, remains to be seen. I didn’t buy it then, and I don’t buy it now).

Apparently, working with Tom Brady inflated his sense of what he could do with a quarterback who was not Tom Brady. While Matt Cassel had a solid season filling in for the injured Brady, I am still not ready to use last season as any type of indicator of McDaniel’s abilities. Not yet. One season does not make a superstar.

So let the debate begin anew. It’s deja vu, folks. Should Denver give in to Marshall’s request? Should they force him to stay and honor his contract? Should Marshall just “be a man” and suck it up, be quiet and just do his job? Stop whining? And so on—we’ve heard it all before.

Here’s the thing—Brandon Marshall does not figure to have the same kind of numbers that he had the previous two seasons with Kyle Orton under center. The last two seasons he had 2,590 receiving yards, which ranked third in NFL behind only Reggie Wayne and Larry Fitzgerald. That’s some quality company. There is some sentiment that now is the best time for him to go for a new contract; not next year when his numbers may be lower.

Let’s not forget his considerable off the field issues as well. Certainly, they make a long-term extension a gamble for the Broncos. But aren’t all contracts something of a gamble? No one has a crystal ball that will tell exactly how well a player will perform. All we really have are indicators—and the expectation that the new season will be an improvement on the previous one. At the very least, there is the expectation of more of the same.

Whether or not Marshall is worth the Broncos taking that gamble, there is no doubt that his leaving the Broncos could have potentially devastating implications for the team this season. Team leadership played it loosely with Jay Cutler, and, by and large, received a free pass for doing so with the fans and from a PR perspective.

Don’t expect the same latitude if Marshall gets his wish. At some point, you have to wonder who is running the asylum.

At what point does leadership reign in McDaniels and remind him that regardless of how good you are (or think you are), you cannot win without high-caliber players in this league? At some point, the hard line has to bend. Will they give Marshall the contract that he has proved he deserves? Or will they take their chances (again) and let him walk?

Deja vu all over again.

Let’s hope for Denver’s sake, that they learn from the mistakes they made with the Jay Cutler situation, and make a call that not only Brandon Marshall can live with, but Denver fans as well.

If The Broncos Trade Brandon Marshall, Where Would He Go?

As of now, the Denver Broncos have said that they do not plan to trade WR Brandon Marshall after he requested a trade in a meeting with Owner Pat Bowlen.

Well, Broncos fans—they said that about Jay Cutler to.

Thus, I cannot help but speculate about where Brandon Marshall could go.  I’m inclined to believe that Denver will send him to an NFC team before an AFC team—but, if the deal is right, I think the Broncos would trade Marshall to the AFC.

That is why I tried to think of any team that might be interested and had something of value to trade that they would be willing to trade (even the Raiders).

Before I begin, I will say that the universal conditional is (so why repeat it each time?): Is the team willing to take a chance on Marshall regardless of the baggage?

 

New York Giants

The Giants drafted WR Hakeem Nicks in the first round of the Draft in order to replace WR Plexico Burress.  However, rookie receivers rarely produce big numbers, and the Giants are thinking Super Bowl. 

Thus, the G-Men could be willing to send Nicks and a low draft-pick (say, 4th round which is the round that the Broncos selected Marshall in 2006) in exchange for Marshall.

The biggest roadblock for the Giants however is Marshall’s character issues and legal troubles.  But if they think that one great year and a Super Bowl ring would suffice, then the G-Men would make the deal. 

The follow up question however is: Would the Broncos want to christen the NFC champ by trading Marshall to the Giants?

 

Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler is already advocating for the Bears to make an offer for Brandon Marshall.  They already traded their 2010 1st round pick to Denver for Jay Cutler, thus, it’s hard to believe that Chicago will trade more draft picks.

They can offer defensive-players however, such as CB Corey Graham, LB Nick Roach and rookie DE Jarron Gilbert for Brandon Marshall and a draft-pick.

The Bears acquired Jay Cutler with the idea of contending for the Super Bowl, so the Bears could once again make a trade in order to protect their investment in Cutler and enhance their chances.

I picked those players, because other than draft picks, I doubt that Denver would want Chicago’s receivers, unless the Bears are willing to trade rookie WR Juaquin Iglesias or OT Chris Williams.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers have Antonio Bryant and Kellen Winslow II as go-to receivers for the Quarterback to be named later, but after that, not much else.

One problem I have with this scenario is the mix of personalities.  Bryant, Winslow and Marshall all have checkered pasts, so I’m not sure that Tampa would want to deal with all three.

However, if Tampa Bay thinks they need another weapon to compete in the loaded NFC South, then I think they would trade for Marshall.

 

Seattle Seahawks

Okay, so they signed TJ Houshmandzadeh, but “The Housh” is going on 32 and had only average production in 2008.

After that, the Seahawks must rely on TE John Carlson, rookie WR Deon Butler, and the health of WR Nate Burleson and WR Deion Branch.

I’m still not sure about whether Matt Hasselbeck has anything left, but I do know that when a quarterback has receivers that can get open—it will take pressure off him, which can reduce the possibility of injury to Hasselbeck.

A scenario that seems feasible would be for Seattle to send Deion Branch and a draft pick to Denver for Marshall, where Branch would play for a former New England coach—which is the system that Branch began in back in 2002.

Arizona Cardinals

Sometimes deals that make too much sense, just don’t happen.

It would make the most sense for Denver to swap WR Brandon Marshall for WR Anquan Boldin.

For whatever reason, I just doubt that this one will happen.

 

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles aren’t in dire need for a receiver, but like the Giants, could use a more polished one. 

The Eagles could trade a draft pick and anyone of their many receivers: Hank Baskett, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Kevin Curtis, etc.

Baltimore Ravens 

Baltimore only has draft picks to trade, while the Ravens generally don’t trade picks. 

The last one that I remember was a trade for Willis McGahee, but if Denver wants a first-round pick or an equivalent player, then I doubt that Baltimore would trade.

So they might be interested but I don’t believe that they will acquire Brandon Marshall.

New York Jets

If the Jets are willing to make an impressive offer, I think the Broncos would bite.

Really, the biggest question mark for the Jets is the experience of Mark Sanchez and whether Jericho Cotchery can be the number one receiver. 

Even then, the next best receiver is TE Dustin Keller, thus the Jets could use help at the receiver position regardless.

If the Jets are willing to go all-in on the deal and trade a first-round pick and a player or an additional pick, then I think that the Broncos would accept.

 

Oakland Raiders

I’m throwing this one there out just for kicks.  Considering that Al Davis loves to stock-pile receivers, I wouldn’t rule out an offer.

In the draft, the Raiders selected of course, WR Derrius Heyward-Bey and WR Louis Murphy, both of whom have solid pro-potential.

The other wild card is the status of DE Derrick Burgess.  The Raiders are shopping Burgess, so if Davis pulls another rare trade with Denver, then don’t be surprised if the Raiders acquire Brandon Marshall for Derrick Burgess, Louis Murphy and a draft-pick (and maybe Javon Walker as a salary throw-in).

Breaking News: Brandon Marshall Wants to Not Play For You

Just a few weeks from his next suspension-inducing bit of criminal activity, Brandon Marshall has issued a statement to NFL teams that he desperately wants to not play for someone other than the Denver Broncos.

In his statement, Marshall announced he is offering an astonishing 100 percent some-of-your-money-back guarantee and a solemn oath to embarrass the bejeezes out of any team who is looking for a talented wide receiver who will play at least five games per season. 

Here is an excerpt from his statement: 

“I just want you all to know [stumbles, hurts old person], that I will do whatever I can [pauses, teeters] to help your team [vomits, checks pocket for car keys], but I do have other responsibilities.”  Marshall failed to elaborate on what those responsibilities might be. 

A reporter familiar with the star wideout speculated that Marshall either meant helping needy children at the Darrent Williams Teen Center or helping children off a rapidly spinning merry-go-round with a motorized vehicle of his choosing. 

In order to further spread this exciting news to NFL execs and fans alike, Marshall announced he has signed an advertising deal and will be pictured on the box-front of the popular breakfast cereal, Won’ties. 

Marshall concluded his statement by saying his ideal situation would be with a team who will likely be switching coaches after the 2009 season and whose quarterback is a “self-focused brat.” This, he said, would increase the amount of time he can spend with his new fiance who Marshall himself recently diagnosed with the dreaded “Inexplicable Morning Bruises” disease.

As he left the podium, Marshall sweetly hummed the melody of “Rocky Mountain High,” giggling after each use of the word “high,” which seemed to be the only word of the song he knew.

Denver Broncos Fans in State of Emergency

2009 only continues to get worst for Denver Broncos fans, not only have they lost there beloved head coach Mike Shanahan, franchise QB Jay Cutler, the Denver Broncos are on the verge of losing there star WR Brandon Marshall.

Who is to blame? Who should Broncos fans point there fingers at? What will all the thousands of Broncos fans do with there Jay Cutler jerseys?

What I love most about the Broncos fans is there state of denial.

Things have changed in Denver, the offense will be different, the play calling won’t be the same, Denver Broncos fans are left in the shadows without a clue on what there team will be like, all Broncos fans have now is hope.

Last season Jay Cutler threw the ball 616 times, second most in the NFL only behind Drew Brees who passed 635 times. Kyle Orton will be no where near 600 passing attempts this season.

Broncos fans get ready to bust your tissues out, there will be a lot of crying this season.

In 2008, the Broncos ranked 29th in overall defense, they gave up on average 28 points per game, where 30th in the league with 20 rushes over 20+ yards, where 32nd in the league with sixth runs over 40+ yards. To say this defense was bad is an under statement.

Key players lost have been QB Jay Cutler, CB Dre Bly, RB Selvin Young, LB Jamie Winborn, OT Erik Pears, in total the Denver Broncos have lost 23 players from last season roster.

Broncos fans will need to buy the programs before games just to know who is on there roster this season as they have added 21 new players plus the 10 new drafted players to there roster, granted that every single player won’t make the final roster, the Broncos will be much different then last season.

The list of key name players they Broncos have brought in are, QB Kyle Orton, QB Chris Simms, RB Correll Buckhalter, LB Andra Davis, S Brain Dawkins, WR Jabar Gaffney, RB Lamont Jordan, RB Knowshon Moreno, DE Robert Ayers, CB Alphonso Smith

The list goes on and on…

However will these players be better then last season 8-8 Denver Broncos? A Quick look into the Broncos season last year will show games that the Broncos where lucky to win.

Week Two San Diego Chargers 39-38 (Blown call)

Week Three New Orleans Saints 34-32 (Saints blew that game, miss FG)

Week Five Tampa Bay Bucs 16-13 (Bucs blew that game, another lucky Broncos win)

Week 10 Cleveland Browns 34-30 (another game Browns should of won)

Week 11 Atlanta Falcons 24-20 (Stole a game on the road)

Week 14 Kansas City Chiefs 24-17 (another close game)

 

Right there is six games from last season, in which the Denver Broncos escaped with lucky wins, a fumble here, a miss FG there, and the Broncos season is much different then the 8-8 season they had.

What kept the Broncos alive in these games was the play of QB Jay Cutler, if Broncos fans are going to sit here and argue that there offense wasn’t the reason why they won eight games last season then they are a lie, because it sure wasn’t there 29th ranked defense.

Last Season the Broncos where on the crisp of making the playoffs, until they lost there last three games of the season giving up 112 points in those three games and finishing the season out 8-8, oh how things would have been different if they made the playoffs last season.

The latest issue coming from the Denver Broncos camp is from there star WR Brandon Marshall who has requested a trade from Denver. Broncos fans, Broncos fans, Broncos fans, you can sit here and play if off like its no big deal, but really this is a major deal.

You can’t sit here and compare Marshall to Anquan Boldin or Chad Ochocinco. The reason why is because every player is different, just like every franchise is different as well.

When Jay Cutler ask for a trade Broncos fans said there was no way Denver would trade away the franchise QB, Broncos fans where wrong.

There are many reasons why Brandon Marshall is asking for a trade, one is because of Denver unwillingness to give Marshall a long term contract extension. If the Broncos really believe in Marshall as there future, then why not lock him down.

In Brandon Marshall’s eyes, his on-field performance has given him the right to demand for more money, if the Broncos aren’t willing to give him the money then he feels he should be traded to a team who will.

I believe Marshall has made many off-field mistakes, but in his eyes, his on-field efforts out weigh his court issues.

Something fans don’t see as well is the relationship players grow with other players, Marshall and Cutler had good chemistry, after the whole thing with Cutler, Marshall might not want to play under Josh McDaniels and Kyle Orton system.

What Broncos fans fail to understand is that for Brandon Marshall this is his last chance to earn big money. Marshall is in the final year of his contract, after next season Marshall will become an restricted free agent in 2010.

Meaning, the Denver Broncos will be able to place the franchise tag on him season after season, and there will be nothing Brandon Marshall can do expect hold-out.

In the eyes of Marshall his play has granted him money, and to say other teams wouldn’t want to add Brandon Marshall is wrong, just look at Terrell Owens, if a trade is the only option to bring a end to this, then best believe a trade will happen.

Broncos fans, they traded away the franchise QB, what makes you think they won’t trade away the star WR as well?

Think about this, McDaniels is a goof ball, does anyone remember him laughing while holding a throwback Jay Cutler jersey?

 

I mean Broncos fans, do you really trust this guy? McDaniels comes from the New England Pats system, a system in which they replace players all the time, and team becomes before player.

Just look at this guy’s goofy smile, he had all of you guys believing that Cutler wasn’t going anywhere.

It’s a very touchy subject, but anytime a player request to be traded its not a good thing, for the franchise, his teammates, or the fans.

To sit here and act like Brandon Marshall isn’t going anywhere, don’t be fooled, right now it’s fresh, but don’t be shocked if you turn on ESPN only to see Marshall on the move for some draft picks.

Broncos fans act like Marshall is losing major money by sitting out, OTA’s and Minicamps, but really, he is losing short term money in trying to gain a long term contract. It is the same thing that Jay Cutler did all over again, as Cutler lost money by not going to the OTA’s and Minicamps.

Also you must take in account that Brandon Marshall has already played three seasons in the NFL, this guy has millions of dollars enough money to the point where he isn’t broke by any means, the pressure is on the Denver Broncos either they want him or they don’t but the last time the Broncos had pressure on them they cracked.

Looking ahead to the Denver Broncos season in 2009-2010, it doesn’t look good. There schedule is brutal, time is ticking on this franchise as they are only a training camp and a few preseason games away from the regular season. The Broncos’ first two games of the season will go a long way into telling how good this team will be.

Let’s take a look into the Broncos season and predict some wins and losses.

Week One at Cincinnati  – L

Week Two Cleveland – W

Week Three at Oakland – L

Week Four Dallas – L

Week Five New England – L

Week Six (Monday Night Football) at San Diego – L

Week Seven -BYE-

Week Eight at Baltimore – L

Week Nine Pittsburgh – L

Week 10 at Washington – L

Week 11 San Diego – L

Week 12 New York Giants – L

Week 13 at Kansas City – L

Week 14 – Indianapolis – L

Week 15 Oakland – L

Week 16 at Philadelphia – L

Week 17 Kansas City – W

 

I predict the Denver Broncos to go 2-14, however they might steal a win here and there, so at best I will say the Broncos go 6-10.

The defense has improved from last season but still isn’t anywhere close to being a top 20 defense in the NFL. The Broncos lost there franchise QB Jay Cutler, who was there offense, bottom line.

Jay Cutler by himself was the reason why the Broncos where an 8-8 team last season, but things have changed, and no, the Denver Broncos won’t be 9-7 or 10-6. Sorry Broncos fans, but it looks like you guys will be at the bottom of the AFC West this season.

Why Brandon Marshall Will Not Be Traded By the Denver Broncos In 2009

The Denver Broncos faced great woes this off-season.

They lost Mike Shanahan, the long tenured coach and adviser of the organization, and brought in Josh McDaniels from New England. Trouble began quickly after McDaniels attempted to make a play to get Matt Cassell to Denver.

A feud began between then-quarterback Jay Cutler and McDaniels after that. It was an ongoing media event that lasted for weeks. Finally, Cutler forced his way out of Denver, and was shipped off to Chicago. 

The Broncos did what they felt was best for the organization in the draft, taking advantage of the extra picks they had from the deal.

Mini camp came around the corner quickly, and the post-Cutler era began to surge.

Last week Kyle Orton, the replacement for Cutler, was named the starting quarterback even before training camp started so the team could prepare with him at the helm.

However, more controversy has arrived in Denver.

Brandon Marshall, the top receiver for the Broncos, has reportedly requested a trade. This was after he missed practice, and was believed to be seen packing his things and leaving the complex.

At the age of 25, Marshall is one of the top young wideouts in the league. In 2008, he had 104 receptions for 1,265 yards and six touchdown catches. These are quality numbers for a man who continues to develop and is entering his fourth season in the league.

But his troubles with the law have led to suspensions and disciplinary actions from the Broncos organization, giving everyone notice that Marshall still has some maturing to do. He is most likely going to take the same route as Cutler and try to force his way out of Denver by not cooperating with the front office.

However, is there a suitor for his services this late in 2009?

Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin wanted his way out of town, but he is still a Cardinal up to this point.

Now that the draft is over and training camp is nearing, it is unlikely that many teams will make a play for him.

He is much younger than Boldin, however, and will find more interest. He can also be more flexible in contract negotiations in the future.

What teams come to mind as possible destinations for Marshall?

If this day came earlier, the Eagles could have made a play for him. With the addition of Jeremy Maclin via the draft, however, Philadelphia looks like it feels comfortable to play this season with the receiving corps it has.

The Giants can still use a receiver, even with the addition of Hakeem Nicks. However, I’m sure the team would be picky about bringing in a troubled receiver.

The Ravens, who did show interest in Boldin, could also make a bid for Marshall. The question is, would they be willing to pay the price for him? The Broncos are going to want a good package for Marshall, especially at the age he is at.

There aren’t many options for Marshall to find a new home this season. It looks like he is going to have to tough it out with the Broncos in 2009.

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Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

The NY Giants Wide Receiver Carousel

    Ever since the second coming of the “Shot Heard Around the World” on the night of November 29th, 2008 the Giants have faced the same question. Will they be able to overcome the loss of Plaxico Burress? Everyone with a football IQ was able to see that the Giants were not the same down the stretch of the season. Teams no longer used a corner back and a safety to shadow Burress and this slowed down the Giants run game. On top of that, Eli Manning lost his safety blanket.

    Going into the off season, everyone knew this was the Giants glaring weakness and all wondered how Jerry Reese would address it. Would they trade for a high profile receiver? Would they trade up in the draft for a better prospect? Just stay put and settle with who was available?

    As trade winds swirled, the Giants were constantly linked to Braylon Edwards, Chad Ochocinco, and Anquan Boldin. Now with late breaking news that Brandon Marshall wants out of Denver, lets add him to the list too.

    The Giants stayed put and drafted Hakeem Nicks with the 29th overall pick, and then moved up six spots in the third round to draft Ramses Barden with the 85th overall pick.

    Lets take a look at what each player brings to the table.

Braylon Edwards – Leading up to the NFL draft, there were constant rumors that Edwards was going to be a Giant and it was practically a done deal. His former teammate, Kellen Winslow now playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers spoke out and said how Braylon would be a great fit for the Giants and in New York.

    Good – Edwards is a big play receiver with the size the Giants crave, standing 6’3” and weighing 215 pounds. In 2007, Edwards was a Pro-Bowl player with 80 receptions for 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns. He can spread the defense and draw the double teams that Burress often commanded.

    Bad – Edwards can be seen as a diva, and at times struggles catching the ball, leading the league in drops in 2008. Last season there was a huge drop in production with only 55 catches for 873 yards and 3 touchdowns. Some people may point to the Browns’ quarterback situation for the lack of production. There were many various reports about what the Browns were asking for in return for Edwards, but “close sources” believe it was a 1st round draft choice.

Anquan Boldin – After the Cardinals improbable run in the 2008 playoffs, some Cardinals players (Boldin and Darnell Dockett to be exact) felt they should be getting paid more money. Boldin wanted his contract restructured or to be traded. Well neither has happened yet, but with his recent firing of his agent, things could change.

    Good – Boldin is tough as nails after the vicious hit he received last season versus the Jets that practically broke his face. Boldin has been productive his entire career, and is not afraid to go across the middle. He proved he could be a No. 1 receiver in an offense before Larry Fitzgerald ever came to town.

    Bad – Boldin wants to be paid Larry Fitzgerald type money, which is about 10 million a year. For the Giants to have acquired him, it is rumored that it would have cost them at least their 1st and a 3rd round draft pick.

Chad Ochocinco – Lately in Cincinatti, it seems every off season there is talk about Chad “Formerly known as Johnson” Ochocinco to be on the trading block and that he wants out. Nobody questions his talent, but teams are scared away of the presumed Terrell Owens syndrome he has, and that he has the ability to tear a locker room apart.

    Good – Chad was one of the best wide receivers in the league stretching from 2002 – 2007 and had the respect of all opposing defensive coordinators. Ochocinco has the ability to stretch the defense and has the speed to burn the best corners in the league.

    Bad – All the attention he brings to himself, and knowing the locker room can be torn by him. Coming off of a sub par season in 2008, where he was injured, people question if he still has the desire to be one of the best receivers in the league.

Brandon Marshall – The Denver Broncos have had quite the off season, with a new coach coming in, and the departure of Jay Cutler. Marshall could be next. Last Friday, Marshall met with the owner of the Broncos, Pat Bowlen. He was seen leaving with boxes and has no intentions of returning. Marshall is now demanding to be traded because he doesn’t like his contract (what’s new?) and doesn’t like where the organization is heading.

    Good – Marshall is the youngest player (not named Hakeem or Ramses) on this list, only 25 years old. He is 6’4” and weighs 230 pounds, goes across the middle, has terrific hands and great speed. His rookie season was what you would expect from a rookie, but his last two seasons have been phenomenal. In the last two seasons combined he has 206 catches for 2,590 yard and 13 touchdown catches.

    Bad – Legal troubles. Definitely not what you want to hear after the recent Plaxico Burress. He is almost at Adam “Pacman” Jones territory, having seven different incidents with the law since being drafted. At some point, teams have to decide is the potential worth the risk? On top of that, he had minor hip surgery in April.

Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden – The Giants hope these two rookies are the answer to their biggest question mark on the roster. Two is better than one. Instead of losing draft picks, the Giants decided to work through the draft.

    Good – Hakeem Nicks was seen as one of the most “NFL ready” prospects in this year’s draft, and possess’ monstrous sized hands, toting 4 XL gloves. Nicks is not afraid to go across the middle and has the ability to catch every ball thrown his way. Ramses Barden is 6’6” and 230 pounds, with basketball in his background. Don’t be surprised to see Barden used in the “green-zone” for the fade route and the jump balls.

    Bad – To state the obvious, they are both rookies. The Giants are ready to contend for the Lombardi Trophy now, and rookies rarely have impacts in their inaugural season. Both players are unproven in the NFL, and so far to this point, nobody knows what type of production they can expect.

    All Giants fans abide to the unwritten law of “In Jerry We Trust.” Jerry Reese has had great success to this point as the general manager and has made all the right moves to this point. This off season was filled with rumors and big play receivers that many people feel the Giants need if they want to stand on top of the mountain again.

    As it may seem the Giants are content with their receivers going into the 2009 season, keep in mind last off season right before training camp they dealt Jeremy Shockey after many people thought he would stay a Giant after the NFL Draft ended. If the Giants aren’t happy with what they see through training camp, don’t be surprised to see one of these big play receivers in Giants’ blue in the fall.

Brandon Marshall: Trade Demands Sound Awfully Familiar

First Jay Cutler, now Brandon Marshall?

Does anyone want to stay with the Denver Broncos anymore?

A little more than two months after Pro-Bowl quarterback Cutler was traded to the Chicago Bears his former Broncos teammate Marshall is reportedly asking out, too.

Former NFL Network and Denver Post reporter Adam Schefter reported to AM radio station 850 KOA in Denver on Monday that Marshall asked Broncos owner Pat Bowlen for a trade during a meeting Friday. Marshall was in town to talk with team officials on the first day of a mandatory mini-camp, where Marshall did participate.

Reportedly, Denver isn’t considering the possibility of dealing their star wide receiver, but, then again, they said the same thing about Cutler before he got shipped out of town.

Marshall, who caught more than 100 passes for an average of almost 1,300 yards and 7 TDs in the past two seasons, is upset with his contract and wants to renegotiate his original rookie deal.

Marshall is scheduled to make $2.2 million this season, the last year of his four-year rookie contract.

Other reports say that Marshall is upset with the direction of the team in the aftermath of the Cutler trade.

Whatever the reason is, Marshall, who has made more news this offseason for his continuing legal woes and refusal to let the Broncos medical staff to treat his injured hip, certainly looked the part of an alienated employee when he left the Broncos team facility last week with some packed boxes in tow.

Maybe Marshall just misses his old buddy Cutler and is hopeful for a reunion in Chicago.

Then again, maybe not.

The Baltimore Ravens have already been speculated as a possible trade partner. The Ravens certainly could use the WR upgrade.

Nevertheless, the last thing the Broncos need is another primadonna on their roster threatening for a trade. Especially one like Marshall, who has provided as many headaches off the field as exhilarating plays on it.

Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall Requests Trade; Sign WR Brandon Lloyd

Denver Broncos’ wide receiver Brandon Marshall has requested a trade, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Marshall reportedly is upset with his current contract with the Broncos and says he lacks trust for the Broncos’ training staff after they apparently did not notice his hip injury as early as he would have liked.

Despite what many casual observers may think, this was brought on, completely and entirely, by the begrudged wide receiver Marshall, and not Broncos management.

Marshall has skipped every Broncos offseason activity, including the mandatory one this past weekend, and met with team owner Pat Bowlen on Saturday.

According to the Denver Post, Bowlen told Marshall to go home and think about his decision to request a trade, but early indications are that Marshall will be sticking to his “guns.”

This is arguably the dumbest move by a player I have ever seen in my life. Not only is Marshall injured, but he has yet to resolve all of his legal matters. He has not participated in one practice with the Broncos’ new system.

If Marshall wants to get paid, his best option is to report to training camp on July 30th. He is already going to be fined over $35,000 for missing the mandatory three day camp, and will be fined even more if he misses training camp.

Basically, Marshall has two options:

1. Skip Training Camp, hold out for 2009, lose over $2 million (not to mention free agent value).

2. Show up to training camp, post big numbers in 2009, earn a payday next offseason

Being traded is not an option for Marshall. 

Due to his off-field incidents, recent hip surgery, the fact that he led the NFL in dropped passes last year, and the fact that he only has one year left on his contract could diminish his trade value.

Marshall needs Denver, and quite frankly, Denver needs Marshall. He adds a whole other dimension to this team’s offense with his playmaking ability.

He has posted back-to-back 100-catch seasons, and last season made his first Pro Bowl.

Still, the thought of Marshall being traded is attractive to fans of other teams, so let’s speculate. Here are some possible landing spots for the receiver (in no particular order):

 

1. Minnesota Vikings

If the Vikings want Marshall bad enough, they could give the Broncos DT Kevin Williams for him straight up. The Vikings are in hot pursuit of QB Brett Favre, and if they could obtain Marshall, it would be all the more reason for Favre to join.

 

2. Chicago Bears

The Bears sold the farm for Jay Cutler, and they have some defensive players that could get the Broncos excited. Okay, they have one defensive player that could get the Broncos excited, and that is defensive tackle Tommie Harris.

 

3.  New York Giants

The Giants cut Plaxico Burress earlier this offseason, and although they devoted some of their draft to the WR position, Marshall could still entice them. They have a plethora of defensive linemen the Broncos would love to add.

 

4. Cleveland Browns

The Browns could send the Broncos any combination of Braylon Edwards or Shaun Rogers and some draft picks.

 

To be clear, I do not think in the very least that Marshall will be traded. He has no leverage, and if Josh McDaniels and company were to give in to Marshall, it would completely negate the statement and point they made by trading Jay Cutler earlier this offseason.

 

Another Brandon catches on

Coincidence or not, the Broncos signed wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, formerly of the Chicago Bears, to a free agent contract today.

Lloyd made some big plays for the Bears in 2008, catching 26 passes for 364 yards and two touchdowns.

 

Orton Selection at QB Gives Broncos More Bang For Their Bucks

So Kyle Orton is the Denver Broncos starting quarterback. Truthfully, was there ever a doubt?

When new head coach Josh McDaniels traded Pro Bowl QB Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears in April for Orton and a plethora of draft picks there was no question that the 26-year-old Purdue product had to be the guy.

You didn’t really think that after the way the Cutler debacle went down and Denver acquired Orton in the deal that it would name Chris Simms, who came to Denver as a free agent this offseason, as the starter did you? Not that Simms is a horrible quarterback, but the former University of Texas signal-caller has played in just one game, thrown two passes for the Tennessee Titans last year and almost ended his career three years ago with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It was then, playing against the Carolina Panthers, that Simms suffered an injury that led to emergency surgery following a 26-24 loss to have his spleen removed. He has seen limited NFL action since.

While Simms has been recovering, Orton was establishing himself as a winner, even if his individual statistics weren’t the loftiest. Orton has won 21 of 33 career starts, including in 2005 when he led Chicago to an 11-5 record and first place in the NFC North. The Bears lost to the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs. He led Chicago to a 9-7 record last season, just narrowly missing the NFC playoffs.

Now, Orton might be a winner, his numbers won’t even come close to comparing to those of the man he is replacing in the Mile High City.

Orton has never thrown for 3,000 yards in a season; Cutler has averaged more than 4,000 the last two seasons. Orton, who threw for a career-best 2,972 yards and 18 scores in 2008, has a 55.3 career completion percentage; Cutler has completed 63 percent of his passes since 2007. But Orton has a winning record and has played in the playoffs. Cutler is just 17-20 as a starter, having never led Denver to a winning record since taking over as the starter at the end of the 2006 season.

Simms might make more than three times as much money as Orton – Simms signed a two-year, $6 million deal with Denver while Orton is playing for just $995,000 under his rookie deal – Orton gives the Broncos more bang for their bucks. Now he just needs the playmakers around him, something he lacked in Chicago. That said, has anyone seen Brandon Marshall lately?

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