by Max CasterThe Denver Broncos just can’t seem to get a handle on their star players. First it was Pro Bowl Quarterback Jay Cutler on the move. Now it’s Brandon Marshall who is upset.
Marshall is in search of a new contract and has not reported to mandatory minicamp. After having a meeting with Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen, Marshall was seen leaving the complex carrying packed up boxes – a possible foreshadowing of what’s to come.
The Broncos are certainly not afraid to trade away their disgruntled players; evidenced by the trading of Jay Cutler. If the right package is offered, there is a great chance that Brandon Marshall could be had in New York.
Both the Jets and Giants are in need of a wide receiver, certainly an established one like Marshall. The Jets lost their top guy when they released Laveranues Coles in late February. Plaxico Burress played that role for the Giants until he was suspended and eventually released for his infamous shooting and gun charge.
The New York Jets have a huge hole at their receiver spot. Currently, Jerricho Cotchery is the number 1. Across from him is a combination of David Clowney, Chansi Stuckey and Brad Smith – all relatively unproven products. None of those three have the size of Marshall. The largest out of the group is Smith at 6’2”, 210lbs, but is also the least experienced. This upcoming season will only be his 4th year at the position, after spending his high school and college careers as a successful quarte
rback.
The Giants fortified the vacancy left by Plaxico Burress through the NFL Draft. In the first round, they took North Carolina Product Hakeem Nicks, and traded up in the third round to take Ramses Barden of Cal-Poly. Both youngsters have the size and skill set of a top NFL wide-out. Nicks charts at 6’1”, 215lbs with a 36-inch vertical leap and unmatched strength. Barden is 6’6”, 230lbs and is a force in the redzone. He scored 50 touchdowns in 4 college seasons.
Judging by the Cutler trade and the current roster, Denver would need a wide receiver in return. Without having a solid candidate to be the starting quarterback, Denver took Kyle Orton from Chicago. Without Marshall, they would be lacking a player to step in and replicate what Marshall has done. Brandon Marshall is coming off two consecutive seasons with more than 100 receptions.
Eddie Royal had 91 catches for almost 1,000 yards in his rookie year, but that could be attributed to the attention paid to Marshall. And Jabar Gaffney & Brandon Stokley have primarily been slot receivers in recent years.
The Jets only have one receiver who is capable of doing what Marshall has done. That’s Jerricho Cotchery. Even though Cotchery is the Jets’ best receiver right now, exchanging him for Brandon Marshall would be a huge step up, regardless of who the other receivers are.
The Giants have more flexibility in this situation. Along with their two draft picks, the Giants have an assortment of proficient wide receivers. Domenik Hixon has long been rumored as trade bait after his breakout season. He was said to have drawn the interest of the Miami Dolphins leading up to the draft. Stepping in for Plaxico Burress, Hixon posted about 600 yards receiving, becoming one of Eli Manning’s favorite targets. The G-Men could probably stand giving up Barden or a defensive player, as well.
Entering his fourth year in the NFL, Marshall is scheduled to make just over $2 million. He’ll be a free agent after that. If either team acquires him, they’ll have to give him top dollar and a long-term contract – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Both the Giants and Jets should definitely explore a trade for Brandon Marshall. While it may seem unlikely, remember, if the right deal surfaces, Denver will take it. Chicago wasn’t thought of as a serious contender for Jay Cutler. Maybe Brandon Marshall will be in New York.
Marshall is in search of a new contract and has not reported to mandatory minicamp. After having a meeting with Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen, Marshall was seen leaving the complex carrying packed up boxes – a possible foreshadowing of what’s to come.
The Broncos are certainly not afraid to trade away their disgruntled players; evidenced by the trading of Jay Cutler. If the right package is offered, there is a great chance that Brandon Marshall could be had in New York.
Both the Jets and Giants are in need of a wide receiver, certainly an established one like Marshall. The Jets lost their top guy when they released Laveranues Coles in late February. Plaxico Burress played that role for the Giants until he was suspended and eventually released for his infamous shooting and gun charge.
The New York Jets have a huge hole at their receiver spot. Currently, Jerricho Cotchery is the number 1. Across from him is a combination of David Clowney, Chansi Stuckey and Brad Smith – all relatively unproven products. None of those three have the size of Marshall. The largest out of the group is Smith at 6’2”, 210lbs, but is also the least experienced. This upcoming season will only be his 4th year at the position, after spending his high school and college careers as a successful quarte
rback.The Giants fortified the vacancy left by Plaxico Burress through the NFL Draft. In the first round, they took North Carolina Product Hakeem Nicks, and traded up in the third round to take Ramses Barden of Cal-Poly. Both youngsters have the size and skill set of a top NFL wide-out. Nicks charts at 6’1”, 215lbs with a 36-inch vertical leap and unmatched strength. Barden is 6’6”, 230lbs and is a force in the redzone. He scored 50 touchdowns in 4 college seasons.
Judging by the Cutler trade and the current roster, Denver would need a wide receiver in return. Without having a solid candidate to be the starting quarterback, Denver took Kyle Orton from Chicago. Without Marshall, they would be lacking a player to step in and replicate what Marshall has done. Brandon Marshall is coming off two consecutive seasons with more than 100 receptions.
Eddie Royal had 91 catches for almost 1,000 yards in his rookie year, but that could be attributed to the attention paid to Marshall. And Jabar Gaffney & Brandon Stokley have primarily been slot receivers in recent years.
The Jets only have one receiver who is capable of doing what Marshall has done. That’s Jerricho Cotchery. Even though Cotchery is the Jets’ best receiver right now, exchanging him for Brandon Marshall would be a huge step up, regardless of who the other receivers are.
The Giants have more flexibility in this situation. Along with their two draft picks, the Giants have an assortment of proficient wide receivers. Domenik Hixon has long been rumored as trade bait after his breakout season. He was said to have drawn the interest of the Miami Dolphins leading up to the draft. Stepping in for Plaxico Burress, Hixon posted about 600 yards receiving, becoming one of Eli Manning’s favorite targets. The G-Men could probably stand giving up Barden or a defensive player, as well.
Entering his fourth year in the NFL, Marshall is scheduled to make just over $2 million. He’ll be a free agent after that. If either team acquires him, they’ll have to give him top dollar and a long-term contract – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Both the Giants and Jets should definitely explore a trade for Brandon Marshall. While it may seem unlikely, remember, if the right deal surfaces, Denver will take it. Chicago wasn’t thought of as a serious contender for Jay Cutler. Maybe Brandon Marshall will be in New York.
after not going for braylon edwards or anquan boldin, there is no way the Giants make a move for a complete headcase like Marshall. Seems that they are content with their group now.
ReplyDeleteMaybe, but I think it's safe to say that Marshall is way better than those two. So that changes things.
ReplyDeleteit's close, I wouldn't say he's "way better".
ReplyDelete