Rumors about Marshall begin

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who held out of the team’s three-day mini-camp this weekend, has asked for a trade, according to ex-NFL Network analyst Adam Schefter.

Marshall, who is in the final year of his four-year rookie deal, is scheduled to earn nearly $2.2 million in 2009.  That means that 58 receivers make more than the ultra-productive receiver who’s developing an appreciation for the intricacies of the U.S. legal system.

That is the problem with Marshall.  Is the risk worth the reward?

What you get on the field (back-to-back seasons with 100+ receptions and 1,000+ receiving yards) is offset by a series of altercations that have led to the creation of a “Legal Troubles” section on his Wikipedia page.

So, as the Broncos have been reluctant to extend Marshall’s contract, they just might be willing to consider granting him his request.

That brings me to why I’m posting on this topic on a Baltimore Ravens’ blog.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes, “…rumors are flying in some circles that Marshall could land in Baltimore.”

Of course, as Florio points out, an obvious destination for Marshall, a.k.a. “Baby T.O.,” would be to reunite with his former cry-baby quarterback in Chicago.  If Cutler and the Bears are/were interested in Plaxico Burress, who had his gun-charge case adjourned until September 23rd, it would make sense that they pursue Marshall, who doesn’t (currently) face the likelihood imprisonment that Plex faces.

But Florio points out that it may cost a team a first- and a third-round pick similar to what the Cowboys gave up last year to acquire Roy Williams from Detroit.  If that’s the case, the Bears may fall short as they gave up their first-round pick in this and next year’s drafts to get Cutler.

So, should the Ravens enter the fray should Marshall become available?

Last year, the Ravens led the NFL in rushing attempts (37 per game) and they finished fourth in rushing yards (148.5 yards per game).

The Ravens scored more points (24.1 per game) and had more total offense (324 yards per game) than any other AFC North offense in 2008.  But they were eighth of 16 in total offense in the AFC.

While I think Mark Clayton is poised for a breakout, 1000-yard type of season, Derrick Mason, the team’s leading receiver in 2008, isn’t getting any younger and is coming off a surgery that may or may not put the season opener in jeopardy.

“You never know with Superman,” Mason said. “I can come out with the cape and it could be the first day or the second week. You never know, but I’m optimistic that when it’s time to play, I’ll be able to play whenever it is. I’ll be able to play when we play Kansas City.”

Adding a legitimate No. 1 receiver to go along with the development of Joe Flacco, the Ravens’ franchise QB, would elevate the Ravens’ offense closer to the top of the AFC.  It would force opposing defenses to play the Ravens offense more honestly.

And the Ravens have the type of locker room where strong leaders like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed could keep Brandon Marshall in line (at least, on the field).

Tags: Brandon Marshall