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?

Denver Broncos’ Receiver Brandon Marshall Requests Trade

In the name of Jay Cutler, what the heck is happening in Denver?

After a meeting with owner Pat Bowlen on Friday, Brandon Marshall emerged with trade demands. The story was originally reported by NFL insider, Adam Schefter, who is generally an extremely reliable source.

Marshall has been griping about not wanting Denver’s medical staff to treat his injured hip for some time now, and the word has been out for even longer than he is unhappy with his contract.

After the way Josh McDaniels and co. treated his former quarterback, he has reason to be in a fit.

Marshall has had off-field problems since he’s been in Denver, but they risk has been worth the reward the past two seasons, as Marshall as notched at least 102 catches, 1,100 yards, and 6 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons.

It’s debatable whether or not Marshall will be as effective in a new offense and without Jay Cutler, but it is still very unwise for Denver management to be treating this manner so carelessly.

Owner pat Bowlen has reportedly asked Marshall to go home and think about the request some more, in an effort to calm the receiver and hopefully have him change his mind.

Marshall appears intent on getting out of Denver, however, as he was fairly upset over the treatment and subsequent trade of Cutler, and is now experiencing his own form of mistreatment with the new regime.

If Marshall does in fact become available, which is the absolute last thing Denver wants to happen, Chicago would clearly be a favorite to vie for his services. However, considering his talent and young age (25), Marshall would be an extremely hot commodity, and would simply go to the highest bidder.

There’s no doubt he would be dealt out of the division, as well, and possibly even out of the AFC.

This will be rookie coach Josh McDaniels’ second angry Pro Bowler and potential loss in his first off-season at the helm, which already doesn’t bode well for his prospects toward returning for a second season, let alone finishing 2009 on a good note.

It’s still to early to grind out a definitive answer or possible end result between the two sides, but like the Cutler situation, this doesn’t appear to be something that will go away by Brandon Marshall merely “sleeping” on it.

Denver Broncos: State of the Franchise—2009

With that lanyard swinging and the hoodie dangling from his shoulders, new Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels looks like the spitting image of his mentor Bill Belichick. Perhaps he should have paid more attention to the team management talk, rather than the fashion statement conversations.

McDaniels was known for his offensive genius in engineering the highest-scoring offense in NFL history, as well as nurturing the young and inexperienced Matt Cassel into a viable starter.

Apparently, his genius applies to the playbooks and not to the management of a team.

Only weeks after his arrival in Denver, he began trying to court the Patriots for Matt Cassel. The shockwaves of Jay Cutler’s fury were felt in the media for a month and then some, until he was finally traded to Chicago.

Now, McDaniels will once again get to prove his ability as a coordinator in an offense that lacks a franchise quarterback, a stable offensive line, and a consistent/proven running back.

 

The Offense

According to Josh McDaniels, Kyle Orton is the No. 1 quarterback as of right now, but that job is still up for grabs to lifetime pine-rider Chris Simms.

“I promise you this: the best quarterback we have on our roster will be starting on September 13th in Cincinatti. I don’t know who that’s going to be, but as of right now that’s Kyle,” said McDaniels recently.

Orton was a statistical surprise in Chicago for the first seven weeks of the 2008 season (prior to his knee injury), completing an average of 62.2% of his passes and throwing for 1,669 yards. On that pace, he would have gone over 3,500 yards with no viable No .1 receiving option.

Now, with McDaniels’ offensive wizardry and a more distinguished group of targets, Orton hopes to have even more success.

He will need to get good, or even great, protection from the offensive line to survive. Though Jay Cutler was only sacked 11 times last year, he is a much more mobile quarterback than Orton, whose mobility may even be decreased following the knee injury.

In terms of the running game, they still managed to produce respectable numbers despite being near the bottom of the league in total rushing attempts, a product of their pass-happy offense last year.

At an average of 4.8 yards per carry and with 15 total rushing touchdowns, the Broncos produced a legitimate running game even through inconsistency at the position. They started five different running backs over the course of last season, and by the end of the season they had placed six on injured reserve.

After taking Knowshon Moreno in the first round of the 2009 draft and picking up former Patriots running back Lamont Jordan, McDaniels has addressed the strength and durability issue at running back.

But did they do too much with their running game and not enough anywhere else?

Though many of their running backs were injured last season, they failed to address more pressing issues on defense.

One of the Broncos many offensive strengths last season was their line. Their list of starters last season possesses unheralded (and unknown) names like Ben Hamilton, Chris Kuper, Ryan Harris, and Ryan Clady. Their center, Casey Wiegmann, was one of three Pro Bowlers from last season’s offensive squad. The other two were Brandon Marshall, and of course, Jay Cutler.

How did McDaniels choose to address this? They took a few late-round fliers on Iowa guard Seth Olsen, who has potential no doubt, but is hardly the type of guy who can be stuck in the starting line-up on day one.

Perhaps he’s hoping that he can develop the talent much like New England did with their offensive line, only one of whom was a first-round draft pick (Logan Mankins).

I would anticipate a spread-based attack from the Denver Broncos, and I would expect McDaniels to employ a lot of the offensive strategies he used in New England; a lot of short dump passes and slants to Eddie Royal, a speedy Kevin Faulk-like running back in Moreno, who has experience in a pro-style offense and can catch passes out of the backfield.

 

The Defense

The production of the defense was downright abominable last season. They ranked 30th overall in yards allowed and 29th overall in points allowed.

A lot of this has been attributed to a lack of pressure up front. They only generated 26 sacks, the eighth lowest total in the league. They drafted Tennessee’s Robert Ayers in the first round, an outside linebacker who came on strong over his last two seasons with seven sacks and nearly 100 tackles.

Other than that, they did nothing to bolster their pass rush. They had draft picks in every round, and failed to use a single one of them on a defensive lineman.

Their secondary, which featured the highly regarded names of Champ Bailey and Dre Bly, generated only generated six interceptions. It was second lowest in the league only to the 0-and-16 Detroit Lions. They addressed this issue by picking up two defensive backs in the second round, Alphonso Smith and Darcel McBath.

Alphonso Smith is more of a cover corner, but he’s only 5’9”, and at that stature may never become a true shutdown corner; although he could be a good option as a nickel corner. McBath, on the other hand, isn’t as great in coverage, but he converted from corner and has great range, making him a good developmental prospect at safety.

But how can they expect to generate any interceptions with the front seven failing to create any pressure?

The Broncos woeful miseries in the running game are well-documented; they allowed 2,337 yards and 26 touchdowns, good for third worst in the league. With so many weaknesses on defense, the failure to address most of those spots could come back to haunt them.

Josh McDaniels must really be hoping that his defense can drastically turn their dismal performance from last season around. How they hope to do that without any drastic improvements in personnel remains to be seen.

 

Chances of Winning This Year

It’s hard to say exactly how good of a chance the Denver Broncos have in the 2009 season. In such a historically weak division of the AFC West, and in this day and age of free agency, it’s anyone’s ball game (though it’s hard to imagine the Raiders winning, isn’t it?)

Offensively, they have a handful of weapons; Eddie Royal came on strong in his rookie year, Brandon Marshall has continued to develop despite off-field issues, Tony Scheffler continues to create mismatches for opposing linebackers, and the presence of rookie Knowshon Moreno could add a whole new dimension to the offense.

But who will be starting at quarterback? And more importantly, how will they perform?

With two inconsistent quarterbacks in Kyle Orton and Chris Simms, the Broncos have taken a drastic turn from a certain future with franchise quarterback Jay Cutler to a former Rex Grossman back-up, and a guy who hasn’t started a meaningful game in almost three years.

As far as the quarterbacking is concerned, it seems McDaniels is going to rely on his ability to mold a quarterback to fit his system, as he did with Matt Cassel last year in New England.

Even if their offense produces spectacularly like they did last season, it will all mean nothing if Denver’s porous defense continues to perform as poorly as they did in 2008. With such dismal play all season long, and no real improvements in terms of personnel, they’ll be hard-pressed to turn things around.

But let’s not count them out; they are professional athletes, and they get paid to play the sport for a reason: they’re pretty good at it. It may just take a bit more overachieving on their part to create an impact, but the Broncos could do it in 2009.

 

Chances of Winning In The Future

We know the short-term success of Josh McDaniels’ ability as a tutor; he took lifetime bench-boy Matt Cassel, and made him into a surefire starter. 

The team has become a backlog of youth over the past few years. They helped their depth issues at a few key roster spots in the draft, especially in the secondary, where they selected three prospective rookies.

I’ve used a lot of adjectives for Denver’s defense, from dismal to abominable, but regardless of how their defense is described, it was downright disappointing for Denver fans from beginning to bitter end last season.

Quite frankly, it’s not a problem that could have been fixed all at once anyway; that many holes on one side of the ball can’t be upgraded or improved upon in one off-season. So they did what any organization would do: draft the best players they think are available and hope for the best.

The success of the Denver Broncos franchise relies largely on the teams ability to develop their young talent.

With so much potential talent on their team, good coaching will breed success in the franchise for years to come.

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