“There are no discussions whatsoever taking place between the Denver Broncos and any team in the National Football League regarding Brandon Marshall,” Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said. “We are looking forward to having Brandon back on the sixth of September and starting our preparation for Cincinnati with him.”

About an hour later, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Broncos were interested in New York Jets middle linebacker David Harris, and that two sources confirmed the interest.

As it is understood by Schefter, the Broncos would like a player who can help them this season, as well as a draft pick that will help them next season and beyond.

Marshall’s unofficial asking price was a first and a fourth round pick, so a trade return of Harris and a third round pick would be enticing to the Broncos, especially for a player that has serious attitude issues.

 

Projected Trade

Jets get

WR Brandon Marshall

Broncos get

MLB David Harris

2010 third round pick

 

This seems like a very even trade for both sides. The Jets get a premier wide receiver for rookie Mark Sanchez to sling the ball to, and the Broncos continue to revamp their defense with a young, up-and-coming linebacker and a high draft pick in 2010.

Acquiring an extra third round pick would also equip the Broncos to move up in the 2010 NFL Draft if they so choose.

Still, this trade seems unlikely. McDaniels’ statements could be seen as a smokescreen, as he said roughly the same thing about quarterback Jay Cutler.

If the Broncos deal Marshall, it would be upsetting on multiple levels. Not only would they have given in to his petty demands, but they would also be sending a message to the other players on the team that all they have to do is throw a temper tantrum and they can leave.

I still believe the best option for the Broncos is to keep Marshall for the 2009 season and trade him next offseason.

It is a gamble, but one they have to take.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Sponsored Links

Buy Denver Broncos Tickets, NFL Tickets, Football Tickets and Sports Tickets at StubPass.com.

BroncosZone Latest

• The Denver Broncos Must Face Their New Reality
• Denver Broncos: The Beginning of a New Era, Or The Beginning of the End?
• Hey Denver, Where’s the Love for Josh McDaniels?
• Josh McDaniels Is the Poster Boy for “Too Much, Too Soon”
• Denver Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall: “I Love Being a Bronco”