Will Seattle finally
get its true no. 1
wideout?
It appears the early rumors of Seattle's interest in Broncos WR Brandon Marshall were true. The 25-year-old restricted free agent is heading to Seattle Saturday to talk about a potential deal.
The Broncos gave Marshall a first-round tender, meaning that if Seattle signs him to a long-term deal then they would have to give up their no. 6 pick unless they agreed to other terms. Denver would also have an opportunity to match Seattle's offer to Marshall.
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With Burleson gone, the move makes sense since Seattle currently has no true starting WR who can stretch the field. Also, they really don't have an NFL caliber no. 1 wideout at all. Offensive Coordinator Jeremy Bates also worked with Marshall in Denver for the 2007 season and knows what he's capable of.
Marshall has accumulated three consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons while racking up 23 touchdowns those years.
Considering Marshall's youth and talent level, the acquisition of Marshall would seemingly be a no-brainer for Seattle. Some may argue that a no. 6 pick at this point is to important to Seattle to give up. However, keep in mind the bust-rate in the draft. Marshall is a sure thing. Would the no. 6 pick pan out to be better than Marshall? Unlikely.
However, there is an X-factor to all of this: Marshall's off field issues. He's been arrested numerous times, including for suspicion of DUI and domestic violence.
He was also suspended by his own team more than once last season for "detrimental conduct," as Broncos HC Josh McDaniels put it, which really amounted to Marshall's unhappiness with his current contract.
He's also been suspended by the league for those transgressions.
Marshall was drafted 119 overall in the 2006 draft and managed 308 yards and two touchdowns his rookie season. He exploded his sophomore year, with more than 1,300 yards and seven touchdowns.
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
