Top 5 Trade Destinations for Brandon Marshall

The Denver Broncos have most likely already received trade inquiries about star wide receiver Brandon Marshall, many see this star player a lost cause in the Denver areas and expect him to be released any day. In all likelihood the Broncos would want to bring back their top pass catcher for the 2010 season but know that cutting the ties with Marshall is a smarter move, instead of trying reconcile any outstanding issues in hopes of a long term contract and dealing with weekly headaches through the media.  If however the Broncos do decide the best case scenario would be to unload Marshall, as they did with Cutler, then they would be looking for certain criteria from trade partners.

First off the Broncos would be reluctant to trade Marshall within the AFC and extremely reluctant to trade him within their own division.  Therefore, this first criterion would eliminate half of the NFL teams.   Second, and most importantly, Denver would try and get as much as they can for a player who can dominate on any given Sunday.   There are not many NFC teams with a possible need at WR and the desire to pull off a trade for Marshall.

Below is a listing of the top five NFC teams that could make a run at acquiring Brandon Marshall.  The analysis of each team includes the teams current offensive situation along with the teams picks within the first four rounds of the upcoming 2010 draft.

5)  St Louis Rams – The Rams are arguably the worst team in the NFL, but imagine what their skilled positions would look like if they were to pull off a trade for Marshall?  With Marshall on board defenses would have to respect Marshalls abilities and this in turn would open up the running game for Steven Jackson.  In all likelihood the Rams will use a draft pick on a quarterback or acquire a veteran during the offseason.  Marshall would surely help any quarterback succeed as the receivers currently on their roster are not up to par with Marshall and will undoubtedly need more time to develop.  The Rams hold the #1 overall pick in the draft, which would never be used in a trade with Denver.  However, the Rams also hold the 1st pick in rounds 2 through 4 and a possible high second rounder or combination of other picks could be used to bring Marshall to town.

4) Chicago Bears – The Bears made a big trade with Denver last year for Jay Cutler, so there is a bit of history between the teams in which a trade could be possible.  The Bears have a new offensive coordinator in Mike Martz whom likes to throw the ball.  Adding Marshall to the team would not only open up the offense, but it would make Martz and Cutler very happy.  The Bears current receivers would make great compliments opposite Marshall.  However, the Bears do not have the fire power in draft picks this year to pull off a trade.  They hold the 11th overall picks in rounds 3 and 4, but let’s not forget the Bears did deal a future pick in the Cutler trade.  So, don’t underestimate the Bears willingness to package draft picks from the 2010 draft along with picks in 2011. A late round pick this year and a pick that based on Marshalls 2010 performance would be a great trade.

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Bucs thought they had their number one receiver in Antonio Bryant after his breakout season two years ago.  However, Bryant battled injuries last season and still has to prove he can play at a high level once again.  The Bucs have a young quarterback, in Josh Johnson, who could use the addition of a solid number one wide receiver to his advantage.   The Bucs need a lot of help across the board, but have a strong need for defensive players that could make them decide to hold onto their draft picks.  The best thing the Bucs have going for them is the fact that they have four picks within the first four rounds.  Specifically, the Bucs have the 3rd overall pick in rounds 1 through 4 and the 10th overall pick in round 2.  So, the Buccaneers do have the fire power to pull off such a trade it’s only a matter of the team deciding if Marshall would be a good fit.

2) Seattle Seahawks – The Seahawks are in a bit of a rebuilding with new coach Pete Carroll taking over the team.  As of now all signs point to the Seahawks sticking with Hasselbeck at QB and keeping their current running backs as the main ball carriers.  Most people will point to the fact that Seattle signed Houshmandzadeh to a contract last year, but take a look at Houshmandzadeh’s numbers and it is apparent he needs a playmaker opposite him for optimal success.  Having Marshall join the team would increase receptions for Housh as he would now be drawing coverage from opposing team’s number two defensive back.  Much like he did in his days in Cincinnati with Chad playing opposite him.  The Seahawks have the draft picks in this year’s draft to pull off a trade.

1) Washington Redskins – The Redskins have a new head coach who has had some success with Brandon Marshall lining up on the outside in his complex offense.  That coach is Mike Shanahan.  Shanahan would love to see Marshall once again as his unquestioned number one receiver.  The Redskins have an aging Santana Moss on the team along with some unproven youngsters in Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas.  With Jason Campbell or even a possible rookie at the helm the Redskins would no doubt benefit from the addition of Marshall.  Shanahan has proven that he likes to throw to the tight end, so the addition of Marshall will greatly increase the value of Chris Cooley.   The Redskins hold the 4th overall pick in round 1 followed by the 5th overall pick in rounds 2 and 4.  Keep in mind that the Redskins are an organization unafraid to make a move as they once tried to trade for Chad Ochocinco a few years back, which would have send two first rounder’s to Cincy.  Expect the Redskins to inquire about Marshall and if a trade were to happen my expectation is it would be for multiple picks from this year’s draft and into the future.