Stepping away from the ledge; Brandon Marshall's situation typical

by John Bena on Jun 15, 2009 11:15 AM MDT in 2009 Off-Season Comment 52 comments

Another wild weekend in Broncos Country. June is supposed to be a dead zone when it comes to the NFL. Sure, there are OTAs, some minicamp workouts and a slow trickle of draft-pick signings, but usually we are counting the days until late July and Training Camp. Not in Denver, where each week has seemingly brought a new dilemma.

This past weekend saw Denver's mandatory minicamp overshadowed by the official beginning of a Brandon Marshall holdout. Immediately, Broncos fans everywhere, in unison, said "Here we go again". With many fans still stinging from the Jay Cutler trade, a potential Brandon Marshall divorce has many fans on the ledge anxiously waiting to see whether they will jump. Rest easy Broncos fans, or at least know the facts before making your fateful decision.

First, let's just stop comparing what is happening with Brandon Marshall and what went down with Cutler. This is a completely different deal, with completely different motivations. There is plenty all over this site describing what went down with Cutler, so we won't dig up the dead horse to beat it again. With Marshall, however, here are my thoughts on what is happening and what the resolution will be...

Yes, Brandon Marshall is choosing to stay away, "hold out" if you will, and yes, I think it is a horrible mistake. It's easy to blame Josh McDaniels or the Broncos, especially with everything that has transpired this offseason. This situation, however, has very little to do with McDaniels and the Broncos, and everything to do with a player looking to cash in.

I can't say I really disagree with Marshall's action, at least the idea of wanting a new deal. There is a lot of uncertainty in terms of labor negotiations, and with Marshall on and off the field. While all the players involved in the CBA seem to be saying the right things, talking of how positive they are that a deal will get done, no one in the NFL can rest easy until it happens. Guys like Marshall are in an unenviable position. Instead of looking forward to UNRESTRICTED Free Agency and the riches it could hold, if the league goes uncapped guys like Marshall would have to play 2 extra years under RESTRICTED status before gaining their freedom. In a violent sport, where your career could end on any given play, 32 games + preseason + practices = huge risk.

Of course, Marshall carries two other risks as well. First, there are the off-field transgressions. No matter what the outcome, no matter what the real truth is, Marshall has a stigma around him and is a speeding ticket away from missing significant time due to suspension. Like it or not, fair or not, the Broncos HAVE TO TAKE the off-field risks involving Marshall into account when considering the type of investment Marshall's on-field play would demand.

If that weren't enough, Marshall has ON-FIELD risks as well. The double-whammy. Marshall has now spent the past two offseasons rehabbing from serious injuries instead of getting ready to play football. There is a difference. To Marshall's credit, his performance last year coming off the arm injury was amazing, considering the fact he missed most of the offseason work, and the first game of the season. This year, however, it is a troublesome hip that required surgery. Until Brandon goes full speed, we really won't know if the injury will have any lasting effects. Like the off-field risks, the Broncos HAVE TO TAKE the injury concerns into account when considering the type of investment Marshall's on-field play would demand.

By themselves, each risk would be enough to give a team cause for concern. Any deal with Marshall comes with both. A huge risk, indeed.

Marshall and his representatives know all of this as well. They knew it would look nuts for him to hold out with such a cloud surrounding him. Their solution? Blame the Broncos medical staff for misdiagnosing Marshall's hip problems. By blaming the Broncos, Marshall is trying to cancel out the injury concerns, by basically telling the Broncos he will rehab on his own unless the Broncos give him some guarantees (money). On paper, it makes sense. If the Broncos want Brandon Marshall to entrust his future in the hands of the Denver medical staff, he wants the Broncos to entrust him with a new deal. Because the pieces fit so well together, I have a hard time believing Brandon's explanation, at least in terms of the two MRIs.

Does that mean Marshall is lying? Not necessarily. Marshall says he received an MRI before the season, then again around Week 6. He was told everything was fine, and played the rest of the year. For 10 more games, Marshall played at a solid level. The pressure was there to play of course, with the Broncos battling for the playoffs, and players play hurt all the time. Injured players do not, however, and we'll never know for sure which category Brandon fell into.

Don't forget that Marshall was scrutinized his rookie year by Mike Shanahan for nursing a quad injury. Shanahan essentially called Marshall out to the media. Marshall came back and played well before the knee injury forced him out of the preseason. Whether Marshall was motivated by that, or if Shanny was unsure of how injured Marshall really was, the fact remains that Marshall played.

There are other motivations for Marshall to get paid now, and it does have to do with the new coach. Marshall did put up huge numbers the past two years, and he is as talented as anyone. Don't forget, however, that no receiver was targeted more than #15 was last season, and Jay Cutler would lock onto Marshall, to a fault, in most key situations. One thing we know about Josh McDaniels, the ball is going to get spread around. Add to it the change at QB, and it is highly unlikely that Marshall puts up the type of numbers in 2009, his contract year, that he did in 2007 and 2008. Marshall knows this, and his people know that teams are looking for every reason NOT to pay someone.

Brandon Marshall stands to lose money in either case.

Let's say everything falls into place in 2009 for Marshall. He plays, the CBA gets done AND Marshall puts up huge numbers. The Broncos could easily tag Marshall, make him their franchise player, and keep him for another year. Sure, Marshall would get a huge raise, but he would still be without the long-term security players covet, he'd be a year older, with whatever wear and tear he absorbed in 2009, and still carrying the 'off-field issues' cloud along with him.

There really isn't a situation, other than a huge contract extension now, in which Marshall comes out a winner. A tough situation, indeed, but completely part of the business of football.

So, all that in mind, Brandon decided to stay away from minicamp. He discussed his situation with Pat Bowlen, and left carrying several boxes. That led several in the MSM to proclaim Marshall may have played his last game as a Bronco. Those boxes, of course, were not his locker belongings, but likely his mail.

Let's face the facts. Brandon Marshall was not going to practice this weekend anyway, and Marshall knows that the off-field cloud is not going to leave him anytime soon. The only real way for Brandon Marshall to get what he wants (money), is to come into camp healthy and ready to go. The Broncos may fine Marshall $35K, chump change for a player that will make $2.2 million and move on. This won't become a circus like the Cutler deal, and Marshall will report for camp and play football, because it is the only way he can get what he wants.

Of course, there are now reports circulating that Brandon Marshall wants to be traded and let his wishes be known to Pat Bowlen on Friday. People will say that the way the Broncos handled the Jay Cutler situation has given other players the formula for getting out of town. Note to Marshall -- the rules for QBs are a bit different. See (Johnson, Chad). The Broncos can let you rot on the sidelines. Marshall has no leverage.

I know as Broncos fans we are all on edge. I know the last thing we all wanted to see was another offensive weapon disgruntled. These things happen in the NFL, however, and the best thing for the Broncos and us to do is sit back, stay calm, and let things work themselves out on their own. #15 will be in town when it counts.

9 recs | Comment 52 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I love the Beast

but he needs to stop fumbling and score more TDs before he starts cashing checks

and keep out of trouble

by lolcopter on Jun 15, 2009 11:20 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

That was a good write-up.

Thanks for the calming voice Guru. The news with Brandon definitely bummed me out on the Broncos this weekend. Still, a reassuring voice from someone like yourself helps. I’m off the ledge for now.

by NedBronco on Jun 15, 2009 11:36 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the rationale Guru

With the 12th pick, the Broncos select Knowshon Moreno - Roger Goodell
That'll move the chains - Andy Samberg

by KaptainKirk on Jun 15, 2009 11:40 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope your right.....

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

by Tim Lynch on Jun 15, 2009 12:03 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I completely agree with this

and think a lot of people are freaking out too much on this topic.

by gnarlybroncodude on Jun 15, 2009 12:06 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Guru,

Just a side note here, do you think if the NFL fined players more for missing mandatory camps etc. that there would be less players holding out. I agree and I’m sure B-marsh agrees that to him $32k is chump change. I think in reality we all loose here. If B-Marsh ends up signing an extension; we now have our #1 wide reciever behind in the playbook and behind on the “details” as Rod Smith put it. Also he has given the media more reasons to label him as “risky” overhyped player, looses the leadership qualities in the locker room, and gives fans a reason to like him less. Then of course if it goes to far, we loose even more if he is traded.

Now to the point, lets say the fine is 6 figures+. Marsh will no longer think this is chump change, he will most likely show up for mandatory camps, meetings, and everything else. He can still let the Broncos know how unhappy he is, but now its behind closed doors where only he and management knows about it. Not only that, but he’s with the team learning the new system, the “details” while no one on the outside knows a thing.

"Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for to many men on the field?" - Jim Bouton

by diviesti on Jun 15, 2009 12:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I believe the fines

are part of the CBA. I don’t see the players conceding on that issue unless the owners concede something else. A lot of fans don’t realize that most of the leagues power is actually vested in the CBA. Without a new CBA the league doesn’t have to power to discipline players, levy fines for hits, etc.

by SlowWhiteGuy on Jun 15, 2009 12:35 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it's in the best interest of the teams

to be able to fine a player enough to really hurt him. It seems to me it’s just part of the game. It’s the fans who don’t understand, because they think the player is wrong for holding out and the team should punish them to discourage that kind of behavior. In truth it’s not to their advantage to piss off their stars to the point where they’ll be damned if they’ll ever play for that team again once their contract runs out. If the coach doesn’t win he’s out of a job, too, and both he and the players know that.

"In the empty spaces - lacunae, vacuums, pauses, voids, black holes - new things begin. We are born anew from the unexplored space, the badlands, the outlaw territory." - Sam Keen

by spock on Jun 15, 2009 1:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

And it's not really in the NFL's best interest to completely eliminate holdouts, either.

I remember a few years ago when the NFL page on espn.com or si.com might have the same 6 headlines for 2 or 3 days in a row during the middle of June. My productivity soared, but I was bored out of my mind! Now we’ve got plenty to discuss and plenty of reasons to tune in to NFL Total Access.

This part of the off season may be a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing (to borrow a little Shakespeare), and it’s certainly frustrating. But remember – it’s only a matter of weeks until we’re all calling in sick to work with a severe case of acute trainingcampitis!

Belief is accepting something because you’ve been convinced to do so, whether you like it or not. Faith is accepting something because you want to accept it.

by Hercules Rockefeller on Jun 15, 2009 1:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree to an extent

IMO when a player holds out it will cost the team just as much as it costs the player. They make mandatory camps for a reason. The coach’s need to know where the team is, and they also need the players to be at a certain level before preseason training camp begins. Lets say Marsh signs an extension and is happy again. Now when preseason rolls around he will behind everyone else delaying the implementation of the new system.(btw getting paid #1 money, and getting advice from the #4 reciever) It may seem small right now but when game time rolls around we need everyone on the same page.

"Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for to many men on the field?" - Jim Bouton

by diviesti on Jun 15, 2009 4:13 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great rational write-up.

I think he’ll be back with a new contract that is very conditional. The way the Broncos protected themseleves with Arrington’s contract leads me to believe that a contract written for Marshall at this time will probably have injury wavers and will definitely have off-the-field wavers. At this point he has lots to gain and deserves the chance, and lots to lose and the Broncos should be allowed some conditions.
That said he will be a Bronco next season. He’ll have fewer yards because he won’t be Orton’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reciever option, but he’ll have more TD’s because Orton can actually score in the Red Zone.

"My job description is to win football games. I'm a hard worker. I'm not flashy by any means, but my job is to play football and win and I plan to do that." Kyle Orton

by odarol on Jun 15, 2009 12:31 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the rational look at this

However, I only have this disagreement. I’m not sure its about blaming the medical staff, but rather having genuine distrust. I mean, Rod Smith suffered the same type of hip injury, and couldn’t recover under their watch. Jay Cutler whittled away 30lbs late in 07, and they couldn’t diagnose what was wrong with him. And how many groin pulls did the team suffer last year? The track record for the medical staff isn’t stellar, and if I were a professional athlete under their care, I would be wary as well. I’m just not sure that Brandon Marshall is using them as a scapegoat.
I’m trying to express that I don’t like holdouts, either. Marshall has his off-field stigma, and I try to understand why everyone holds it against him. I’m from the school of ‘Forgive and Move On’. He was suspended last year, meaning he paid his debt. He left the person giving him all the reasons to get in trouble, and he is making an effort to improve his life.
I guess I’m the minority here, though.

No inspirational quote here, just this...GO BRONCOS!!!

by Zogernaut on Jun 15, 2009 12:52 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I think in most aspects of life

you are right on your Forgive and Move On mantra. The reality with professional sports is that the problems Marshall is experiencing off the field compound upon each other. The league doesn’t subscribe to the Forgive and Move On mantra, so I don’t think we should either, if we care about the Broncos. The league will always look at a player’s past when looking at their present and that past can, and will, play just as vital a role in how punishment is dished out.

by adamriggs on Jun 15, 2009 1:28 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice to hear some common sense, Guru

It sounds like you’re saying he’s not being terribly smart in holding out, not that he’s morally derelict because “he signed a contract.” As has been pointed out several times in other threads, contracts are no more sacred to the front offices than to the players. If a player underperforms rather than outperforms his salary the club will hold a gun to his head and he will “agree” to a smaller contract. Just ask Tomlinson. The only leverage a player has is the threat of withholding his services. I don’t blame him for using it. I doubt the team does either. It’s the fans, not the businessmen running this league, who get all hot and bothered by this sort of thing.

The real question is, what strategy should he be following? There’s more to being a receiver than catching passes — I love seeing Marshall flatten opposing players while clearing the way for running backs and fellow receivers — and McDaniels knows this, too. Marshall should clarify with McDaniels that he’ll be judged by how much he helps the team, not just by how many passes he catches. He may already have done so. If McDaniels is smart (!) he’s judging players that way and will have a better team as a result. And Marshall, if reassured on that score, should be the best player he can be according to what McDaniels wants and trust that it’ll be worth it to McDaniels to make him happy. Happens all the time. Player holds out, fans freak out, team eventually gives player a new contract and there’s no hard feelings. It’s a business!

I’m also glad to see you debunking the notion that this is CutlerGate take two. Cutler wanted out. Marshall just wants to be paid what he thinks he’s worth. He’s not playing the kinds of games Jay played. He wasn’t unwilling to sit down with Bowlen (and I hope they had a good talk). If his hip heals he’s worth much more than the (fourth round?) rookie contract he signed. It’s not an ideal situation for him, as you pointed out, but it is what it is and is at least partly due to his own immaturity. He can do a lot to make himself more valuable to the Broncos just by growing up and not being a constant distraction. Other than that, all he can do is heal and play well, and if he does all that I hope he gets the payday he’s looking for.

"In the empty spaces - lacunae, vacuums, pauses, voids, black holes - new things begin. We are born anew from the unexplored space, the badlands, the outlaw territory." - Sam Keen

by spock on Jun 15, 2009 12:53 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

definitely not a morality issue

I like your point that he’s not morally derelict for wanting a new contract. Sure, he signed a contract. but that doesn’t mean that he can’t ask for more. personally, I’d like more $$ at my work also, and I’m free to ask for it at any time (and my boss is free to laugh in my face, too). It’s commonly accepted that a sucessfull young player can renegotiate his contract during the last year of his rookie contract, so I don’t see the big deal. my guess is they’re all playing a game here, posturing for leverage.

My humble prediction is he misses a few days of training camp (just enough to squeeze that last little bit extra out of the new contract, but not enough to really piss anyone off) and signs a deal that structured creatively to give the Broncos some protection for the risks invovled while rewarding Marshall for his production.

Belief is accepting something because you’ve been convinced to do so, whether you like it or not. Faith is accepting something because you want to accept it.

by Hercules Rockefeller on Jun 15, 2009 1:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Vocie of Reason Guru as always

Time will tell how this shakes down, but you have provided excellent information on what the Broncos have to consider and the baggage that BMarsh is bringing to camp. Let’s sit back and let it unfold.

I found this quote that might help MHR faithful to understand what we Bronco Fans have been going through this year and not one game played this season.

The ( )s are my emphasis, please feel free to insert your favorite MSM, Newsrag, or Football Talking Head.

“If you don’t read the newspaper (Media ) you are uniformed, if you do read the newspaper (Media ) you are misinformed. – Mark Twain.

Go Broncos

Coach, I am Hurt, Not Dead - Remember the Titans

by Halfmile on Jun 15, 2009 1:03 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Great quote!

"In the empty spaces - lacunae, vacuums, pauses, voids, black holes - new things begin. We are born anew from the unexplored space, the badlands, the outlaw territory." - Sam Keen

by spock on Jun 15, 2009 1:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Changes for Players

wow…you make a totally awesome point…that the new system means…maybe…totally different numbers for the players…i bet one of the brainiancs at mhr might make a guess at what its gonna mean for everyone.

so…like
1. the highest catch receivers get fewer catches…who knows about the yards…maybe more tds?
2. the lowest catch receivers get more catches
3. the running backs get fewer carries (just like last year on on purpose this time)

what else i wonder?

MHR...and proud of it!

by MHRsGirl on Jun 15, 2009 1:47 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully less catches would mean more touchdowns.

Because if everyone is catching passes, then the defense can’t key one one guy. And it is much easier to burn single coverage than the double teams he faced last year. So more yards per catch and more long TD’s. Plus, who is going to beat him in single-coverage in the red zone? Hopefully BM realizes this and sees that he can still put up great, if not better, numbers than he did last year.

No stairway? ...denied!

by papigrande on Jun 15, 2009 2:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very Good Post Guru...

This off-season has been crazy hard on the faithful… and seeing another guy we all love to watch play want out just brings back a whole bunch of fresh emotions. Thanks for the perspective and for being the voice of reason in the midst of all the speculation.

by RevrendBronco on Jun 15, 2009 2:23 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

<------ Stepping back from the ledge...

Taking a deep breath… and instead of jumping I think I will sit back and enjoy the Rocky Mountain view!

My roots are in Denver and my branches in Nebraska.

by Blackshirt4Broncos on Jun 15, 2009 2:38 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Madden Broncs

At least my Madden Broncs will have a winning season in 2010.

by somedumbgamer on Jun 15, 2009 2:42 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I sure hope so.

by TheMastermind on Jun 15, 2009 2:48 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Guru

Did you write this before you heard Scheffler’s report?

"when they find the center of the universe, i know quite a few people that are going to be upset it isn't them" dmitchell624

by dmitchell624 on Jun 15, 2009 2:48 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I think you mean Schefter's report

I wasn’t sure what you meant by Scheffler’s report, so I googled some stuff and found this.

If you don’t want to read the article, I’ll summarize: Brandon Marshall wants to be traded. That’s what his meeting with Bowlen was about. Bowlen told him to think it over. Marshall is reportedly sticking to his guns.

Time to start envisioning life without Brandon Marshall.

But who will guard the guards themselves?

by Agent Jerry Fletcher on Jun 15, 2009 8:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Real Reason

I think everyone is overlooking the real reason behind B Marsh asking for the trade. He wants out for the same reason that Cutler wanted out. It is so obvious I can’t believe nobody is putting this together. The reason has to be that they don’t want to wear those clown socks two games this year. I think this will end up costing us more players too before those games come.

by FlaBRONCO on Jun 15, 2009 4:58 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Now that’s funny. I don’t care who you are!

by hawkarooski on Jun 15, 2009 5:35 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Emmett Smith on Jun 15, 2009 7:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

LMAO

and rec’d : )))))

"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster

by broncosmontana on Jun 15, 2009 9:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Asymmetric Information

Anyone who has studied economics will know what this means.

I think it may apply quite nicely to Mr. Marshall.

Also, the more time he misses learning McDaniels offence the less prepared he will be to play whether through injury or “hold-out.” Although it would be nice to see him at mandatory camps can anyone really say that with McDaniel’s complicated systemic offence which requires study and practice, that Marshall will even be useful once the season starts?

If he doesn’t want to play then lets get someone in ASAP who does so they can learn and be a part of the team.

There is of course the fact that we probably have no idea as to what is actually going on and #15 will be at training camp

by nzlbroncos on Jun 15, 2009 5:36 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Might Be Smarter Than You Think

and then there was Lloyd

Tis better not to throw it to the deep receiver but the open receiver.

by Kfustud on Jun 15, 2009 5:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he was Cutler might not have yelled at him so much,

he might not be in so much trouble with the law and he might not be holding at at the worst possible time for him as far as his leverage goes but maybe thats me.

"when they find the center of the universe, i know quite a few people that are going to be upset it isn't them" dmitchell624

by dmitchell624 on Jun 15, 2009 7:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was referring to the Poster as Smarter

His comment on bringing in someone quickly who wants to be here.

Tis better not to throw it to the deep receiver but the open receiver.

by Kfustud on Jun 16, 2009 8:24 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bolden doesn’t want to play for AZ, Peppers doesn’t want to play of Carolina, Sheppard didn’t want to play in Philly, LJ, Tony G and Waters don’t want to play for KC, Peters in Buffalo, Robinson for the Texans, etc etc.

Guys ask to get traded all the time. Some get their wish (almost alwasy the ones with leverage) and others don’t. Happens all the time.

Why is Denver any different from other NFL teams? Easy answer, they are not. BM wants more money and I can’t blame him since he has vastly outperformed his contract.

Denver doesn’t want to pay him more money since the Broncos have all the leverage in this case. I can’t blame Denver for not giving BM a new deal this off season. I wouldn’t either. It would set a terrible precedent for future situations like this one (which is entirely about money).

There will be a winner and loser in this case. Someone is going to be let down and it will be BM. He’ll either play for $2.2 MM in 2009 or he’ll hold out, make nothing and still be restricted next off-season.

If Bowlen and McDaniels trade Marshall for anything less than 100 cents on the dollar, then our organization is truly run by incompetent morons. It won’t happen. BM will be a Bronco or he’ll watch 2009 for the comfort of his coach making $0 and losing out on any/all endorsement deals.

by McGeorge on Jun 15, 2009 9:13 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope that you are exactly correct in this

either he plays or he sits, but do not trade him

Pray for the best, prepare for the worst, and know you will come down somewhere between the two.

by BShrout on Jun 15, 2009 9:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen.

by Matt In Canada on Jun 16, 2009 5:51 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am so sorry. I may be a troll after all

But Gawd am I tired of the new era.
I mean dead- dogged TIRED.
Can’t we keep our stars wanting to play here?
Damn!
We used to be a place folks really wanted to be in!

I know there are a million exceptions and even more prima donnas…. F them. Team 1st YES!!

But I’m fearful. ok?

I so enjoyed watching our CLASSY organization play!
Please Pat, bring us back to that!? True fans will support you through thick and thin!

Drastic measures may be at hand.

…or not. Maybe now we hold our course… I really don’t know.

by Whidbey Bronco on Jun 15, 2009 9:43 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

There’s nothing classy about Cutler or Marshall both… Hence, why we’re even in these situations.

by Matt In Canada on Jun 16, 2009 5:52 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

or is it our new coach!?

by Whidbey Bronco on Jun 16, 2009 6:23 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

"We used to be a place folks really wanted to be in!"

It’s not unusual for players to want out when a new coaching staff comes in. It even happens in college – players transfer even though they’ll have to sit out a year.

Growing older is not for sissies. Jack Palance

by bradley on Jun 16, 2009 11:05 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

When?

when was that time when high profile FAs were clamoring to play for Denver?

by SlowWhiteGuy on Jun 16, 2009 5:02 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are not alone

I remember those days. When we were winning championships with character. I too am tired of this and find it hard to believe in the NEW Broncos organization…..

by Greg K 7 on Jun 16, 2009 10:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

B-Marshall to B-more

That sounds sweet. For the hell of it, who would you like to see in a trade w/ Baltimore? We have needed a receiver for a decade. Mason is so obvious a target he will probably have to play half the season wounded again. Flacco would love a target like Brandon to complement smaller Mason. You could take our 2-5 receiving options, put them in a bag and pull one out. wouldn’t matter. all are below average at this point. marcus smith is supposedly getting better but we’ve heard that for years about or receivers. B-Marsh might be the Bolden we never got….

by raven on Jun 15, 2009 10:08 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

No offense Raven.

Baltimore has nothing Denver wants. The only thing I can think is Ed Reed…but that’s not happening.

"It means nothing to throw for 4500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and you dont win" -Brandon Marshall

by Joe Medina on Jun 16, 2009 12:10 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Denver is not traded BM, but Baltimore would be great trade partner if we did!

Baltimore would be an amazaing trade partner for Denver.

How about Haloti Ngata. A 345 NT? He is 25 years old

How about Terrell Suggs. A passing rushing force at DE/OLB. He is 26 years old.

And Ed Reed, but he is a little bit too old.

I can’t think of a better trade partner for BM than Baltimore. Not one.

by McGeorge on Jun 16, 2009 8:19 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

You really think B-more would trade ANY of those guys for B-Marsh?

I’d love it… but I’m, not holding my breath. Suggs is the only one who is even in the realm of semi equal value (Ngata & Reed are both Defensive league MVP caliber players).

More likely to get folks like J.Johnson, M. Clayton, etc… but then it doesn’t make a lot of sense from Denver’s side.

by cjfarls on Jun 16, 2009 10:57 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Baltimore would say:

Yes to Reed.

Maybe Suggs.

No Ngata (the one Denver needs most).

Honestly, Marshall is not tradeable. He is a 100+ season per season player for Denver and worth more to us than any team in the NFL. We couldn’t get anything close to full value in a trade and Denver has all the leverage over BM anyway (so why trade the guy).

by McGeorge on Jun 16, 2009 2:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

"B-Marshall to B-more "

The only trade that makes sense under the circumstances is BM for a conditional pick. If he shows up and is healthy and has a pro-bowl year, like he is capable of, we get a frist round pick. If he’s hurt and/or suspended, we get a lower one.

Growing older is not for sissies. Jack Palance

by bradley on Jun 16, 2009 11:08 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

if people would have listen to me 6 months ago, this wouldnt have happened. i said trade him and sign aquon bolden. yes hes got his own set of problems but hes a waaaaay better receiver and it seems that marshalls just a big cry baby

by wigglesss5150 on Jun 16, 2009 12:56 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately the MSM....

are going to blow this way out of proportion and it will become yet another media circus. I agree there is a decent chance we keep Marshall, but it wouldn’t make me any less positive about our chances this year if we didn’t.

Never a dull moment in the offseason eh? LOL

Hopefully BMarsh will do some DEEP soul searching before leaping off this cliff, but I’m prepared for the worst.

I’d be making inquiries on Boldin right now however……Brandon Lloyd isn’t going to cut it.

Some poor soul on that yahoo story wanted us to get Plax…..now that would be stupid.

A proud prognostication of 10-6 in 2009!!!

"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams

by Broncotodd on Jun 16, 2009 6:29 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Brandon and Broncos

Brandon’s situation is not terminal. This is not another Cutler saga Bronco fans. This is not the end of Bronco Nation. Step back and take your hands off the pistol. This is about the football business and the NFL. We have become so traumatized by the changes in the organization that any hint of drama sends us off the deep end. Settle down and take a breath. McDaniels and our owner are not destroying the team. Brandon and the Broncos are negotiating for what’s best for the team and Brandon. It happens in the NFL for crying out loud. Change presents new opportunities for both parties. Thanks to the Guru for putting things in perspective. We need your voice. The rage by some Bronco fans reflect their own insecurities in an ever changing world. Change ensures that life will never become stagnate and obsolete. Hurray for change! God knows we needed it.

Brandon is not in a position to leverage more money. He is doing what any receiver in his position would do with the same set of circumstances. The Broncos are negotiating as any team would do under the circumstances. I would not like to see BM leave the organization. He could do much to improve an already good offense. Hang in there Bronco Nation. The best is yet to come. And, I am not insecure about it.

"Why must the heathens rage?"

by Halefax on Jun 16, 2009 8:07 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Where have my Broncos gone?

Some days I think this new organization simply wants to win regardless of character and others I think they want to win with as little talent as possible—neither do I find acceptable as a fan. Where did my Broncos go and how and in what nightmare is Orton starting and Simms the backup? Somebody has a sick sense of humor…. 10-6 is possible but only because of the sad state of affairs in the AFC West. Somebody just beat the Chargers and their loudmouth QB when it counts, please….

by Greg K 7 on Jun 16, 2009 10:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs