photo by Jeffrey Beall
The Miami Dolphins have struck a deal with the Denver Broncos for wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
The Phins will send their second-round pick (43rd overall) to Denver, as well as a pick in 2011. That pick is believed to be a second or third rounder, possibly conditional.
The trade is contingent on Marshall passing a physical and league approval, all of which should be a formality.
FOX Sports’ Alex Marvez relayed a telling quote this morning on WQAM. Per Marvez, a source close to the situation said, “we had to do something.” That ‘something’ was a counter to the moves made by the division rival New York Jets.
Marshall finally signed his restricted free agent tender on Tuesday, sparking talk of a pending trade. Seattle was thought to be the front-runner, as they hosted Marshall last month and were really the only team publicly courting him.
According to the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero, discussions with Miami only began a few days ago. In the end, Miami got it done.
And once the deal is consummated, the Dolphins will reward Marshall handsomely.
According to the Palm Beach Post’s Edgar Thompson, a contract extension has already been completed. Salguero had previously reported the following.
I’m told the sides have already set parameters on a deal that will make Marshall the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. The highest paid WR in 2009 was Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald, who earned $10,893,332.
Marshall’s deal will average at least $10 million per season and also could include guaranteed monies exceeding $30 million.
For that money, the Dolphins get everything they want on the field. Marshall is young (26), big (6-4, 230 pounds) and one of the league’s premier players at his position.
In three seasons as a starter, Marshall has caught at least 100 passes and 1,100 yards.
However he carries significant risk, including multiple arrests and allegations of domestic violence. His level of maturity have been questioned. Marshall also was involved in the 2006 New Years Eve altercation that ended in teammate Darrent Williams murder. Marshall was the intended target, and testified during the trial of Williams’ killer that he remains tormented by that night and the loss of his friend, as well as fearful of his safety in Denver. It is believed to be one reason why Marshall has wanted out of Denver.
Former Dolphin and Bronco defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday said Wednesday morning that Marshall grown a lot in the last year. Holliday lauded Marshall as an outstanding teammate with an impressive work ethic.
Holliday doesn’t see Marshall as a Terrell Owens type. He’s not a prima donna, says Holliday. Far from it; he’s a hard worker who wants to be the best in the league, says the former Dolphin.
Holliday believes this fresh start is great for Miami and great for Brandon.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are undoubtedly looking to recoup some their lost draft picks. Foremost on that list is receiver Ted Ginn, Jr.
Ginn has not worked out in Miami, and the Dolphins are reportedly looking for a mid-late round pick. Running back Ronnie Brown is the most prominent name believed to be on the block, along with guard Justin Smiley.
Brown was rumored to be part of a deal for receiver Braylon Edwards last year (Edwards was ultimately traded to the Gang Green) and is in the last year of his contract. Smiley has been replaced by free agent Richie Incognito and was told to stay away from offseason workouts while the team attempts to deal him.
The Marshall trade effectively ends talk of selecting Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant with the 12th overall pick next Thursday. That pick will almost certainly be spent on a defensive player. And the Dolphins will absolutely listen to offers to trade down and acquire more picks.
The Dolphins currently hold the following draft picks in the 2010 NFL Draft.
#1 (12)
#3 (73)
#4 (110)
#6 (173)
#6 (174)
#6 (179)
#7 (212)
#7 (219)
#7 (252)
Miami sent its 5th rounder to Kansas City last season for QB Tyler Thigpen and would probably take that in return for Ginn.
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