Rams interested in Brandon Marshall...and is it worth the cost?
With the rumors that Sam Bradford wouldn't play for the St. Louis Rams thoroughly beaten back, you didn't think the rumor mill would completely shut down did you? Of course not. Today, comes talk of the Rams having interest in Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
Here's the report from Fox Sports:
A source close to the Rams told me that the team still has strong interest in the Broncos wide receiver. And that interest may spiral up in the coming weeks if the team is serious about making Bradford their franchise quarterback.
Of course, the Rams would not be using their first round pick as trade bait, but owning the first pick of the second round could be the next best thing given the talent available in this draft. It's certainly a much better version of that deal than this one, but would such a move, if truly possible, be worth the cost?
Trading the 33rd pick (likely the most valued part of a package) for Brandon Marshall would give the Rams an established receiver, just 26-years-old, in the prime of his career. That's awfully enticing, and would be a nice pairing with a rookie quarterback. On the other hand, Marshall is likely to be on the downhill side of his career right when Sam Bradford is entering his prime.
There is some intriguing receiving talent likely to available with that pick who could turn out to be just as good, if not better than Marshall, but Marshall would pay immediate dividends for the Rams.
You also have to weight the opportunity cost of passing on other players who could be available with that pick, defensive line talent in particular.
On the most basic level, the Rams would be using their second round pick on an established receiver. A good trade considered on those merits alone. It's not that simple. First, you have the obvious question of whether or not you'd want to take on what could be a challenging locker room presence. You also have what else the Rams would have to include in such a trade. Given the talent in this draft and the Rams needs, if the asking price included a third round pick too, the lost opportunity might be too much.
It seems clear that, as of now, teams are not willing to pay the first round asking price for Marshall. Remember the Seahawks flirted with that possibility earlier this year. But as the asking price comes down, the Rams might just have the next best thing with their 33rd pick.
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Brandon mashall and a late round pick for our 2nd and both of our 5th rounders
Per fas et nefas - Latin translation="By Any Means Necessary"
done and done
the rams need a legit recieving threat, and look how good he made Cutler look. I say take the risk.
Brandon Marshall is the worst thing that could happen to this team
… and especially a new QB.
Luckily, this won’t happen.
Yes, I actually wore a watermelon on my head during the Rams SuperBowl victory in 2000.
why is that?
even though he was a headache for mcdaniels, he had good chemistry with his quarterbacks. this guy can help bradford develop 2 years faster than it would normally take.
Eh.
I’m not sold Marshall. He’s good but that 2nd pick us gold. Unless we can trade for Fitz with our 2nd pick then we need to keep it. At 33rd overall, there are so many good WRs we can get.
My ROFLcopter goes soi soi soi soi soi soi soi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pkAFR-7c-c
by AbsolutMoose on Apr 2, 2010 1:43 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
the only way
i would be fine in drafting a receiver is if he’s for sure going to be the go-to guy. i don’t know that any of these receivers are good enough except maybe golden tate and damian williams in the second round while marshall is a proven receiver who could help bradford develop.
I'm not in love with Marshall
But I can guarantee you that we aren’t getting anyone more talented than him with our 2nd Round pick.
He's only 26 ...
… but another way to think of it is … he’s already lost 4 years of the pros. This is a team that needs to avoid thinking about any ‘quick fixes.’
He’s too poisonous to allow onto our team.
Yes, I actually wore a watermelon on my head during the Rams SuperBowl victory in 2000.
agreed on the "quick fixes"...
If we were two or three players away, it might make sense…a number 1 receiver is but one of many needs on this team…that 33rd pick, in this draft year, is about as close as you get to having two picks in the first round, IMO.
Chiefs fan here
BM would be a huge addition to you guys if you take Bradford. Think about it …Bradford throwing to Marshall and Avery and then you have Jackson pounding the ball. You could have an awesome offense. Pretty much a summary of a commentor at AP. Take it from me BM may cause some problems but the dude can flat out ball. He has torn the Chiefs up time after time.
I hope this happens
but I know the Broncos have come out and said before they will not negotiate for Marshell, but if thats the case then we could just call up the Saints and trade our 2nd Rd. (33rd) and maybe just a 5th rounder for their 1st (32nd) then we could just sign him as a RFA
I believe
that you have to give up your original pick or higher to sign RFA’s that way.
THIS year's the year. I hope....
Brandon Marshall is a big dude.
Even when he’s old he will still be a great target in the redzone because of his size.
Only five players have averaged 25 and 10 in their playoff careers. One of them, Dirk Nowitzki.
I'd have to disagree
Our WR needs aren’t worth the 33rd pick in the draft because there aren’t any receivers worth it. But Marshall is better than any of the first rounders in the past few drafts.
You have that right
I would like to see that pick either get multiplied or go to D-line. Unless, of course, we draft Suh rather than Bradford.
Marshall will be a draft day deal
I have a hard time seeing the Broncos bringing back Marshall and I am sure he will be dealt during the draft. The Broncos tried to play hardball in attempts to get a 1st Rd pick but it seems highly doubtful at this point in the game that they will be successful. During the draft he will be used as bait to make a move up in the early rounds and aquire extra picks. It would be toxic for the Broncos to bring him back after the negative actions by both parties. I am sure we will be hearing his name during the draft at some point, whether used to trade into the 1st or simply aquire a high 2nd and others.
Regarding the Rams rumors, it could be simply just that. What better way to try and get a team to move on a late 1st Rd tender (i.e. Jets) than to put out conjencture of possible trade parties and make teams worry they might need to offer more if they wait.
If they would part with Marshall for the 33rd pick, then I think from a talent standpoint it is an easy deal to make. The Rams would instantly have a #1 receiver, something that is nearly impossible to expect out of a draft in the first year. To give up a 2nd Rd pick for a ProBowl player that would be the best WR on our roster is easy to make. What prospect would be available that we could expect the same production out of as Marshall.
The off the field issues with Marshall is the only thing that holds this deal from being a slam dunk. Yet it is hard to gage if there was simply a personality conflict between him and McDaniels. There are some maturity concerns that only the FO will be able to determine if he is worth risk because they have the inside access. If they are comfortable making the deal, then I trust that he is worth the calculated risk for only the 33rd pick. There are plenty of players with character and work ethic concerns in the draft that have been mentioned with our 33rd pick that have yet to prove themselves at all in the NFL but people seem to be more comfortable with the idea of that risk than taking a proven player with the same question marks.
From a probability standpoint, I have a hard time seeing this deal happen for only the 33rd overall pick. Unless a top notch prospect falls there, it seems the Rams would probably need to sweeten the deal because a few teams in the high 2nd have plenty of ammunition to offer a better deal (Pats, Browns, Bucs, Dolphins, Chiefs). Also mid-low end 1st Rd teams may be willing to trade back (Jets, Seahawks, Cowboys, Patriots) for Marshall. I will be shocked if Marshall is in a Rams uniform but would definately not be disappointed.
I agree with Marshell being traded durin the draft
but more so from the Rams point of view. I think the FO would wait until we actually have Bradford first, you never know what kind of deal someone (Skins, Browns) might offer us. Making the deal now would seal in our pick at #1. I think as long as the Broncos still have Marshell at the time of the draft and we end up taking Bradford #1 then later that night this trade, or something similar to it happen.
Marshall
I think it’s a no brainer if we take Bradford. Give up the 2nd rounder and get Marshall. This guy is a top playmaker and young. You put Bradford out their with Marshall, Avery, and SJax and now we have something.
Why is the hell do the Rams want to buy into Trouble?
Because that’s what I think they will get with Marshall. I, for one, do not want to see that happen.
Go Rams!
"We can't run. We can't pass. We can't stop the run. We can't stop the pass. We can't kick. Other than that, we're just not a very good football team right now." --- Bruce Coslett, New York Jets Head Coach circa 1990s
There aren't too many elite receivers...
that aren’t trouble. It is a position that attracts ego-maniacs.
Marshall is a very good receiver, without question.
Aside from the problems he might cause, what I would worry about is getting him signed. I think 2010 is the last year on his current contract, and the rumors say he will want more than $10 million a year in his next contract. Can we take on both a huge contract for Bradford and that size contract for Marshall?
If the FO thinks they can handle the problems, and they feel they can fit the two huge contracts into the budget, then he would be a heck of a receiver and could really help the offense improve. I have been hoping someone would decide overnight during the draft that there is someone still on the board after the first round that they just have to have, meaning they would trade up to the Rams pick. I would hope that would get us a 2nd round pick not too far below where we are, and another pick later in the 2nd or the top of the 3rd. Do we do that and hope to get two real contributors, or do we go for the topnotch receiver? Tough questions.
I hope this trade gets done.
Marshall is probably the best reciever in the game. Just imagine our offense with Bradford, Marshall, Avery and Jackson and an up and coming offensive line and then draft a TE in the later rounds of the draft. This offense could be a top offense in the NFC.
and Robinson
everyone seems to forget the potential he showed in the first couple of weeks, could turn into a very nice #2 with a great slot receiver in Avery
Avery isn't really a slot guy, he's a go deep guy
But Amendola is
The blind stares of a million pairs of eyes, lookin hard but won't realize, that they'll never see the C. And when I'm rollin by, you can't see me!
not the best receiver
Andre Johnson, hands down
You don't seem to want to accept the fact you're dealing with an expert in guerrilla warfare, with a man who's the best, with guns, with knives, with his bare hands. A man who's been trained to ignore pain, ignore weather, to live off the land, to eat things that would make a billy goat puke. In *St. Louis* his job was to dispose of enemy personnel. To kill! Period! Win by attrition. Well, *Steven Jackson* was the best.
by 3k on Apr 3, 2010 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I've said it before and i'll say it again
a late round TE will be a wasted pick. Gresham and Gronkowski are the only guys i would consider and both happen to be battered messes. I think I heard Gresham tore the same ACL twice and now reports are coming out saying Gronkowski’s back is irreparably damaged. So ask your self this question, would you rather have a 26 year old go to wideout who can step in from day one and instantly make bradford and SJ better or an injury prone TE that may or may not pan out as hoped?
Per fas et nefas - Latin translation="By Any Means Necessary"
Anything it takes to keep Marshall off my team
Yes, I actually wore a watermelon on my head during the Rams SuperBowl victory in 2000.
Why. Pay this man and get him over here
Per fas et nefas - Latin translation="By Any Means Necessary"
I believe that Gresham tore each ACL, not 1 knee twice.
Once to the right knee and once on the left knee.
Well its nice to know both knees are messed up and not just one
thanks buddy :)
Per fas et nefas - Latin translation="By Any Means Necessary"
Right,
because you have a crystal ball that says all tight ends outside of Gresham and Gronkowski in this year’s draft will suck.
Only five players have averaged 25 and 10 in their playoff careers. One of them, Dirk Nowitzki.
Any pick in the late ronds could easily be a wasted pick
For us any pick anywhere could be a wasted pick
Terrell owens is a loser and an uncle tom
who only screams at the one black QB he’s ever worked with. Brandon Marshall has only done positive things on the field and if you pay him the god damn money he deserves he’ll stay quiet
Per fas et nefas - Latin translation="By Any Means Necessary"
Brandon Marshall is a cancer and a cry baby ...
… yes, he’s a phenomenal talent on the field, but I don’t want him destroying my team.
If he stayed out of trouble and stopped pouting like a spoiled child, he would have already been paid big dollars.
He doesn’t DESERVE big money just because he’s talented. He needs to be a valuable TEAM player.
Yes, I actually wore a watermelon on my head during the Rams SuperBowl victory in 2000.
Which team did Marshall destroy?
Got any examples that support this claim of a cancer and a cry baby?
Only five players have averaged 25 and 10 in their playoff careers. One of them, Dirk Nowitzki.
Not for the 33rd pick
Just a quick thought of how about Alex Barron for Marshall and the second 5th round pick. Both teams had both of these players on the block. Denver used 3 different right tackles last year. False Start Barron’s downside is his penalties, but maybe a coaching change is what he needs. Otherwise he is a pretty good tackle and with Clady anchoring the left and he has experience at RT. Not to mention I don’t think he’s missed a single game for injury. Yes that leaves a tackle needed for the Rams, but I think we can find a decent one for the 33rd or the 65th pick.
I think Barron might lower it down to a 4th rounder at best.
Why would they want someone older than Marshall and less talented than Marshall and then only get a 5th round pick?
Get him, get Bradford and we are competitive again
I really hope BD can pull this together and make it happen. The sooner the better. I know that the longer the wait, the more chances we have of driving the cost down but for two reasons getting Marshall early could help us: 1) It gives a possible indication that the Rams are going to draft Bradford so he has a target to throw to (a real indication or a smoke screen) and 2) We avoid having to deal with Marshall if he joins the 49ers or the Seahawks.
Now, can you imagine having Bradford, Jackson and Marshall lined-up? That would certainly guarantee us scoring more than 10 points per game. Below are my thoughts on this:
How does Marshall help the offense?
- He is one of the top 3 WR in the league. He has a ton of yards after the catch. He would be a great fit in the West Coast offense we are running.
- He would help Jackson tremendously by adding a serious threat in the passing game. SJ39’s numbers could potentially be even better at a lower injury risk since he wouldn’t have to deal with 10 men stacked up in the box every single game.
- He would help Bradford by being the #1 WR option. Bradford may feel that the Rams are serious about being competitive again. Bradford would certainly enjoy being on a team that is no longer one dimensional.
- Avery would grow tremendously. He has lots of upside and I think that relieving some of the #1 WR responsibilities off of him would do him wonders. Avery would be on the slot and would significantly improve his numbers.
How does Marshall help the defense?
- How many times have we seen 3 and out in the last couple of years? By having a strong offense, the defense stays off the field longer, increases the unit’s morale if we are still in the game and we are not losing scoring chances. I believe our defense is actually OK, the problem was that they eventually got worn out from spending too much time on the field because the offense couldn’t move the chains. I wouldn’t underestimate how important the psychological effect is on the defensive unit.
Would I trade our 2nd round pick for Marshall instead of getting a WR?
- If we could guarantee that we could pick an NFL ready WR on that spot then perhaps we shouldn’t trade but imagine this scenario, would you trade our #1 pick for Payton Manning / Drew Brees? I would always make that trade (not that it is even remotely possible) but my point is that I rather trade and know exactly what I am getting than take a rookie that hasn’t thrown a single pass in the NFL. So, yes, I would definitely trade our pick for a proven #1 WR.
But the Broncos are asking for a round 1 pick
- I would be aggressive. Trade with someone from the bottom of the first round for our 2nd round pick and an additional pick on a later round. Now, we have a round 1 pick to meet the Broncos’ demands.
What about his personal issues?
- We all know that he had some significant problems in Denver. That is obviously a concern but I would keep in mind that McDaniels had issues with not only Marshall but also Jay Cuttler and Sheffler. His issues weren’t related to not targeting him enough in the passing game. If you check out any Broncos forum, you will see that no fans want Marshall out of Denver.
Why would Marshall sign for a 1-15 team?
- I think that if the Rams Office would approach him with an exciting plan, i.e., “we are getting a fantastic QB, we have one of the best RBs in the league and we have made efforts to solidify our OL in the past,… we want you to be the focus of our passing game…” I think he would be really excited about trying to make one of the biggest turn-arounds in the NFL.
Would he make the Rams competitive?
- For the reasons I stated earlier, I believe the Rams would be competitive again from day 1 if we answer our questions at QB. This is especially true in the NFC West where we could have the best QB, the best RB and a very solid WR corps in place.
Would it bring excitement to STL?
- This trade would be huge and make headlines everywhere. Rams fans would fill the EJ dome again. We (Rams fans) deserve feeling excited again. We have watched every single down of every game until the last minute even when we were losing by three scores with hopes of making a comeback. In most cases, we weren’t even close to making a comeback because of our lack of offensive weapons. I think our optimism was driven by the GSOT times in which we could score 21 points in 5 minutes. We deserve something like this. We are tired of flying to opposing team’s stadiums and being humiliated from our lack of competitiveness (I suffered that when I went to QWest to watch the Rams vs. Seahawks on their season opener, not pretty).
What do you guys think? Am I being unrealistic here?
Watch the video below on Marshall. I think the first 30 sec alone show how this guy would be a huge asset to our team. This guy is extremely difficult to stop.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITXS0U3_sWw
Go Rams!
by abiRam on Apr 2, 2010 5:13 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
The guy is a complete monster. I agree with you 100% percent
+1000000000000000000000000000
Per fas et nefas - Latin translation="By Any Means Necessary"
I once heard Marshall is
1/3 beast, 1/3 monster, and 1/3 machine.
Only five players have averaged 25 and 10 in their playoff careers. One of them, Dirk Nowitzki.
I can get behind all of those reasons
and often a change of scenery is what a lot of players need to grow up/mature. If there’s another WR at #33 that has the tools, ability, and mental makeup to be a #1, obviously we should draft him, but if not, this would be a great plan B.
And yes, I did watch every down last season, and lamented the fact that the O couldn’t stay on the field. And I got excited about Robinson, Amendola, and Gibson, and had a shred of hope for Avery for a game or two, but a true #1 WR would go a long way toward opening up the field.
THIS year's the year. I hope....
Here is the way I think the cards should be played.
Let’s wait until the draft after day 1. If Marshall has not been traded at that time, we let Denver simmer in the night salivating over a player they hope will drop to them at 44. Then we approach them with a trade where we swap 2nd rounders so that they can get whoever they want in that 2nd round AND we don’t lose a quality 2nd rounder this year. In addition to that we offer a 2nd or 3rd rounder next year, to make them feel like they are getting the value they wanted.
We keep a 2nd rounder this year and take advantage of this talent rich draft while acquiring a top notch WR, who is in the prime of his career….not decline as someone mentioned.
As the GM of the Denver Broncos in this years TST mock draft, I have the authroity to make this happen…TRUST ME.
The key is "TST mock draft"
:)
Only five players have averaged 25 and 10 in their playoff careers. One of them, Dirk Nowitzki.
*Supposed to be a reply
Only five players have averaged 25 and 10 in their playoff careers. One of them, Dirk Nowitzki.
Agree 100000000000000000%
I watched the video and this guy looks great. I hope we get him. Lets go Rams!!!
Forget Bradford.
This guy will make Keith Null look good.
"I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber."
"Everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise."
-Kobe Bryant
A mantra for all athletes.
Some reports say the Rams are interested in Marshall
and some say they aren’t interested in him. I guess it’s typical blowing smoke, but it sure is confusing at times. We probably won’t find out until the second day of the draft.
You've got to get this guy...
especially if it’s just for the #2 pick. As many have said, he is big, strong, fast, a true #1, he will open the passing lanes for Avery, open the running lanes for SJ, will be a great option for SB, assuming we draft him, and he’s only 26 yeas old.
A great piece of business
if BD could pull this off. Not only could we become offensively competitve overnight, but with a good draft we could be challenging divisionally given the state of the other NFC West franchises.
In a dream world I’d like us to trade with Washington in a mega deal also (say our 1st and 5th rounders plus Carriker for their 1st and 2nd rounders plus Andre Carter and Jason Campbell). The number of needs in the draft reduces and we still get an elite OT or DT and have good early picks in rounds 2 to 4 to address catching TE, OLB and backup RB.
It’s amazing, one trade rumor for a top notch player and I’ve gone from thinking that this FO is actually doing a good job and building correctly, to, OMG we may actually be a good team… time for a lie down and wait for reality to kick in!
DO IT!!!
Sweet Sassy Molassey, I hope the Rams can pull this off. I tend to agree that the move will be made on draft day, and that some team in the 20’s will put together an offer that the Doncos will accept. But if he fell to the Rams, or they can make the deal now….I’d almost be willing to draft Bradford if that happened. I think L Robinson showed some very good game before he went down, and those 2 with Avery in the slot, and SJ in the backfield [with room to run—OMG!] could be a very potent attack by week 3 or 4, IMO.
Meh, it’s probably all blowing smoke at this point, but there’s no way you could draft any position at #33 and get a guy this good.
Anyone know how much TO is asking for this year?
mlm
Wide Receiver and the Rams season upcoming
Hmmm, since it is my opinion that the Rams will need more than this years draft and season to improve beyond a 5 win season, I would think the wide receivers Rams have now in the youngins deserves this train camp, pre-saeson and season to really get a handle on judging the players talent at this pro level. I believe Rams have 4 very fine young receivers who just need a season together to break-out. Hopefully this season is it.
Go DEFENSE please, go defense.
However, if Rams go OKUNG overall #1, I would be very happy too since the OL would be pretty much set at tackle for the next 5 seasons minimum!
ok look are offence sucks bad we need him and we need him now
what are you guys thinking about? if you can get this type of player for a 2nd rd pick by all means spags you job will be safe..and fans will love you
becaue def wont be able to put 8 man box. even if we don’t take bradford he will make bulger and feely look good. we will go from are avg 9 ppg to 20+ thats a big deal if there is even a lil chance this is true it gives me hope for next season. wich right now with bradford suh mccoy i have none.. but if u add someone like bm he is a playmaker wich we need badly and then avary robinson ect all get better.. rams just do it dont wait
i'd do it for the 33rd pick
it could really help bradford out. if you guys choose to get him
"WIth the 5th pick in the 2010 NFL draft the Kansas City Chiefs select... Eric Berry Safety Tennesee... "
Really?! Is there any question?
100 catches over the last 3 seasons, 100 catches with Orton as his QB, never under 1,100 yards since becoming a starter. James Laurinaitis, Donnie Avery, Brian Leonard and Joe Klopfenstein. Yeah those are our last four 2nd rounders JL is nice but not one of them comes close to the talent level of a Brandon Marshall. Get real people! Denver, here is my 33rd pick and thank you. A top five WR for a 2nd round lotto scratch off, I will take the sure thing every time. Most top wideouts have serious attitude problems so I guess it comes with having one.
Even if we only have him for one year?
His contract runs out after 2010, I believe. What assurance do we have that he would re-sign with us for any type of reasonable deal? I don’t want to give up the 33rd pick for a one year rental.
Brandon Marshall
Trade the #1 for Marshall and the Broncos #1 (11). Rams get more players and at a cheaper price. Marshall, an OL and a DL would be a great draft day for the Rams
Interesting thought...
… but I still would not feel comfortable with the QB situation…
Is Philly now a trade partner for that #1 overall pick?
McNabb goes to Redskins for #37 overall (Wash 2nd rd.er) and either a 4th or 5th next year.
So, are this year’s trade / market valuations beinng set? What do Rams do…..intrigue…..drama….
I can't see any reason for the Eagles to want to trade up to #1.
Kolb will be their QB, and they aren’t going to trade up for a DT.
Trade up into the 1st round
I really enjoyed reading everybody’s thoughts about this scenario. I understand people’s concerns about attitude/personality but as someone said before, many times a change of scenery would solve all the issues and motivate a player even more to show that his previous team was dead wrong. I think we need to take a chance here. We need to be aggressive!
After seeing that some of the trading down options are gone (trading with the Skins)… take Bradford, trade into the 1st round for our 2nd and our 5th or 6th round pick and all the sudden we have fixed our QB and WR situation (and our whole offense with the exemption of TE and backup RB). I wouldn’t speculate on draft day… The good news is that we can pull the scenario above off without depending on any other teams. I am sure we could have one team at the bottom of the 1st round willing to trade with us.
Thanks again for the nice discussion. Go Rams!!!

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