The rich could get richer. Per a story on Yahoo! Sports, the New England Patriots and jettisoned wide receiver Brandon Marshall have a mutual interest which could lead to the Super Bowl champions signing the former New York Jets wide receiver in free agency. That’s good news for Patriots fans, bad news for the rest of the league. As if Tom Brady didn’t have a talented group of wide receivers to play with, now the addition of Marshall, should it happen, could cause more nightmares for opposing defensive backs.
“Marshall had a precipitous decline in 2016 after a prolific 2015 season where he had 1,502 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. In 2016, he had 788 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions. His decline came in direct correlation with a sharp decline in production from Ryan Fitzpatrick, whose poor 2016 season left the Jets in a quarterback crisis,” the story states.
[DavidL]
The Patriots have a strong nucleus of pass catchers with Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell. Rob Gronkowski will return from injury. There is talk Amendola may not return. There is always a need for more wide receivers, and Marshall may once again make the team the favorite to win Super Bowl 52.
The Patriots aren’t the only team to figure in the Marshall sweepstakes. Here is a look at five other teams that could take a shot at signing Marshall to a contract.
New Orleans Saints – There have been plenty of stories about the Saints trying to trade Brandin Cooks, with Tennessee and Philadelphia the leading candidates to land the wideout. If he is indeed packaged out of New Orleans, a hole in the passing attack is created. Drew Brees would love to have Marshall catching passes in the Superdome.
Baltimore Ravens – I would love to see this happen. Brandon Marshall would step in where Steve Smith left after he retired. The Ravens have a need for more pass catchers to aid Joe Flacco. The Ravens could become a serious Super Bowl contender if the passing game becomes one of the best in the NFL.
Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles are another team in the market for a pass catcher. Jordan Matthews is solid, but he isn’t the caliber of Brandon Marshall. Philadelphia is starting a new chapter with Carson Wentz behind center. Therefore, a dependable Pro Bowl receiver will make things a lot easier for the team in the NFC East.
Tennessee Titans – The Titans are this close to becoming a serious playoff contender. If Marcus Mariota is healthy and the team can secure a top wide receiver this team will make the playoffs this year. There is talk about Tennessee packing a deal with a first-round draft pick to secure another wide receiver. This path would also allow them to make a deal and keep their two first round picks.
[Sean2]
Seattle Seahawks – The Seahawks continue to win year after year without a true No. 1 wide receiver. This could all change in an instant. Marshall would be the best pass catcher this team has had in years. Hence, Russell Wilson would have a true go-to guy. Consequently, this makes plenty of sense. Let’s see if the team can pull the trigger on this one.
Washington Redskins – If the Redskins lose Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, then another wide receiver is necessary for this roster. Washington could have another quarterback starting for them this season (Tony Romo) and having a veteran presence on the field may make the transition easier. As a result, I think this might be the least possible place for him to land.