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Lonestar
12-15-2009, 03:46 PM
By Mike Klis
The Denver Post
Posted: 12/15/2009 01:00:00 AM MST


Denver's Brandon Marshall has 86 receptions for 1,008 yards this season after his Catch-21 game Sunday in Indianapolis. (Andy Lyons, Getty Images )Time is almost up for Brandon Marshall as an affordable player.

Is Marshall down to his final three regular-season games with the Broncos? If so, the Broncos are draining every ounce of sweat they can from their star wide receiver.

"And I'm giving them every ounce of my sweat," Marshall said Monday, the day after he broke a 9-year-old NFL record by catching 21 passes in a stirring comeback attempt against the Indianapolis Colts.

Whether he returns to threaten all of Rod Smith's franchise receiving records or winds up elsewhere through myriad uncertain options that await the upcoming NFL offseason, Marshall figures to become extremely wealthy, even by professional athlete standards.

Wealthy, as in possibly the NFL's highest-paid receiver. Larry Fitzgerald holds that distinction with a four-year, $40 million contract extension he received from the Arizona Cardinals in March 2008.

To retain Marshall, the Broncos may have to start with Fitzgerald's deal — and tack on a couple of years of inflation.

"We've always felt Brandon was in a class by himself," said Kennard McGuire, Marshall's agent. "Now, it's become evident he's one of the greats. He has the passion to do that. At this time, Brandon is clearly focused on finishing the season with no distractions. At the appropriate time, he and I will sit down and discuss what the future holds."

For all the issues that have followed Marshall almost since the day the Broncos selected him in the fourth round of the 2006 draft, he always has been driven by greatness. Thanks to his preposterous game against the Colts, Marshall is on pace for his third consecutive season of at least 100 catches and 1,200 yards. He has already set a career high with nine touchdown receptions, one off the league lead.

Considering he is finishing up the fourth year of his rookie contract that eventually paid him $3.7 million, an average of $925,000 per season, Marshall may have been

Broncos star Brandon Marshall, who set an NFL record Sunday with 21 receptions against the Colts, likely won't be grimacing when he signs his next contract. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post )one of the NFL's top performers for the dollar.

The economical nature of his compensation is about to change. Depending on whether team owners and the players union can negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement in the next 2 1/2 months, Marshall can strike it big either through offer sheets that figure to arrive by way of restricted free agency or really big through the open bidding process of unrestricted free agency that will begin in March.

The Broncos could pre-empt such bargaining leverage by opening talks on a long-term contract with Marshall. But the receiver has his doubts.

"I think if they wanted to get something done, it would have been done already," Marshall said. "But our ultimate goal is to win games and we have three of them left. Hopefully we can get that done. Regarding a contract, I think it's best if I just play it out."

Marshall well knows Fitzgerald has been widely proclaimed as the NFL's best receiver this year not because of any stats he compiled during the regular season, but his record-setting performance during the 2008 postseason.

If the playoffs are to include Marshall for the first time in his career, the Broncos (8-5) likely need to win two of their next three games, with the next one to be played Sunday against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High.

Because Marshall is just one of five key Denver players who are in the final weeks of expiring contracts — the others are quarterback Kyle Orton, pass-rushing linebacker Elvis Dumervil, right guard Chris Kuper and tight end Tony Scheffler — the team will have a difficult time figuring out how to allocate the millions of dollars needed to bring them all back.

"I'm not going to talk about contracts," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said. "We know we've got a lot of work to do after the season's over with, and there's a lot of things going on that affect that."

Until then, the Broncos might as well get all they can from the Big Five while they're still affordable. With 21 catches, Marshall just gave the Broncos more in one game than any receiver ever gave his team. Not that, one way or another, the team won't eventually pay for it.

Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com

http://www.denverpost.com/premium/broncos/ci_13997929

KyleOrtonArmySoldier#128
12-15-2009, 03:50 PM
I'm going to cry if we don't resign him, he's my favorite athlete.

Lonestar
12-15-2009, 03:53 PM
Marshall can strike it big either through offer sheets that figure to arrive by way of restricted free agency or really big through the open bidding process of unrestricted free agency that will begin in March.


I do not see the CBA being in place by then.. and BM as a RFA.. which means we can match the offers or GET a 1st and a 3rd for him..

claymore
12-15-2009, 03:55 PM
:gulp:

TRADE HIS ASS!!!!!!

KyleOrtonArmySoldier#128
12-15-2009, 03:59 PM
:gulp:

TRADE HIS ASS!!!!!!


Why? He won't be able to power run without his ass at all.

SOCALORADO.
12-15-2009, 04:00 PM
I do not see the CBA being in place by then.. and BM as a RFA.. which means we can match the offers or GET a 1st and a 3rd for him..

Yeah, 2 1/2 months to get that mess figured out aint happening. So i am again, not worried. I think DEN will resign Marshall to a huge payday.

claymore
12-15-2009, 04:04 PM
Why? He won't be able to power run without his ass at all.

I dont want to give a headcase that much money. I love the guy, but..... Id rather watch another team cry about the blotter report durring the offseason.

KyleOrtonArmySoldier#128
12-15-2009, 04:06 PM
I dont want to give a headcase that much money. I love the guy, but..... Id rather watch another team cry about the blotter report durring the offseason.

I can certainly understand that viewpoint, But I believe in him. Sure he's had repeated mistakes, but you don't change your attitude overnight, it's a very long process, and I see signs of him coming along nicely. I don't know much about being an NFL athlete, but I can certainly tell you how changing your attitude changes your life.

SOCALORADO.
12-15-2009, 04:08 PM
I can certainly understand that viewpoint, But I believe in him. Sure he's had repeated mistakes, but you don't change your attitude overnight, it's a very long process, and I see signs of him coming along nicely. I don't know much about being an NFL athlete, but I can certainly tell you how changing your attitude changes your life.

I also like how he and MCD have sorta bonded through the season. I think it will go a long way with him wanting to stay.... of course he will get a HUGE payday too.

claymore
12-15-2009, 04:08 PM
I can certainly understand that viewpoint, But I believe in him. Sure he's had repeated mistakes, but you don't change your attitude overnight, it's a very long process, and I see signs of him coming along nicely. I don't know much about being an NFL athlete, but I can certainly tell you how changing your attitude changes your life.

I can say i havent ever read where 50 million dollars makes you less of a fool. I see the opposite happening.

His trade value dipped bad this offseason.... Its peaked right now. JMCD is an offensive genius someone else will step up.

Dortoh
12-15-2009, 04:12 PM
Hes an ass. Did anyone else see him make that fat chick cry in the endzone by giving her a ball. I've had it with his thug ass.

claymore
12-15-2009, 04:14 PM
Hes an ass. Did anyone else see him make that fat chick cry in the endzone by giving her a ball. I've had it with his thug ass.

I thought he was going to punch her then flip her off like Plummer did to that one chick.

claymore
12-15-2009, 04:18 PM
Chiefs Suck!

TXBRONC
12-15-2009, 04:23 PM
Sarcasm or not you fail again to add intelligent substance to the conversation, when are you gonna be your own man.

He is his own man. He was the first memeber of this board to have a ostrich in his avatar. All those who have followed suit are just Dortoh wannabes.

KyleOrtonArmySoldier#128
12-15-2009, 04:25 PM
He is his own man. He was the first memeber of this board to have a ostrich in his avatar. All those who have followed suit are just Dortoh wannabes.

Talk about an awesome trend!

topscribe
12-15-2009, 04:31 PM
Lighten up. A football message board is to enjoy, to have a little fun . . . :elefant:

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claymore
12-15-2009, 04:33 PM
Lighten up. A football message board is to enjoy, to have a little fun . . . :elefant:

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So are prostates top.,

Lonestar
12-15-2009, 04:34 PM
I hope we keep the kid with reasonable contract for both sides will escalators for performance..

and conversely penalties for keeping to the straight and narrow..

IF he had come along way he will understand the FO for wanting both in..

we all have seen that he can have a GREAT season in this scheme and there is not reason for him NOT to get them down the road IF he excels in the games..

way to many players get fat and lazy after getting huge contract..

I do not see him having the work ethic of Rod , Larry, Eddie Mac, or the GOAT quite yet..

if we can get these things that are reasonable then I have no issues with him getting a huge POTENTIAL contract..


and the off season with him scares the hell out of me.. you know idle minds are the devils workshop..

KyleOrtonArmySoldier#128
12-15-2009, 04:39 PM
I hope we keep the kid with reasonable contract for both sides will escalators for performance..

and conversely penalties for keeping to the straight and narrow..

IF he had come along way he will understand the FO for wanting both in..

we all have seen that he can have a GREAT season in this scheme and there is not reason for him NOT to get them down the road IF he excels in the games..

way to many players get fat and lazy after getting huge contract..

I do not see him having the work ethic of Rod , Larry, Eddie Mac, or the GOAT quite yet..

if we can get these things that are reasonable then I have no issues with him getting a huge POTENTIAL contract..


and the off season with him scares the hell out of me.. you know idle minds are the devils workshop..

I always thought it was "Idle hands do the devil's work".

I could be wrong.

Lonestar
12-15-2009, 04:40 PM
I always thought it was "Idle hands do the devil's work".

I could be wrong.

that works also..:salute:

claymore
12-15-2009, 04:43 PM
I always thought it was "Idle hands do the devil's work".

I could be wrong.

Masterbation. Thats what they're talkin boot. thats the devils work.

KyleOrtonArmySoldier#128
12-15-2009, 04:52 PM
Masterbation. Thats what they're talkin boot. thats the devils work.

LMMFAO

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

Dortoh
12-15-2009, 04:58 PM
He is his own man. He was the first memeber of this board to have a ostrich in his avatar. All those who have followed suit are just Dortoh wannabes.

Was that 12 year old **** stick talking about me?

JDL
12-15-2009, 05:03 PM
Really, we've had very little passing game without him.

But, he really isn't THAT great of a locker room guy. He's a milder T.O.

I don't think you can count on matching an offer sheet just like Seattle couldn't for Hutchinson (poison pill clause - say if he plays 30% of his games in Denver during his first season, his entire contract is guaranteed.)

I don't think a 1st and 3rd is really enough value. 3rd rd picks don't amount to much usually (better used as fodder to trade up) and a 1st rd pick likely won't replace Marshall (would you rather have Marshall or a risky 1st rd WR? the position that busts most often amongst 1st rders.) We have a very good WR in Royal (Orton just seems scared to throw that direction because he actually has to be somewhat accurate because of Royal's size.)

Still, giving him Fitzgerald money is really frightening, honestly. But, you simply cannot deny it if he gets another 100rec season (this time with 10TDs or so - something he's had issues with in the past.. TD production.)


I am not entirely sure if he can be tagged as a RFA. It will be interesting. Probably best to keep him though, unless a team with a really high 1st rd pick wanted to trade for him. My guess is Peyton Manning would LOVE to have him because of the way he bonded with Marshall at last year's pro bowl (but then Marshall went and dropped a couple passes in the game from Manning... ugh.)

topscribe
12-15-2009, 05:07 PM
So are prostates top.,

That's enough out of you, punk.

I challenge you to shuffleboard to the death . . .

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