Is Brandon Marshall an option for the Eagles?
18 January 2017 Eagles News
Yesterday, news came out reporting that the New York Jets are likely to release Brandon Marshall? At 32 years of age, is he an option for the Eagles?
The Eagles receiving corp is not very good. You’d have to think, even at 32, Marshall will be a big help for the Eagles. In his two years with the Jets, Marshall racked up 2,290 yards and 17 touchdowns.
The Jets are likely to dump a lot of their higher salaries and begin new. That is why Marshall will be released. It has nothing to do with his production.
Brandon Marshall is expected to be released by the @nyjets, according to @RichCimini pic.twitter.com/NlOk95Ef7I
— 120 Sports (@120Sports) January 18, 2017
This brings us to the Eagles, is he a legit option for them.
If you want a cheaper veteran receiver, Marshall is your guy. On WFAN’s Boomer and Carton show today, Marshall seemed to think he would be a bargain for any team. When asked about the Jets wanting to “get away” from his salary, here is what Marshall had to say, “Get away from my salary. That’s underpaid. Any team should be happy to have me for $7.5 million.”
When you think about it, that is almost the same cap hit a player like Chase Daniel has. For a player like Marshall, that is not too bad.
Production
As we know Marshall has totaled 2,290 yards and 17 touchdowns in his two years as a Jet. However, he is coming off of his worst statistical year. But, he was not the one struggling, the Jets offense was a mess this season.
There is no doubt that Marshall will be the Eagles best wide receiver and probably their most productive. Although he is just a short term answer, Marshall will immediately help this receiving group and help Carson Wentz. Right now, the Eagles receivers on the current roster only caught seven touchdowns combined. A player like Marshall (who caught 14 touchdowns the year prior) can catch seven touchdowns by himself.
Will Howie pull the trigger? Is Brandon Marshall a band-aid?
The Eagles have completely changed their offseason philosophy. They use to be big gamblers when it came to free agency. As of lately, that is not the case. Last offseason, they gave a lot of fair deals and got a lot of great players like Brandon Brooks, and Rodney McLeod.
Howie Roseman has mentioned the Eagles have been putting “band-aids” on some positions, especially the cornerback position. Having a young developing quarterback, you need to surround him with weapons. Right now, the Eagles only have Zach Ertz (TE) and Jordan Matthews. You can look at Marshall and say he is a band-aid because of his age, however, there is no doubt he will be productive in his time in Philadelphia.
Finally, Is he an option?
Marshall will likely yield a contract similar to the quote mentioned before, anywhere from 7-8 million a season. Adding Marshall does not limit you in the draft, you still look to add a receiver or two through the draft.
Look at the Eagles receiving corps right now, Marshall is an instant upgrade over the outside receivers Dorial Green-Beckham and Nelson Agholor.
The Eagles should look into signing Marshall if and when he is released. After all, he can be the weapon Wentz needs.