One of the most talented receivers in the NFL hit the open market a few days ago.
Brandon Marshall surprisingly became a free agent following his release from the New York Jets. New York wants to get younger, and Marshall already past the 30-year-old mark a few years ago. However, that doesn’t mean Marshall doesn’t have a future in the NFL anymore. His track record speaks for himself: he is an established veteran and a fierce competitor. Virtually every team in the league would welcome him with open arms.
However, Marshall won’t sign with any team that wants him. Money isn’t a problem for him, so he’s going to analyze what works for him with only one goal in mind: getting a Super Bowl ring. Let’s not forget Marshall is yet to play a postseason game in his career. That’s a drought he wants to stop ASAP, and with that in mind there’s only one time he should join.
Yes, you guessed that right. Marshall should join the New England Patriots next season. Can you imagine how deadly New England’s offense would be with Marshall alongside Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and LeGarrette Blount? That’s downright scary.
And it’s not only because the Patriots are the reigning Super Bowl champions. They have also been a consistent presence in the playoffs over the past 20 years. I mean, there must be a reason why they have eight SB appearances since 1997, right? They are the class in the AFC, and the rest of the AFC East (Dolphins, Bills and Jets) should represent a threat to New England’s playoff chances in the next three to five years.
Sure, Marshall might be a bit past his prime. But we can’t deny the fact that he’s been effective everywhere he’s played. He’s coming off another great season as the Jets’ primary threat in the passing attack, and he finished with 59 receptions, 788 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. If he did that with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith and Bryce Petty under center, can you imagine how his numbers would look while catching passes from Brady? The lone idea of that should create havoc on opposing secondaries.
It has been reported that there’s mutual interest between both sides to get a deal done, but it hasn’t progressed past that. And free agency doesn’t officially start until March 9, so there’s plenty of times for both parties to talk. But we can’t deny that a reunion between Marshall and the Patriots makes too much sense.
The only question is – will they reach an agreement? Only time will tell, it seems.