Last night we heard a lot of rumblings. Today we have a deal. Various reports now say the Dolphins have acquired WR Brandon Marshall from Denver in exchange for their 2010 second round pick and 2011 second round pick.
The news was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The deal will not be official, however, until Marshall flies to Miami to take his physical and the league approves the deal - neither of which are believed to be an issue.
[Update: The team's official website has now announced the acquisition.]
Whether you like Marshall or not as a person, it's hard to dislike the kid when he's on the field. He just turned 26 and is now entering the prime of his career, coming off of three consecutive 100 reception seasons in Denver. And if he can put up a 100 catch, 1100 yard, 10 touchdown season with Kyle Orton throwing him passes, then imagine what he can do with a quarterback of Henne's talent and potential.
Of course, the 6'4, 230 pound receiver has some red flags. He has a long history of off-the-field issues to go along with some clashes with his head coach last season - highlighted by when Brandon acted like a child in training camp and knocked down passes thrown to him rather than catching them. But with new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan having come from Denver, you have to believe he spoke with Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland, and Tony Sparano. And if anything Nolan said was of any real concern to those guys, I doubt the Dolphins spend two second rounders and what is sure to be a very big contract extension to bring in the play-making wide receiver.
[Update: Armando Salguero just tweeted that Nolan was asked his opinion of Marshall and Nolan responded by calling Brandon the best receiver his defense faced all year...and it was in practice.]
And that's what we can't forget. Sure, only giving up two second round picks for a receiver of Marshall's caliber doesn't seem like a ton. But there's also going to be a new, likely huge contract given to Brandon as well to replace the one-year tender he signed yesterday with Denver. Marshall made a big stink about his contract for about two years now and will likely finally receive the money he so desperately wants - and does deserve.
According to Salguero, the Dolphins and Marshall have already agreed upon the parameters of a new deal - a deal that will make him the highest paid receiver in the league, averaging over $10 million per season and guaranteeing perhaps $30+ million. Wow.
[Update: Adam Schefter is reporting that Marshall and the Dolphins have agreed to a 4 year, $47.5 million extension that includes $24 million in guarantees. That's not as bad as I thought in regards to the guaranteed money. Including the deal Brandon signed yesterday with Denver, the total length of the deal is 5 years and total worth is $50 million.]
Chad Henne is probably the guy who is most excited in that Dolphin locker room, though. By far, Marshall instantly becomes the most gifted receiver he has ever had to throw to in his life. That's got to be a great feeling.
The Miami Dolphins have their "Alpha" receiver.
Props to"MiamiNice," "minodim," and "FinzD54" for their information over the past few days that was clearly "good info."