Brandon Marshall to Seattle Seahawks? One Good Turn Deserves Another

The Denver Broncos’ Brandon Marshall is scheduled to meet with the Seattle Seahawks today, including former Broncos coach Jeremy Bates.  Despite fears of off the field behaviors becoming an issue, there are many benefits to Marshall signing with Seattle.

Marshall is tendered with a first round draft pick.  Not a problem for the Seahawks, who have two first round draft picks and can easily use their 14th overall to effectively fill their most pressing need (left tackle).

The Seahawks’ receiving corp is deep—leftover from a plague of injuries in 2008—but aging.  The loss of Nate Burleson to the Detroit Lions is noteworthy merely related to four years of unmet expectations, but not detrimental (if he were vital to the team’s success the Seahawks would have tagged him as a franchise player). 

Still, having one less receiver on the roster is likely to have re-distributed the Seahawks’ priorities.  Garnering a quick, able replacement—indeed, upgrade—for Burleson will free up trade options the Seahawks may have already been considering for some of the other low-production wide receivers. 

There are perpetual rumors of the Patriots’ interest in Deion Branch and his desire to return to New England.  If these have any merit, the Seahawks may be able to gain one of the Patriots’ three second round picks in return for the former Super Bowl MVP. 

With the loss of their sixth overall pick to gain Marshall, a second rounder would make a huge difference.  The Seahawks could get a capable offensive lineman for Jeremy Bates to mold, or possibly a young receiver with at least the same production as Branch, a longer shelf life, and time to make a marked difference on a rebuilding team.

Even with the sole addition of Marshall, the Seahawks’ scoring potential increases.  He’ll pair well with T.J. Houshmandzadeh (who has ample experience working with at least one NFL problem child) and could be a good (on the field) mentor to Ben Obomanu if the Seahawks retain him.

Plus, we haven’t seen everything Justin Forsett can do.

Hopefully, we can trust Pete Carroll to use the draft to fill some of the other gaping holes on offense.

As for the defense, other notable rumors include Seattle’s interest the Green Bay Packers’ OLB Aaron Kampman.  Kampman is a formidable pass rusher and would fit well into Carroll’s defensive style. 

These rumors are probably unfounded since Kampman’s rep has reportedly begun talks with the Eagles.  Pundits believe that Kampman is looking for a 4-3 defense where he can return to his natural position at defensive end.

We’re barely into the free agent signing period and already big moves have been made around the league.  The Seahawks opening the door to a big name like Brandon Marshall is a start, but will, hopefully, not be the only headline-making move they make in the next two months. 

Like the Lions and the Bears (congrats on Julius Peppers) the Seahawks have some big steps to make before they’re within reach of the Lombardi Trophy again.