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All the talk going on in the NFL off-season seems to be about Brandon Marshall. However, when watching Sportscenter today, I came across a few other intriguing names at the same position.
Terrell Owens always seems to come up during the off-season. Whether it's debuting a reality show, which was actually entertaining, or discussing where he wants to play football. At 37 years old, Owens is on the tail end of his career, yet his asking price is still high. Even though he had a down year with Buffalo, he still showed his game breaking ability with that 99 yard scamper against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His asking price may be a little too high, and he brings a lot of baggage with his personality, but I'm sure there's at least one GM that wants him. Ochocinco is certainly trying hard to get him in Cincy, but can they afford it?
Then there is Vincent Jackson of the Chargers. He as well as his teammate Malcolm Floyd are on the market for receivers. Jackson obviously posting the better numbers, but Floyd is a similar type of player and cheaper. Jackson has improved his numbers each year that he has been in the league, and this year was no exception. Career highs in yards, receptions, and touchdowns. Although Phillip Rivers' favorite target is still Antonio Gates, Jackson emerged as the go-to guy whenever the Chargers needed a play of at least 20 yards. Floyd is a tremendous leaper that is a go-getter when the ball is lobbed in the air. Both of these players probably won't be teammates next year, and look for Floyd to be the one moved because Vincent Jackson seems too valuable, and makes the receivers around him a lot better.
The two biggest names still have to be Anquan Boldin, but especially Brandon Marshall. Talks about Boldin have slowly drifted away, and with the retirement of Kurt Warner, it seems like they will try to hold onto him even more so than before. He can still only be obtained by a trade, the same goes for Marshall, and he has number one receiver ability, so he wants to be paid like one. The same can be said for Marshall, except his trade talks seem more legitimate. The most logical landing zone for him, other than Denver who has stated that they want him to return, is the Baltimore Ravens. They have what the Broncos want and need: A lineman in Chris Chester or Marshall Yanda, a late first round pick, and a third round pick. However, the Broncos owner still wants Marshall, and that is a lot to ask for from the Ravens.
When March rolls around, all of these players will hopefully have a better idea of where they are playing next year. Until then, we can only speculate and isn't that the beauty of watching sports? Anytime a rumor arises, we always try to plan out the different scenarios in our heads.
