Who Got the Better Deal

So there was another huge move made in the National Football League this week as the Denver Broncos traded Brandon Marshal to the Miami Dolphins for two second round picks (the 2010 45th overall pick, and next year’s second round pick.

A quick evaluation. I think this was a good move for both team. I know that it is hard to believe that is ever a good idea to trade away a franchise player like Brandon Marshal, but it isn’t likely that the Broncos were not going to get a deal done with him. If they would or could, it would have happened by now, and Marshal would have been a free agent next year. Better to get something for the guy than nothing since the Broncos are not a contender right now.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying I would have made the move if I was Josh McDaniels, but I wouldn’t have traded Jay Cutler either. Since he decided to rebuild that team as his own, he has done a great job of getting a lot of good draft picks from which to draw new talent, and this is a nother move in that strategic direction.

It was also a great move for Miami. To get a player of Marshal’s caliber for two seconds is a steal. He is one of the most talented wide receivers in the league. Some teams spend countless picks, including first round picks, trying to get a guy like him. He also makes that offense on its way to being totally complete. They have their future quarterback (Chad Henne), the left tackle of the next decade and a half (Jake Long), their running back (Ronnie Brown) if he can stay healthy, and the now the wide receiver (Bradon Marshal).

So who got the better deal?...Time will tell.

Free Agent 2010 - Quarterbacks

Now that the season is over, there is nothing else to look forward to… Unless you are a True Football Fan. If you are, then its just getting started! That’s right my fellow football zealots, free agency starts in less than a month. Here is a great chance for your team to accessorize. A chance to get that player to put your team over the top and make them competitors, a recognition of draft needs, or maybe just to get some more wins on the board. Either way, there are some great options out there this year for those teams that can afford it. So get ready to buy those new jersey’s or hang up the old ones, cause here is what to expect.

Kyle Orton (Denver Broncos) I know this wont make Bronco’s fans happy, but he is your guy. At least for another year or so. Orton had a quietly great year, and has developed into a great game manager. He was really consistent last year, and that’s what the new Coach is looking for. Don’t forget that the Broncos have the Bears first round pick and a shot to get one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft. A guy for the future. That guy is going to need time to mature and a quality mentor. That spells new contract for Orton. A how could Orton complain; he is on a quality team with a chance to win now.

Chad Pennington (Miami Dolphins) is an unrestricted free agent this year, and after his subpar year and injury issues, look for Miami to let him go and hand the reigns over to one of their younger options. And as far as Chad’s future, don’t look for him to put up big numbers again unless the guy he is backing up goes down with injury. Chad is now a life time backup.

Daunte Culpepper, (Detroit Lions) & Charlie Batch (Pittsburgh Steelers) are two quality free agent backups. Especially Batch, but I’m not sure that Pittsburg can afford to keep him around. Look for one of these two guys to end up in Arizona with Matt Linhert and who knows about the other. But if you get them, it should be piece of mind that your season is over just because your starter went down.

Jason Campbell, (Washington Redskins) & Tarvaris Jackson (Minnesota Vikings) Good bye! Both teams have seen enough. In fact I think every team in the league has seen enough. Fine, someone will give them a job as a snap holder, but that’s about it.

*Also, maybe look for Troy Smith (Baltimore Raves) to get a gig as a Wild Cat QB.