Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Marshall, the Denver Broncos linebacker, has been one of the few consistent players for the defense in the past season-plus since replacing an injured Von Miller during the 2013 season. He got his chance to shine in 2014, especially when Danny Trevathan succumbed to injuries during the season and did not disappoint.
The Broncos have many big name free agents that hit the market on March 10th. One name however that has not be mentioned with Demaryius Thomas, Terrance Knighton, Wes Welker of free agency is Brandon Marshall. He has been, in my eyes, as the unsung hero of the Broncos defense. He really came into his own last season as he recorded 113 tackles, 91 of them were solo tackles. This is quite a remarkable number as he has shown that he works hard and finishes the job he is supposed to do.
Seeing every game during the 2014 season, there were times that I got frustrated when defensive players were missing tackles that they should have been able to finish. Even by himself, Brandon Marshall could take opponents down, if not at least slow them down so that his teammates can finish the job.
Brandon Marshall is a restricted free agent when the new league year hits. Unlike a unrestricted free agent, Brandon Marshall has the ability to seek other teams but has a qualifying offer from the Denver Broncos. Teams must submit an offer sheet and if he was to accept it, the Broncos could match it and retain him. However, if an offer sheet from a new team is not executed, the Broncos get to hold on to him.
With the new transition to the 3-4 defense under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, Brandon Marshall could see a lot more playing time if he returns to Denver in 2015. It would be a huge mistake for the Denver Broncos to allow their leading tackler in 2014 play for another team. Not to mention that Brandon Marshall led all linebackers in passes defended this past season.
The Broncos could definitely afford to keep Brandon Marshall in house for the 2015 season. This young linebacker still has a lot to prove and he has shown that he has the potential. 2014 was just the start. Broncos fans have a lot to look forward to with Brandon Marshall in orange and blue.