Broncos LB Brandon Marshall optimistic for new contract

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 20-18 to advance to the Super Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 20-18 to advance to the Super Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos didn’t keep Danny Trevathan this offseason. Will they get a contract done with linebacker Brandon Marshall? He’s optimistic for it…

The Denver Broncos opted to let free agent linebacker Danny Trevathan leave in free agency this offseason, but Brandon Marshall doesn’t expect to receive the same treatment. At least, he’s optimistic a deal will get done in Denver.

Marshall was the team’s leading tackler in 2014 with 113, starting 13 games and playing in just 14. That’s an indicator of the kind of potential this guy has, after he joined the team as a member of the practice squad in their 2013 AFC title run.

Starting all 16 games last season, Marshall was second on the team with 103 tackles behind Trevathan’s 109, and added a pair of forced fumbles. As he continues to develop into one of the league’s top ‘off the ball’ linebackers, Marshall has become a key piece of one of the NFL’s elite defenses.

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) and linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) go for a loose ball against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) and linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) go for a loose ball against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /

The Broncos prioritized him as such this offseason, placing a 2nd round tender on him at the outset of free agency in hopes that a long-term deal would get done. Marshall is hopeful and expectant that something will happen.

“I’m very optimistic. I would really love for that to happen. Like I said before, they’ve treated me liked family here. When I was on practice squad, they didn’t treat me like I was on practice squad. When I was in Jacksonville on practice squad, you knew you were on practice squad. They wouldn’t even let you come to the games on the sideline. It was crazy. From the whole organization’s standpoint—I haven’t been everywhere—but to me, it feels like it’s second to none. The President [and CEO], Joe Ellis, he’s very friendly. He comes to talk to us. He’s a good guy. I love it here. I think everybody has everybody’s best interest. We all want to win and I think we do it the right way.”

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Marshall certainly won’t come at a discounted rate for the Broncos, but I think they could get him at a pretty decent price. Certainly the $6 million annually that Trevathan received from the Bears would be a realistic starting point for the ‘other’ bash brother.

If the Broncos can get a deal done with Marshall and Von Miller this offseason, it would be a huge testament to the way this scouting department and front office has been able to construct the roster from the obvious moves (Von) to digging for diamonds in the rough.