Update: Ravens Have Not Contacted Denver For A Trade 5:50 PM
Amid rumors that the Ravens are interested in trading for wideout Brandon Marshall, Baltimore head coach **John Harbaugh** said that his team has not contacted the Denver Broncos to inquire about the disgruntled receiver.
"We're interested in anybody that can help our team," Harbaugh said. "He plays for the Broncos and he's under contract, so he's not a guy that we're concerned with right now. We'll just have to see what happens."
The Ravens, who pursued the Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin earlier this offseason, would likely have to give up first- and third-round picks for Marshall, and that is even before negotiating a new deal.
After making the Pro Bowl last season to hit incentive marks in his current rookie deal, Marshall boosted his 2009 salary from $535,000 to $2.2 million.
Any new contract would be much more per year than that figure, perhaps even averaging $8 to $9 million.
Harbaugh said the Ravens have not contacted Marshall, as well.
"We can't, he's in a contract," said the coach. But there is no denying Marshall's talent at a position some analysts have labeled a weak spot for the Ravens. Marshall, 25, has totaled 106 receptions for 2,590 yards and 13 touchdowns over the past two years, heady numbers that could benefit any passing attack.
But the caveat with Marshall is a long history of off-the-field issues. Reportedly, Marshall has been arrested or questioned by police 13 times - seven times for alleged domestic abuse - since 2004.
Marshall's agent, Kennard McGuire, confirmed Tuesday that the wideout requested a trade in a private meeting with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen. Marshall skipped Denver's mandatory minicamp last weekend, holding out for a contract commensurate with the NFL's top receivers.
According to reports, he then left the team's training facility Monday evening with packed boxes before driving away.
Marshall's off-field issues are not completely behind him, either. He was suspended for three games in 2008 for violating the league's personal conduct policy, a length that was later reduced to one game on appeal.
In August, however, he is must stand trial in Atlanta for two counts of misdemeanor battery from an incident in 2008 involving former girlfriend Rasheedah Watley. A conviction could mean another suspension from Commissioner Roger Goodell.
"We want to bring guys in here that are what we consider Ravens," explained Harbaugh, who wore a black hat that had "Play Like A Raven" emblazoned on it. "Any player that we bring in here, we've got to be convinced that he's a man of integrity, a high character guy and that our players can respect him in the locker room.
"That's going to be true whether it's in a draft, or free agency or any guys we choose to re-sign. We look at that real hard because we think those are the type of people that you win with, and we're never going to compromise on that."
Marshall may not even be traded.
An ESPN report from Ed Werder suggested that meetings among Broncos staff after Marshall and Bowlen spoke point to Denver denying his request.
"We met after Pat's meeting with Brandon Marshall, and we've decided that we will continue to have a dialogue with Brandon and his representative, but we are looking forward to having Brandon at training camp," McDaniels told Werder, per ESPN.com.
Regardless of Marshall's potential availability, the Ravens maintain that they are comfortable with their current receiving corps, even though **Derrick Mason**, **Mark Clayton** and **Demetrius Williams** have all missed time in Organized Team Activities this offseason.
"Are we looking to upgrade our receiver position? The same as we are every other position," Harbaugh noted. "And if we can get a player in here that can make us better, sure, but if we can make the players we got better, healthier, more productive, that's what we're going to do.
"We're trying to put together as strong a football team as we possibly can, and it's really not any more complicated than that. So, you have an interest in the receiver position, so do we. Just like every other position."
Reports: Marshall Could Land in Baltimoreby Geoff Peckham10:00AM
According to ProFootballTalk.com, rumors are swirling that Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall could be traded to Baltimore, though no definitive source was offered. Marshall recently asked to be traded, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.
Marshall's asking price would likely be a first- and third-round draft pick, the same as disgruntled Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin, whom the Ravens were reportedly interested in earlier this offseason. Baltimore was evidently not willing to pay that price for the 29-year-old Boldin, which suggests the offer would have to be lower for the Ravens to be interested in Marshall.
Marshall, however, is only 25 and entering the prime of his career. In his first three seasons in the NFL, he has amassed 226 receptions for 2,899 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Marshall has had off-the-field issues which could hinder a potential trade, being cited for domestic violence on more than one occasion. He will go to court this summer for reportedly assaulting his former girlfriend and could be suspended by the NFL under its personal conduct policy.
He has also seemingly been a distraction this offseason for the Broncos, demanding a new contract, skipping workouts and, according to the Associated Press, leaving Denver's facility last week with packed boxes.
Marshall could be unhappy with his team trading quarterback Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears this offseason. Cutler is regarded as one of the NFL's top young quarterbacks.
Several NFL pundits have pointed to wide receiver as the Ravens' biggest weakness, but general manager **Ozzie Newsome** has expressed confidence several times in his current corps.
