The Denver Broncos experienced a decade of basically smooth sailing under former coach Mike Shanahan, in the last seven months under 32-year-old head coach Josh McDaniels the team has traded one of the three 2008 Pro Bowlers and have had a request to deal the their most powerful offensive weapon Brandon Marshall.

Marshall, who caught 104 passes for 1,265 yards in 15 games last season, asked to be traded after he had a meeting with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen last Friday. First reported Monday by Adam Schefter on KOA radio in Denver, the request for a trade has now been confirmed by Marshall’s agent, Kennard McGuire.

“There was a request for a trade.” said McGuire “Mr. Bowlen has said that ownership will do everything in its power to accommodate his wishes.”

The Broncos drafted Marshall in the fourth round three years ago and are still paying him fourth round money after the 6-foot-4 receiver has averaged 6.5 touchdowns and 1,295 yards the past two seasons. USA Today reported that 58 wide-outs rake in more dough than the $1.5 million he has been paid over his three year career.

Marshall, who is set to make $2.2 million after getting a bonus for making last year’s Pro Bowl squad, wants more money and at this point, looks like he will wait it out to see if the Broncos are willing to send their best receiver packing.

McGuire says the team will try to accommodate Marshall’s wishes, kind of like they did with disgruntled quarterback Jay Cutler, and there are plenty of teams willing to give up some picks for a guy that has been called “baby T.O”.
Baltimore Ravens:
There are already rumors spinning around the league about the Ravens being interested in the 25-year-old receiver as the team reportedly was willing to give up a few picks (although not enough) to get another big time ball snatcher in Anquan Boldin. The Ravens have been criticized for their lack of a No. 1, game changing receiver. Derrick Mason led the team in receptions and yard last season with 80 and 1037, respectively.

They also only scored 16 touchdowns though the air last season and could use the big body of Marshall in the red-zone. Baltimore also is in the process of developing a young quarterback by the name of Joe Flacco. The Ravens made it all the way to the AFC Championship game running the ball, controlling the clock and playing stingy defense. With a guy like Brandon Marshall and Derrick Mason the team could really become competitive in a division that Pittsburgh won’t relinquish easily.

Chicago Bears: A reunion between Marshall and Jay Cutler would really help the Bears out, but since they have no first round pick next year it doesn’t seem likely that the Bears will be able to make the move for a wide receiver they so desperately need.

Indianapolis Colts: Marvin Harrison, who was third on the team in receptions in 2008, is gone. Reggie Wayne is still a big threat to the outside, Anthony Gonzales is good-to-go in the slot, Dallas Clark is one of the better pass-catching tight ends in the AFC and the Colts have a marvelous running game. If they get a secondary receiver who can command double teams, the Colts could be back to unstoppable form as Peyton Manning looks for another championship before his career is finished. The Colts are not really known for making blockbuster deals for guys who have had off the field trouble, but the thought of Manning to Marshall would send chills down the Patriots’ and Steelers spines.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Last year the Jaguars were expected to make the playoffs and picked by a few to make it to the Super Bowl, but after injuries and locker room chemistry took their toll on the team the Jags finished with an underachieving record of 5-11. Jerry Porter was supposed to be their big time throwing threat but injuries kept him off the field. Matt Jones proved to be semi-productive with 761 yards but off the field issues forced the team to release him.

Now the Jags have a great running attack, a beat-up offensive line and no No. 1 receivers. A move to get Marshall could elevate the Jags offense and take some pressure off David Garrard as Torry Holt isn’t getting any younger and Dennis Northcutt has only averaged 40 receptions a year.
Cleveland Browns: The Browns would be delighted to have Marshall join their team and by adding him you could see Braylon Edwards finally get dealt, despite saying that he would like to remain in Cleveland. The Browns might be able to package a deal that would involve another receiver who is unhappy with his current deal in Josh Cribbs. Cribbs does a lot on offense and is expected to be used on defense as well as maintaining his status on special teams. Cribbs to the Broncos would give them help in a lot of areas to help account for the loss of Marshall.

Miami Dolphins: It’s hard to imagine that the Broncos would send Marshall to any of these AFC teams, but the Dolphins would love to get a big bodied receiver to go with Ted Ginn’s speed. The Fins have displayed that they can use almost every offensive weapon they have and the addition of Marshall to a wildcat offense that is stacked with speed could only add to Miami’s ability to confuse and disrupt defenses.

St. Louis Rams: The Rams have lost their two greats from the “greatest show on turf” days and have also lost some of the luster that the franchise carried for so many years. The addition of Marshall opposite Donnie Avery, who proved in his rookie year that he can ball with 53 receptions, 674 yards and four total touchdowns could make them relevant in a division that, with the exception of the Arizona Cardinals, has been limping through the past few seasons. The Rams adding the 25-year-old Pro-Bowler would be a great foundation for a team that is rebuilding toward excellence with a new coach.

Although the Broncos have not yet confirmed that Marshall’s trade request is something they will be looking to comply with, they said that traded Cutler was not going down either, so who knows? The Denver Post reportedly quoted head coach Josh McDaniels as saying “we look forward to having Brandon in camp.”

Each of these teams has a legit reason to go after the disgruntled Marshall and with the right type of trade package they all could find a way to get one of the best receivers in the league. McDaniels isn’t shy about trading away top-notch talent that isn’t willing to be a ‘happy camper’, so these teams may want to pick up the phone--even if it’s just to see the asking price.