First off, trading a 1st round pick, a 3rd round pick AND David Harris to Broncos for Marshall is crazy. This is for a few reasons:
- Marshall is in the last year of his rookie contract, same story as Leon. He either needs a new deal or becomes (potentially) a UFA at the end of the year.
- How do you offer Marshall a new deal without getting Leon signed first?
- I can understand a 1st round pick for Marshall, but giving up a playmaking Harris is stupid.
- Harris is awesome, and we have no depth as it is, so this is a terrible idea.
How would I approach it?
- Trade a 1st rounder and a strong special teams WR to Cleveland for Braylon Edwards. I dont have a lot of value for Brad Smith outside of special teams. But Mangini might think this is a good deal (he took Ratliff, didnt he?!)
- Now you have 2 WRs in Edwards and Cotchery for 2009, lost 1 draft pick.
- Next offseason, if and when Marshall becomes a free agent, THEN offer him a boat load of $$ to come over. If not him, find another Free Agent #1 WR. There must be a few off contract.
- Use your remaining draft picks in 2010 to get another TE, OL, DE, OLD, but not necessarily in that order.
- Let Clemens go at the end of the year, and look to pick up a veteran QB for the #3 spot, move Ainge up to #2.
What are your thoughts?