Oakland Raiders sign linebacker Brandon Marshall
The Oakland Raiders added a quality linebacker to the fold on Thursday, signing former Denver Broncos star Brandon Marshall to a one-year deal.
The linebacker position just keeps getting better and better for the Oakland Raiders. The team has signed former Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall to a one year deal worth up to $4.1 million. Bringing in Marshall to increase the quality of talent at linebacker is a nice addition.
He’s easily better than most, if not the best linebacker on the team. While he does standout among the group, he’s not really a signing worth getting worked up about.
Brandon Marshall is coming off arguably his worst season of his career in 2018. However, the counter to that is the entire Broncos team was horrendous last season outside of Von Miller. Marshall was once a pro bowl caliber talent when the Broncos defense was once considered elite just a few seasons ago. It’s possible Marshall can bounce back, but I wouldn’t hold my breathe.
Luckily, the Raiders have once again put themselves in a prime position. By signing Marshall to a one year deal, they allow themselves the flexibility to either let him walk or get a head start to re-sign him.
Marshall will be motivated to return to his Pro Bowl form so that the Raiders feel enticed to re-sign him. It’s not just because of the extra money he’ll receive by performing well, it’s the fact that he really wants to be apart of the team when they move to Las Vegas in 2020.
Marshall is a native of Las Vegas, so of course it would behoove him to have some interest in playing in front of his home crowd. Any player or athlete would love to play for their professional hometown team.
This will be Marshall’s first ever opportunity to do so.
Aspirations aside, Marshall is a nice addition to the defense. He’s stout and quick against the run with some weaknesses in pass coverage. He’s also a veteran at this point in his career and a super bowl champion, so he brings in a lot of experience to the position.
Next. Raiders add running back Isaiah Crowell to the mix. dark
The linebacking corps now consists of some willy veterans in Tahir Whitehead, Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall. These signings will now allow the Raiders some breathing room during the draft when they’re searching for a linebacker.