Surprise, surprise, the Denver Broncos are coming out with a firm stance on wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
Marshall, who is a restricted free agent, was in Seattle over the weekend for a visit with the Seahawks — he even got the fly-to-Seahawks-headquarter-in-a-seaplane treatment — and according to multiple sources, he’ll cost a lot if Seattle wants to sign the Pro Bowl receiver.
Because the Broncos placed a first-round tender on Marshall, any team that signs him to an offer sheet would owe Denver its first-round pick should the Broncos decide not to match the offer. Now that doesn’t mean Denver and Seattle can’t work out a deal before Marshall signs, allowing Seattle to acquire the receiver without paying the steep price of the No. 6 overall pick.
The word on Sunday, however, is that the terms won’t be negotiable. In other words, Denver is saying, “If you want Marshall, pay up. Otherwise we’ll keep him.”
Of course, it’s worth noting that we’re talking about a negotiation here. If Denver is serious about moving the troubled receiver, they’re going to want to get as much back in return as possible, so where else would they start than by asking for the highest price possible? Ultimately, if Denver doesn’t have better options, they may back off that stance and consider a lower offer. Or maybe not, in which case the Seahawks would have to decide if a talented but troubled receiver is worth the No. 6 pick.
And speaking of other suitors, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday afternoon that the Cincinnati Bengals are now considering Marshall as well. Obviously for the Seahawks, the fewer teams interested in his services the better. Joe Reed, who covers the Bengals for the Cincinnati Enquirer, thinks those reports may be premature, however, saying it is mostly a “smoke screen” meant to drive up the price in Seattle.
Tebow to work out for Seahawks
NFL.com reported Sunday that Florida quarterback Tim Tebow will hold private workouts with Seattle and Buffalo. Tebow did not throw at the NFL combine, as he is in the process of adjusting his throwing delivery.
Jags sign DE Kampman
Former Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman, believed to be a possible target of Seattle’s is off the market, having signed with Jacksonville.
Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more Seahawks coverage, check out the Seahawks blog at heraldnet.com/seahawksblog
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