The Denver Broncos announced yesterday, that they had assigned a first-round Free Agent tender to WR Brandon Marshall. Mike Lombardi of the NFL Network announced the Arizona Cardinals’ had placed a third-round tender on Anquan Boldin.

The ramifications of those decisions, had Baltimore sports fans discussing all day which player represents the better potential option for the Ravens.

In one corner, you have Boldin who turns 30 next October. He is 6’1, 217 lbs, and will be going into his 8th year in the league. During his career, he has made 586 receptions (including 173 the past two-seasons), for 7,520 yards. While his Career Yards Per Catch is relatively low at 12.8, his Career Yards After Catch at 5.3 is outstanding.

In the other-corner, you have Marshall who turns 26 later this month. At 6’4, 230 lbs, he has the mold of a TE, with WR speed. During his 4 year career, he has made 327 receptions (including 3 consecutive seasons of over 100), for 4,019 yards. His Yards Per Catch has decreased every season, ending at 11.1 for the 2009 season. He has a Career Yards After Catch of 5.0, inclusive of 5.2 in 2009.

Both would clearly improve the Ravens receiving corp, but that is not the question. The question is, who would be a better fit for Baltimore.

Due to the age, and size-difference, Marshall is clearly the better bet as a receiver going forward.
However, there is also no question he comes with more pronounced baggage.

To me, Boldin represents significantly better value overall. The difference in keeping the 1st-round pick, vs. losing the 3rd-round pick; is far greater than the production difference Marshall is likely to provide over Boldin over the next 2-3 years.

Another thing to consider is that either player is going to want a long-term contract extension. Again, it is fair to acknowledge that Marshall figures to be a better player longer. However, the flip-side of that, is that Marshall would figure to command more money up-front with an extension.

When you look at the full-equation, I think Boldin has to be the choice if the decision is one-receiver or the other.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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