NFL Trade Machine: Brandon Marshall To 49ers

Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) scored a touchdown against Minnesota Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson (21) in the second quarter of their game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

One name that hit Twitter and the rest of social media recently regarding the NFL trade machine was five-time Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall.  The 30-year old finds himself in hot water with the new Chicago Bears regime after what was a 2014 season filled with distractions and disappointments, many of them perpetrating by Marshall.

The outspoken player did everything from appear weekly on television for ‘Inside the NFL’ to challenging people to boxing matches when they smack-talked him.  It’s unclear whether his top priority really is football, which concerns new head coach John Fox.

In spite of this, Marshall still has value as a receiving threat.  That is why Chicago is shopping him around to see if any team is interested in giving their passing game a boost.

One team that came up in conversations was the San Francisco 49ers.

On paper it makes sense.

San Francisco is about to lose Michael Crabtree and Stevie Johnson to free agency, leaving only the 34-year old Anquan Boldin as their most credible receiving threat.  Adding a legitimate option like Marshall would take tons of heat off Colin Kaepernick, especially if the 49ers were then to double down in the draft by getting an Amari Cooper or DeVante Parker to help stretch the field.

The outline of the trade proposed would involve San Francisco sending inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite to Chicago in exchange for Marshall.  Chicago needs help in that area and Wilhoite knows the system of their new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.  This way the 49ers don’t have to relinquish any draft pick — simply cap space.

It would take some working of the pay structure, but it’s quite doable and a potential win-win for both sides.