A bit of surprising news emerged when the Chicago Bears announced that they had worked out linebacker Brandon Marshall. Make sure you re-read that and see the linebacker beside his name, Bears fans.
This move may be less surprising in terms of the position, but more surprising in terms of the player.
Former Broncos’ LB Brandon Marshall worked out today for the Bears, per source. He also recently worked out for the 49ers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 14, 2021
Brandon Marshall the linebacker has played more recently than the wide receiver, but Marshall last played in 2018. He was on the Raiders in 2019, but was released, re-signed, and let go again without playing a single snap.
He spent 2019 on and off the Raiders, and during the weird COVID year when it was tougher to workout and bring players in, Marshall went unsigned.
Apparently Marshall does not want to go out like that, though and wants to redeem himself with another NFL season. He is in shape after the year off and worked out for the 49ers, and now the Chicago Bears.
As noted, this does make sense on paper. Roquan Smith is taking over as the leader of the defense, but Danny Trevathan is older than Marshall. Christian Jones, Joel Iyiegbuniwe, and Josh Woods provide depth, but those are not strong depth names-especially not Iggy and Woods.
On paper Marshall would be a better name and career player than either of them. Of course, we are not adding prime Marshall, but a Marshall who has not played in two years.
Considering the need for depth, it is smart to kick the tires. If they feel he is healthy and in shape he is not going to come at a serious price tag which gives him a shot to compete in training camp.
However, when and if the Chicago Bears sign Brandon Marshall, it does not change much. He is very much expected to be competing with Iggy and Woods for the LB4 and a special teams role.