Associated Press
Associated Press
CHICAGO —Finally, the Chicago Bears can stop looking for a top receiver.
They reeled one in Tuesday, landing three-time Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall in a trade with the Miami Dolphins that addressed their biggest need.
There was widespread speculation the Bears would go after a high-profile free-agent receiver such as Vincent Jackson, but they filled their biggest hole with a blockbuster deal instead, sending two third-round draft picks to Miami.
The trade was first reported by Fox Sports.
It’s the first big move under new general manager Phil Emery, who replaced the fired Jerry Angelo, and it gives Jay Cutler the go-to receiver he’s been seeking since he arrived from the Broncos in a trade three years ago.
Even better, it reunites him with one of his top targets in Denver.
Marshall made the Pro Bowl for the third time last year, when he had 81 catches for 1,214 yards and six scores. But he also dropped at least four potential touchdown catches and failed to end his career-long playoff drought.
The Dolphins had a losing record in each of his two seasons with them, and coach Tony Sparano was fired in December.
Last July, Marshall disclosed he was diagnosed earlier in the year with borderline personality disorder, which stems from such things as a negative self-image and a fear of failure. Then at midseason he said efforts to keep his emotions on an even keel have hurt his play, and before a Monday night game he claimed he goal was to get ejected before halftime.
Marshall sparred with quarterback Chad Henne during his first season with the Dolphins, but he seemed popular in the locker room last year. Dolphins players reacting on Twitter said they were sorry to hear the news of the trade, while Bears players were overjoyed.
“Hate to see my boy B Marshall go,” running back Reggie Bush tweeted. “That’s the league for you, one day your hear next day your gone. Chicago is getting one hell of a player!”
“Brandon Marshall out of Miami?” center Mike Pouncey tweeted. “Tell me this ain’t true…”
Bears linebacker Lance Briggs called it “a great day” on Twitter, with Chicago agreeing to a two-year deal to retain cornerback Tim Jennings and trading for Marshall.
And Devin Hester Tweeted: “I’m so happy we got another Florida boy on the team!”
SAINTS: Wide receiver Marques Colston has decided against testing free agency and will remain with the club that gave him his first chance in the NFL as a little known seventh-round draft choice out of Hofstra.
Colston and Saints agreed to a new contract on Tuesday that runs up to five years, giving the 28-year-old receiver a chance to break several of the club receiving records he has approached in his first six seasons as a pro.
COLTS: Reggie Wayne never wanted to leave Indianapolis.
He won’t have to.
The longtime receiver has agreed in principle to a new deal that could keep him in a Colts uniform for the rest of his career, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated. Wayne is expected to sign his contract today.
TITANS: Tennessee will be meeting with Peyton Manning today, according to owner Bud Adams.
Adams told WSMV-TV the Titans’ contingent will fly out of Nashville on Wednesday and spend the day with Manning, a meeting delayed apparently by trouble getting a co-pilot for his private plane.
Adams told the TV station he thinks Manning really is interested in the Titans’ offer, and he expects a quick decision from the four-time MVP.