Former New York Jets receiver Brandon Marshall signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI |
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Wide receiver Brandon Marshall spoke of his options -- or lack thereof -- as to why he signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
"I didn't have a ton of options," the 34-year-old Marshall said, per the Seattle Times. "I think the sentiment around the league is that I'm done, and I get it. Rightfully so. When you get on the other side of 30 and your production slips and you have a big injury, people just count you out. So it was an interesting process. It was a humbling process, to say the least.
"There were some really tough days that I had to push through, mentally and physically, so for this to be an opportunity and come to (fruition), you can't ask for a better situation. You've got probably a top-three quarterback, you've got one the best franchises, you've got a young nucleus, guys that are hungry and ready to compete."
Marshall took part in Wednesday's practice with the Seahawks at organized team activities. The 6-foot-5, 232-pounder spent some time catching balls from quarterback Russell Wilson, but did not participate in any of the 11-on-11 drills.
"We just had to just ease him in today," coach Pete Carroll said. "Just get him started, get him on the field with us and Friday we'll do a little bit more, just keep growing with it."
Marshall visited with the Seahawks earlier this month after being released by the New York Giants in April with a failed physical designation.
A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Marshall recorded just 18 receptions for 154 yards and zero touchdowns over five games with the Giants before an ankle injury ended his season.
"I'm not where I want to be. Not even close," Marshall said of his health. "But my goal is to be in mid-season form come (training camp)."
The Seahawks' passing game took a hit when tight end Jimmy Graham and wide receiver Paul Richardson departed in free agency this offseason.
The 6-foot-7 Graham, who joined the Green Bay Packers, hauled in 10 touchdown passes in 2017 while Richardson set career highs in receptions (44), receiving yards (703) and touchdowns (six) last season before heading to the Washington Redskins.
Seattle's wide receiver depth chart includes Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett, Jaron Brown and Tanner McEvoy, among others.
"It's not about how many balls I catch but how many wins I have at the end of the day," Marshall said.
Marshall's production began to decline in 2016, when he had 59 catches for 788 yards with the New York Jets.
He has had more than 100 receptions six times in his career and more than 1,000 receiving yards eight times, including 1,502 in 2015 with the Jets.
Marshall has 959 receptions for 12,215 yards and 82 touchdowns in 172 career contests for the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, Jets and Giants.
