On Monday, the Chicago Bears and Brandon Marshall agreed to a $30 million contract extension through the 2017 season. Marshall signed the contract and announced it during an appearance on the ABC talk show, “The View.”
Chicago Tribune’s Rich Campbell reported that $23 million of the contract is guaranteed. Campbell also outlined that Marshall will earn $9.3 million for the 2014 season, which includes $9.1 million in base salary and $200,000 workout bonus. With the extension, the 30 year-old Marshall could earn a total of $39.3 million over the next four seasons.
Locking up the star wide receiver through 2017 is another great move by a Bears front office that is clearly determined to position the team for a Super Bowl run in 2014. First, considering what top receivers typically earn, the contract is not excessive. Since being traded by the Miami Dolphins two years ago for two third round draft picks, Marshall has been extremely productive with 218 receptions, 2,803 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns with two Pro Bowl appearances.
Second, it keeps the NFL’s second most productive receiver tandem intact for two more seasons when Alshon Jeffery’s rookie contract expires. In 2013, the two players combined for 2,718 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. With a healthy Jay Cutler at quarterback, Marshall and Jeffery could legitimately become the number one receiver duo in the NFL.
Third, by agreeing to the extension, the Bears avoid a possibly contract-distracted Marshall in 2014. While Marshall has generally been a model citizen and teammate since coming to the Bears in 2012, both the Dolphins and the Denver Broncos essentially gave up on the talented receiver for past issues both on and off the field. Marshall also pledged $1 million to the Mental Health Community after signing the extension.
With a happy Brandon Marshall, the Bears off-season defensive acquisitions and the recent draft picks, the Bears are a serious Super Bowl contender in 2014.
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