Driving past the Miami Dolphins training facility last week, one could not help but notice the horde of reporters camped outside. They were there mostly because of the speculation that Peyton Manning might sign with the Dolphins, but also because of the trade that sent Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears.
During his time with the Dolphins, Marshall caught more than 2,000 yards and nine touchdowns. He was the most physically gifted and productive receiver the franchise has seen this decade. However, the combination of his incidents off the field and inconsistency when in catching the ball was enough to force management to trade him.
There have been differing reactions from Dolphins fans regarding the trade. When senior sport and recreation management major, Spencer Ray, heard of the trade he did not like it. Ray said, by trading away Marshall, the receiver’s time here was ultimately a failure.
“He failed because he never won anything with the ‘Fins,” said Ray.
When junior biology major, Michelle Garcia-Casals, first heard of the news, she thought it was a joke. She said the trade was a bad move by the Dolphins.
“I was upset, because they didn’t trade for something even equal to his talent. Third round picks? Seriously,” said Garcia-Casals.
Junior finance major, Jeremy Mathis, didn’t think the trade would hurt the Dolphins.
“No big deal, others can come in and do the same, but with less headache and drop less passes,” he said.
How the team plans to replace a receiver of Marshall’s caliber remains to be seen. Considering this year’s draft is deep at the receiver position, one would have to believe the Dolphins will select one or two.
