Huard: Seahawks have real interest in Brandon Marshall, but health still a question

Following a report that the Seahawks hosted free agent wide receiver Brandon Marshall for a visit Wednesday, 710 ESPN Seattle’s Brock Huard confirmed the news and added that there is legitimate interest from the Seahawks.

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Whether or not any deal gets done, however, will come down to Marshall’s health.

“I think that’s good news,” Huard said of Marshall’s visit. “He is out here, I can verify that with Mr. Schefter’s report. And they absolutely feel like he has enough gas in the tank. It’s whether or not that body can hold up.”

Marshall, 34, spent his 2017 season with the Giants. However, he played just five games before an ankle injury landed him on the injured reserve, and finished the year with 18 catches for 154 yards. Marshall underwent surgery on the injured ankle in October and was waived by the Giants in April after a failed physical.

Huard said the fact that Seattle brought Marshall in for a visit means there is a legitimate interest.

“They’re absolutely kicking the tires,” Huard said. “They’re going to look at it and feel like from a football perspective there’s still gas in the tank. This will be about one thing and one thing alone, and that is the physical. That’s what it was with the Giants; he failed their physical and he was done. This will be all about the ankle, all about the health, all about the wear and tear on a body that’s played an awfully long time in the NFL. But as far as a competitor, somebody that loves to play, who would be a big weapon for Russell (Wilson), and someone who’s done it before, you can see why there’s intrigue.”

If Marshall were to sign with Seattle, he would be entering his 13th season in the league. Prior to last season’s stint with the Giants, Marshall spent time with the Jets, Bears, Dolphins, and Broncos.

Marshall recorded at least 1,000 yards every year from 2007 to 2013 and is a six-time Pro Bowler. While he was a standout receiver earlier in his career, one of his best seasons as a pro came in 2015 when he was 30 years old. Marshall finished the season with 109 catches for 1,502 yards (averaging 13.8 yards per reception) and a career-high 14 touchdowns.

At 6-feet-4, 229-lbs. Marshall would give Seattle a large receiving target – one the team is currently without following the departure of tight end Jimmy Graham, who was Russell Wilson’s top red zone target last year.

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