Neither of us are likely to get our wish.
Wednesday's burst of Marshall-to-the-Bears talk was spurred by this Neil Hayes column in the Chicago Sun-Times. Discussing the Bears' needs at wide receiver, Hayes dropped the following tidbits on us:
[Bears GM Jerry] Angelo worries that bringing in a veteran will hinder the development of Johnny Knox(notes), Earl Bennett(notes), Devin Aromashodu(notes) and Juaquin Iglesias(notes). But the addition of a proven playmaker, such as Brandon Marshall(notes), could put the unit -- and the offense -- over the top.
Rumors persist that Angelo's comments about wide receiver not being a ''need'' position are a smoke screen. It's all about giving quarterback Jay Cutler(notes) what he needs to thrive, which is why one NFL source wagered a steak dinner on Marshall being in a Bears uniform when camp opens.
It's interesting, and it makes sense, given the need at wide receiver and the Cutler connection. But I was wondering how the Bears might go about acquiring Marshall. The Broncos aren't going to let him go for free, and as far as a trade goes ... well, let's let Adam Schefter hit everyone with a bucket of cold water.
Somebody explain to me how the Bears trade for WR Brandon Marshall when they don't have first- or second-round picks. Not happening.
Well, when you put it like that ... no, I suppose it probably isn't happening. Unless the Bears want to give up some 2011 draft picks, or some quality young players. But that seems like a longshot, too.
Maybe that's why Jerry Angelo chooses to believe that his current receivers are an adequate bunch -- he doesn't really have a choice. Without a great wide receiver available in free agency, and without first- or second-rounders, there's not much chance to upgrade, so he might as well get behind guys like Aromashodu and Iglesias.
There's nothing wrong with that, of course. They're good, young, promising players. They're just not Brandon Marshall. And without a proven veteran to anchor the unit, they're probably not even an average NFL receiving corps. But I'm sure Bears fans are used to that.