Marshall Upset With Denver's Direction

Denver wide receiver Brandon Marshall wants a new contract, but isn't sure if he wants it with the Broncos or another team

A source told FanHouse that Marshall spoke with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen on Friday about his future. Bowlen impressed upon Marshall that he wants to keep him in Denver, especially after the team supported the wideout during some off-field troubles.

But Marshall is concerned about the direction of the club in light of the team dealing quarterback Jay Cutler to the Bears.

Marshall wants to make sure that Bowlen is determined to make the Broncos into a winner.

One of the selling points for new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels is the number of young players on Denver's roster. But McDaniels isn't trying to give the 25-year-old Marshall a contract extension at this point.

Marshall has missed numerous offseason workouts, including the Broncos' mandatory minicamp. After Marshall met with Bowlen last week, the Denver Post reported that was then seen carrying boxes out of the Broncos' facility.

Marshall is not physically ready to participate in minicamps, because he's still recovering from hip surgery, but Denver officials would like to see him at the complex watching practice and attending team meetings.

Marshall finished the 2008 season with 104 receptions, the third-highest total in the league behind only Andre Johnson and Wes Welker -- but he is entering the final year of his four-year rookie contracted. He's expected to earn a base salary of $2.198 million in 2009, and will become an unrestricted free agent following the season. If there is no new labor deal, Marshall would have to wait two more years to become unrestricted.

Of course, the Broncos could use the franchise tag on Marshall, a move that would most likely will upset him.

There are rumors that the Bears are interested in Marshall, but those are, thus far, unfounded.