The abrupt end to the Broncos season could mean the end to the Denver careers of Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler.
Both players were barred from the sidelines during Denver’s 44-24 loss to the Chiefs. Marshall said he wouldn’t have played anyhow because of his hamstring injury. Scheffler remains flummoxed.
“I haven’t talked to [McDaniels] and I don’t think I will,” Scheffler said Monday. “I guess that’s just the way things are going to be handled and something I’ve got to live with and just kind of know in my mind what happened.”
The assumption in Denver is that both players are goners. Marshall supported that theory Monday by taking his nameplate with him as he completely emptied his locker.
Marshall said all the right things about enjoying his time in Denver. Asked if he’d return, Marshall said, “Not my decision. I just want to let my agent handle all that stuff and I’ll just go from there.”
We’ve seen this story happen too many times to assume Marshall is history.
He’s done far worse multiple times in Denver, including under McDaniels. He remains a highly talented player that produces, competes at a high level, and is under contract for cheap next year. He even gives out man hugs.
The same issues that limited Marshall’s trade market remain in place. We’re not saying Marshall will be back in Denver -- no one knows that -- but January 4 seems a little early to assume he won’t be.