Brandon Marshall, the Bears’ 30-year-old receiver, just signed a contract that keeps him in Chicago for four more seasons. Marshall says he already has a model for the way a receiver can stay on top into his 30s.
Marshall noted at his press conference announcing his new contract that Jerry Rice showed that players in their early to mid-30s can continue to play at a high level. Rice led the NFL in receiving yards for three straight seasons at ages 31, 32 and 33, and led the league in catches at age 34. Marshall thinks he can be that kind of player over the next few years.
“Jerry Rice had his breakout year in Year 11,” Marshall said. “So, I am in nine, so I think I can do it.”
It’s not realistic to think anyone is going to be as good in his 30s as Jerry Rice was, but Marshall has shown no signs of slowing down. It’s very realistic to think that Marshall will play well enough to earn the $40 million he’s slated to make over the next four years -- and perhaps sign another lucrative contract after that.