Marshall fills the Dolphins’ most glaring need: a go-to guy who will loosen up defenses for their potentially potent ground game and young, strong-armed quarterback Chad Henne.
However, the former Central Florida star returns to the Sunshine State with plenty of issues. While he caught at least 100 passes each of the past three years and made the Pro Bowl the past two seasons, the Broncos were willing to part with Marshall because he became a chronic headache.
He has a history of domestic violence, clashed with coach Josh McDaniels and was summoned to the office of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
That didn’t dissuade Parcells, who had mixed results working with headline-making receivers Terry Glenn with the Patriots, Keyshawn Johnson with the Jets, and Terrell Owens with the Cowboys.
The Dolphins totaled two touchdown passes of 20 yards or more last season, fewest in the NFL.
Speedy Ted Ginn Jr. has been a disappointment since Miami took him with the ninth overall draft pick in 2007. Ginn and the other wideouts — Brian Hartline, Davone Bess, and Greg Camarillo — combined for only six touchdown catches last season while averaging just 11.7 yards per catch.
“We need big playmakers,’’ general manager Jeff Ireland said in February. “We need players that make chunk yardage. We need players that score touchdowns. We need to get more production out of the wide receiver position.’’
Marshall provides production. Last year he caught 101 passes, including an NFL-record 21 in a loss at Indianapolis, for 1,120 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns.
Shortly after arriving in South Florida, Marshall attended the Miami Heat-New Jersey game last night, sitting courtside in a Florida Marlins cap.
He declined interview requests.
The trade came three days after receiver Santonio Holmes was acquired by the AFC East rival Jets.
“All the great receivers are being traded,’’ Cincinnati’s Chad Ochocinco tweeted. “Santonio now Marshall, I love those guys, wow.’’
Marshall signed his $2.512 million tender Tuesday to facilitate a trade. His final destination was a surprise, because the Dolphins had indicated little interest.
Lynch staying put?
