Marquise Brown Landing Spots: Six Teams Who Make Sense
ARIZONA -- Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown is set to hit free agency next week and the odds of him returning feel slim.
Brown was a good player for the Cardinals the last two seasons, but he didn't live up to the expectations they had for him after giving up a first-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens just a few years ago.
Now, he's likely looking for a new home.
Of course, the Cardinals could bring him back if the price is right, especially since he and Kyler Murray have a strong connection, but it feels safe to say that "Hollywood" is moving on to the next chapter.
There should be no shortage of teams looking to acquire his services, especially given the insane amount of teams who are dying for wide receiver help. With a salary cap increase that will help Brown cash out big time.
Among the 32 teams who could fancy Brown's services, I find there to be six who stand out the most as suitors. I'll explain why these six make the most sense to me, as well as my opinion the likelihood of him joining.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns' defense carried the team to the playoffs last season, but in today's NFL, you still need an offense to keep up to make a championship run. Although the injuries at quarterback didn't help Cleveland, they need more weapons for Deshaun Watson.
Amari Cooper is the team's only viable, or at least consistent, receiver. Watson still has a big arm and would love to have a speedster like Brown to compliment Cooper.
Plus Marquise BROWN playing on the Cleveland BROWNS? I can't be the only one hearing this, can I?
Likelihood: 5/10
Carolina Panthers
The name of the game is to get Bryce Young help. I don't care if it's pass catchers or blockers, but Young is going to fail unless this franchise steps up and helps him.
Brown has shown he can be a team's number one receiver, albeit a limited one who is a much better number two option. The Panthers can't be choosy, however, given the entirety of the situation to include a new staff and a headache of an owner in Dave Tepper.
At least for 2024, Brown can be Young's top receiver and Brown can also be happy to know Carolina may be willing to sign him to a bigger contract than other teams due to need at the position.
Likelihood: 9/10
Tennessee Titans
DeAndre Hopkins has one year left on his deal and there are rumors of the Titans shopping him anyway. Of course, that would be pretty poetic after the team shipped off A.J. Brown just a few seasons ago.
Whether it's Will Levis under center or somebody else, the team's quarterback needs weapons, which becomes especially prevalent if Hopkins is shipped off. But even if he stays, he needs a running mate, and he and Brown played together in Arizona.
Likelihood: 6/10
Atlanta Falcons
Drake London is a stud, but there isn't much beyond him. We may not know what the Falcons' quarterback situation is for 2024, although all signs appear to be pointing toward either Kirk Cousins or Justin Field, what we do know is there is a need for a guy across from London.
Brown would be a fantastic contrast to the size and 50/50 ball play-style that London presents. With Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson also pulling away defenders' attention, Brown could find a rebirth to his career in Atlanta.
Likelihood: 5/10
New York Giants
Like the Panthers, the Giants are in dire need of an upgrade at wide receiver. The prospect of Jaylin Hyatt, but he's a long way away from being a consistent weapon. Beyond Hyatt is very little to write home about.
Brown can immediately step in and be a weapon for the Giants, who are looking at a complete rebuild on offense. There are more than enough targets here for the veteran receiver, who could also be working with a rookie quarterback. We all know how much rookie quarterbacks like throwing to their vet receivers, too.
Likelihood: 6/10
New England Patriots
Everything I said about the Giants AND the Panthers gets copied/pasted right here.
The Patriots are a dumpster fire with the most money of any team entering free agency. They also have a brand new staff, a likely incoming rookie quarterback, and a lack of any talent offensively. The Pats need help in the worst way.
This is a team that needs to rebuild through the draft, however, they need a proven receiver to catch passes from their (likely) rookie quarterback.
Combined with a fat amount of money to throw at him, Brown could find himself a home back east again.
Likelihood: 7/10
Honorable mention: Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens' wide receiver room feels like it's one guy away from being completed, and a reunion with Brown makes sense for both sides. Although Baltimore couldn't break the bank for Hollywood's services, which feels like the ultimate deal breaker, he and Lamar Jackson had terrific chemistry with each other.
Adding Hollywood back to the Ravens and joining Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman gives Baltimore an absolute track team out wide.
Likelihood: 3/10
