The Ravens have brought in their share of troubled players in the past, but none would have had more run-ins with the law than if the Ravens trade for Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
Bam Morris. Jamal Lewis. Ralph Staten. They had issues, but not as often as Marshall. He has had 13 police incidents since 2004 and a pending misdemeanor battery charge.
Brandon Marshall, a Raven? Oh, please, no. Hell, no.
The Ravens have expressed interest in Marshall, and they have to because they could really use a top-notch receiver. But this doesn't appear to be the guy you want if you are trying to build team chemistry. He might be labeled a go-to receiver, but just where in the world is he going?
Right now, the Ravens are sending double messages to the public. Every April before the NFL draft, they talk about selecting "high-character" guys, and they have the past couple of years. But you can't describe Marshall as "high-character." Let's be polite, and just call him a character.
The Ravens will run an extensive background check on Marshall, and regardless of what they find, they will sign Marshall if: a) they don't have to mortgage away the future by giving up draft picks; b) they don't have to trade any top-notch players to obtain him; c) and they get Marshall to agree to a contract that won't disrupt their salary cap structure.
The Ravens are in position to be serious contenders this season. When that happens, and you believe you're just a player away, you can take a gamble on a hired gun, such as Brett Favre, or a troubled player, such as Terrell Owens or Marshall.
High-character? See you next April.
The problem is that owner Steve Bisciotti brought in coach John Harbaugh last season to restore order to a team that was run by surly veterans. Because the Ravens were successful last season, Harbaugh won over the team. Now his message has to be consistent.
The Ravens made a statement when they cut disgruntled cornerback Chris McAlister several months ago and when they allowed outspoken, free-agent linebacker Bart Scott to sign with the New York Jets.
But what does it say when you bring in a player with Marshall's background?
It says you are willing to compromise your standards to win. The Ravens are no different from most NFL teams, even though each team will tell you differently. There is a risk here.
