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NFL free agency 2017: Five players whose value could skyrocket

By Matt Verderame

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) points during the first half of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) points during the first half of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 20-18 to advance to the Super Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 20-18 to advance to the Super Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Typically, inside linebackers don’t get paid a ton when compared to other positions, but Brandon Marshall will remain one of the more sought-after free agents heading into the 2017 offseason.

Marshall as drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars by only lasted one season with the team before being released. Marshall was picked up by the Denver Broncos and after a year of special teams play, he was inserted into the starting lineup and produced immediately.

Marshall tallied a career-high 113 tackles and two sacks in 2014 before notching 102 tackles and 1.5 sacks last year. He was retained this offseason as a restricted free agent but will go into unrestricted waters next year, and should cash in similar to his former teammate Danny Trevathan, who got a $24 million deal with the Chicago Bears.

Marshall could certainly stay with the Broncos, who no longer have ample depth at that position. In addition, general manager John Elway is working with the most cap space of any club in 2017, so Marshall is expected to be a priority.

Should he hit the market, teams will be going hard after Marshall who is one of the best coverage linebackers in the game and a thumper against the run.

Next: 3. Dontari Poe

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