Breaking: 49ers sign in NFL Top Wide Receiver in a blockbuster deal.
Marshall may be able to restart his career with the 49ers, where he would be part of a team with one of the most complex offensive schemes and elite offensive coaching in the NFL. It may also be challenging for Marshall to see the field because of the team’s strong and talented group of wide receivers.
Nevertheless, head coach Kyle Shanahan sees potential in the 24-year-old, who during his school’s pro day in 2021 ran a 40-yard sprint in 4.38 seconds.
Shanahan expressed his excitement about having him on the practice squad. “When he came out, we had that feeling. In college, we genuinely thought highly of him, so it’s great that he can come here and join the practice squad and meet him. I believe he can support our group.
Marshall was a member of LSU’s powerful offensive team five years ago, when Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Marshall led the receiving corps and Joe Burrow was the quarterback. Marshall was selected in the second round of the 2021 draft. That group finished first in college football and averaged an incredible 401.6 yards per game passing.
With Jefferson gone, Marshall, the best receiver in his high school class, was given more responsibility but failed to really take off, catching 46 passes for 671 yards and 48 catches for 731 yards in his sophomore and junior seasons. His will to improve as a route runner and his work ethic were questioned.
All of that was evident during Marshall’s tenure with the Panthers, when he had trouble staying healthy and only caught 64 passes for 767 yards and one touchdown.
Two years ago, the Panthers gave Marhsall permission to pursue a trade, but there wasn’t much of a market for him. Even though the Panthers acquired Diontae Johnson through trade and selected Xavier Leggette in the draft this year, Marshall’s dismissal was unexpected.
