Denver trading Brandon Marshall to Baltimore?????(Ravens eyeing wide receiver Marshall)

The Ravens have yet to contact the Denver Broncos about Brandon Marshall, but the team is doing their homework on the Pro Bowl wide receiver, a team official said Tuesday.

Marshall, 25, is one of the top young wide receivers in the game, totaling over 100 receptions the past two seasons. The big concern with Marshall is his lengthy off-the-field issues, which include a misdemeanor battery charge that is pending in an Atlanta court.

The Ravens, who had trade talks for Arizona's Anquan Boldin two months ago, have been looking to upgrade at wide receiver.

"We're interested in anybody that can help our team," coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday. "He plays for the Broncos and he's under contract. He's not a guy that we're concerned with right now."

Marshall requested a trade from the Broncos after skipping the team's mandatory minicamp last week. His demand stems from medical trust issues with the Broncos and a desire for a new contract. Marshall's agent, Kennard McGuire, did not immediately return a phone call from The Baltimore Sun.

The likely asking price for Marshall would be first- and third-round picks. Marshall, whose contract expires after the season, would probably seek a new deal averaging $9 million per season.

This could be a risky move based on Marshall's legal history. He has been arrested at least four times since 2004, including twice on domestic battery charges.

Marshall faces a trial later this summer on two misdemeanor battery charges stemming from an altercation with his former girlfriend. The result of the case could subject Marshall to punishment under the NFL's personal conduct policy.

"Their background matters," Harbaugh said. "Any player we bring in is going to be a man of integrity and will be someone who is going to be respected in the locker room. We're never going to compromise on that."

The Ravens, however, have a need for a big-play receiver. Marshall, who is 6 feet 4, 230 pounds, would appear to be a perfect fit for Ravens strong-armed quarterback Joe Flacco.

In his three-year career in Denver, Marshall has 226 receptions for 2,899 yards and 15 touchdowns.

There are question marks regarding the Ravens' receivers. The top three -- Derrick Mason (shoulder), Mark Clayton (foot) and Demetrius Williams (ankle) -- have all missed significant time in offseason minicamps.

"If our receivers and tight ends are healthy, we will be very good at both. But that's a big if," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "I'm with you guys, you come out here and never see the guys practice. Now, that could all change in training camp. If you guys come to training camp and they're all healthy, you're going to say that these guys are good."

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