WR Brandon Marshall Almost Traded to the Patriots

Imagine the New England Patriots offense with receivers Brandon Marshall, Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, and Rob Gronkowski, with either Shane Vereen or LeGarrette Blount out of the backfield.

Apparently, this was almost a possibility for the 2014 season. Former Bears receiver, and current member of the Jets, Brandon Marshall revealed on the radio that he was thiiiiis close to being a member of New England.

"I could have played for the Patriots last year," Marshall told the "Carmen and Jurko Show" after stopping into their studio. "There was an opportunity where there probably could have [been] a trade before the season."

Marshall indicated that the Bears explored trading him before signing him to an extension a year ago. On May 19, 2014, Marshall signed a three-year, $30 million extension, including $22.3 million in guaranteed money, on "The View."

"It was my agent and the Chicago Bears because there was a little tension on the contract staff," Marshall said. "I thought I was worth a little more. … There were a couple of teams that were offering more money.

"It never got that far, but there was a possibility with a couple teams."

It seems that the Patriots were sniffing around Marshall right around draft season, and it's implied that they were in the market to top the $10 million per season that Marshall received from the Bears.

The Patriots still ended up winning the Super Bowl, and Marshall was acquired by the team's biggest division rival for a 5th round pick. Next season will be very interesting.