The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Marshall signed a two-year deal Wednesday with the Giants, where Odell Beckham has staked his claim not only as the team's No. 1 receiver but also as one of the league's best receivers. Marshall, 32, seems to understand his role, even if it's different from what he's become accustomed to over the past 10 years, during which he reached six Pro Bowls. Marshall called himself and slot receiver Sterling Shepard "No. 2s" during a radio interview with WFAN's Mike Francesa and pointed out that playing opposite Beckham could help everyone involved.
Diehards Line:
As ESPN.com suggests, on the field, it seems to be a win-win for everybody. Marshall is the big-bodied receiver the Giants missed last season, especially in the red zone. Even though he struggled with a 46.7 percent catch rate (143rd among 144 qualifying players) last season in part because of the Jets' problems at quarterback, the feeling is that he can still help resurrect a Giants offense that struggled to score points in 2016. The Giants don't need the 100-plus-catch Marshall from the past. They don't need 14 touchdowns playing opposite Beckham, who is a touchdown waiting to happen. The Giants just need a more consistent and physical player (including in the run game) than Victor Cruz, who had 39 catches for 586 yards and one touchdown in the role last year as Beckham's sidekick. This will be a transition for Marshall. It should help that he at least knows what he was signed to be and do, and that there is some familiarity and camaraderie between the Giants' No. 1 and new No. 2 receiver.