You've probably heard about the situation in Denver with their number one receiver Brandon Marshall. The star Bronco wants out; Denver doesn't want to deal him. Sound familiar? On the surface, he would look like a perfect match for the Jets. A big, fast receiver who can pretty much do anything on the football field. Unfortunately, that sometimes includes purposely swatting balls away and punting footballs away from the ball boys.
How could Denver not want to trade him after that? The problem is, which team is willing to step up and acquire the troubled wideout who has a history of domestic abuse and generally not being a very good person. The Broncos wanted at least a first round pick for him, but the going rate for diva receivers of Marshall's caliber likely won't be that high.
As a result, the Jets are seriously considering swooping in and acquiring the 25-year old Marshall. Rex Ryan, Brian Schottenheimer, and Mike Tannenbaum have said constantly how they feel they can win with the receivers in house. Of course, they said that about quarterback, too, and they clearly never had faith in Kellen Clemens (especially now that they tried to claim former Patriot QB Kevin O'Connell on waivers). Tannenbaum also has not ruled out a trade (translation: if the price is right, we'll pounce).
Will the price be right for Marshall? It's hard to say. Josh McDaniels and the Broncos deny that their receiver is even on the block, but if you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you. The question will be how much will he cost. I'd be stunned if the Jets traded a first round pick for Marshall. A 2nd round pick? Sign me up. Throw in Brad Smith if Denver likes him. Marshall likely wouldn't be able to have a major impact for several weeks, but once he learns some of the playbook, he is talented enough to turn the Jets into legitimate playoff contenders.
He would force teams to respect the Jets passing game. Jerricho Cotchery would face team's #2 cornerbacks, which he is much better suited for. Chansi Stuckey would slide to his natural slot position, and David Clowney would be the speedy #4. Those guys as well as Dustin Keller would force other teams to respect the passing game unless Sanchez completely flops. That would open up more holes for the running game, which brings back all the personnel from the attack that provided the AFC's leading rusher in Thomas Jones and the leader in all-purpose yards in Leon Washington. Combine that offense with a great defense, and the Jets would be ready to win now.
That is, if Marshall can keep his head on straight enough. He's going to get suspended again or do something stupid at some point. It seems to be his nature. But when he's on the field, he's a superstar, and at 25, he's still young enough to at least figure it out enough to stay on the field. Sanchez, Washington, Greene, Marshall, Cotchery, and Keller with that defense? Wow. Draft someone who can rush the passer, and that is a darn good team.
Now, it may cost more than a second round pick. I might be willing to throw in a later round pick, but I can't see moving a first round pick considering the team's depth issues on both sides of the ball. A first round pick can be used to draft an impact player or as a bargaining chip to trade down and get more picks, and the Jets need help on both lines. But if the Jets are seriously considering Marshall, this fan is right on board!
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