The New York Jets have made their first big move of the offseason. The team is currently in rebuilding mode and desperate for offensive playmakers to help bail out whoever is under center in 2015. With a new quarterback potentially starting for the team, the need to get a wide receiver was very high and the Jets have officially done so by acquiring Brandon Marshall.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the New York Jets and Chicago Bears have agreed to a trade for Marshall on Friday. Chicago had been showing interest in this moves for days now as the team was desperate to get out of paying the receiver his $7.5 million guaranteed salary. It is unclear exactly what the Jets gave up to get Marshall, but considering he is owed $7.9 million and $8.3 million over the next two years, he is considered an affordable option over some high-priced free agents the Jets were being linked to.
The addition of Marshall gives Smith or Marcus Mariota or Brian Hoyer or even Christian Ponder (unlikely) another big threat to throw to alongside Decker. The Jets also reliable reserve Jeremy Kerley to work with. New York also has Percy Harvin, although the trade for Marshall might have just sealed the fate of the receiver in 2015.
Harvin was considered the big offseason decision for the Jets. New York has been toying with whether or not to release the receiver as he has $41.5 million owed to him over the next four years. Harvin is certainly a talent on the field, but a costly one the Jets are uncertain to remain invested in. Harvin comes with plenty of pros and cons, but the arrival of Marshall likely means the departure of Harvin.
There will be a market for Harvin. The wide receiver is still young and explosive and many teams would love to bring him on. According to Boston.com, the Patriots could show a lot of interest in Harvin especially if he is released. The team would like to add a receiver onto the roster to help Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell and they do not intend for that player to be named Danny Amendola. Harvin would thrive under the direction of Tom Brady and be a solid threat for the team.
The Oakland Raiders will also show interest in Harvin. They are in need of a big wide receiver and could get Harvin at a discounted price. The wide receiver would certainly be a nice compliment to Derek Carr and finally give the franchise a down-field threat. The Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans could also be in play.
