New York Jets: Ramifications of the Brandon Marshall Trade

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver

Brandon Marshall

(15) on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

This afternoon, we are going to take a look at the Brandon Marshall trade once again. This morning, I gave you my thoughts on the trade from a purely Brandon Marshall perspective. We looked at Marshall’s career, and speculated about whether or not he can be trusted from a behavioral standpoint.

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Now, we are going to look at the wider effects of this trade. Bringing Brandon Marshall here does more than just bring a talented wide receiver to the roster. It does much more. Bringing in Marshall has impact on the free agency strategy, the roster as it stands now, and ultimately, the NFL draft as well.

Let’s talk about it.

Next: Free Agency

October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard

Mike Iupati

(77) lines up during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi

FREE AGENCY: The first impact is on the pending free agency period. Brandon Marshall coming to New York changes the strategy. Gone is the need to make a play for a big wide receiver, like Randall Cobb. There is no reason, as Brandon Marshall fits that bill perfectly. Instead, look for the Jets to spend their time concentrating, as far as big-ticket players are concerned, to concentrate on offensive linemen and cornerbacks. We likely will hear about conversations with the likes of Mike Iupati, Antonio Cromartie, and other names that have been bandied about.

Could the Jets look at less expensive wide receivers? Sure. Will they be in play for quarterbacks like Brian Hoyer? Definitely. But the big-ticket items will be at offensive line at cornerback.

Next: Quarterback

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback

Geno Smith

(7) reacts after an incomplete pass during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Jets 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

QUARTERBACK: Many of you are not going to like this one. I have said it before, but now I believe it even more with the acquisition of Brandon Marshall. I firmly believe that you are staring at a picture of the New York Jets week one starting quarterback. I am not saying there won’t be a quarterback competition. I am just saying you are looking at the likely winner of said competition.

Why? Look at the acquisition of Brandon Marshall. We have said for quite some time that the Jets have no idea how to arm their quarterback with the weapons he needs in order to succeed. Look at the weapons now: Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Jeremy Kerley, Jace Amaro, and Chris Ivory. Doesn’t it seem like they are trying to arm Geno Smith with what he needs to succeed?

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With this group, I don’t see them starting a rookie quarterback, sorry to all Marcus Mariota fans. Yes, the Jets will be in the market for a quarterback, likely landing a guy like Brian Hoyer. He could win the competition too, but my hunch is that he won’t. If it is close, Geno Smith will be given the nod over a journeyman like Hoyer, or any of the free agent class.

Note, this changes if the Jets trade the number six pick to Philadelphia and get Nick Foles back. That could spur an epic quarterback competition. Without that, however, I see it playing out as above.

Next: The Draft

Nov 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) after a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech defeated Clemson 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

NUMBER SIX PICK: Again, this is assuming that the Jets stay put with the number six pick in the draft, rather than trading out of the spot.

The trade for Brandon Marshall eliminates the need to choose a Kevin White or Amari Cooper. We now have a wide receiver that can make an immediate impact in Marshall. The Jets can still find a talented wide receiver later in the draft, so there is no reason to choose one at number six.

I don’t believe the Marcus Mariota hype, and with Marshall, I believe he is going elsewhere. The Jets aren’t going to give these weapons to a rookie quarterback that isn’t a sure thing. If they fill holes on the offensive line and at cornerback in free agency, which they should be able to do, the Jets will go with an edge pass rusher at number six. The Jets were represented at Vic Beasley’s Pro day this week, as he is on their radar. Look for the Jets to look at Beasley, Randy Gregory, or Dante Fowler at number six.

With one trade, the Jets improve at one spot, and set their strategy in motion going forward as well.

Next: Potential Free Agent: Jason Worilds

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