New York Jets: The best trade they ever made

The New York Jets entered this past off season with several holes to fill on the roster, one of them being to upgrade their porous receiving corps. With a new regime in control, general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles evaluated the roster and assessed the potential free agent market. They decided to attack the trade market instead by acquiring a proven commodity in this league in Brandon Marshall.

Trade now official. RT to welcome Brandon Marshall to the New York #Jets! Read more- http://t.co/YhKB1kTEyD pic.twitter.com/rsqvdVpNUV

— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 10, 2015

The Jets traded for an all-pro receiver and all they had to do was give up a 5th round pick and get a 7th round pick in return. Of course the danger being the volatile receiver’s past in which he’s been cited for team chemistry issues and mental breakdowns. But the inside information from new coach Bowles who spent some time with Marshall during his time in Miami made the Jets feel comfortable enough to make the trade happen.

All off season the New York media waited for Marshall to mess up as he’s done in the past with his stints in Miami, Chicago and Denver. But Marshall kept his head down and trained hard throughout the off season and even moved in with incumbent starter from last season Geno Smith to continue to work on their chemistry. Fast forward to an impressive preseason where we saw glimpses of what Marshall could do for this offense on a consistent basis. But after Week 1 all those glimpses came to fruition.

Intercepted. Then ripped away. More behind the play that changed the game- http://t.co/Py59PPDl7u pic.twitter.com/nZS1ScK23Q

— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 14, 2015

Marshall was everything fans and media alike projected him to be. Marshall was a red-zone threat catching a fade for a touchdown, he was a physical presence throughout the game and his relentless hustle led the Jets straight to victory. With perhaps the play of the game; after a bad Ryan Fitzpatrick interception Marshall simply could have tackled Tashaun Gipson. He didn’t, instead right after the interception Marshall had his eyes set on the ball and in a half-tackle half-strip he pried the ball out of the defender’s hands and scampered up the field for a couple more yards.

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) is tackled by Cleveland Browns cornerback

Joe Haden

(23) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Marshall ended the day with 6 receptions for 62 yards and that touchdown grab in the end-zone. He was targeted early and often and for good reason as he showed a boatload of chemistry with Fitzpatrick. The Jets had a phenomenal off season receiving praise from analysts across the league.

But the move that will forever be looked on as the best ever will be the Marshall trade. Not only did the Jets receive Marshall they ended up turning that 7th round pick into Zac Stacy. Stacy had an eventful preseason and ended up making the final-53 and adds invaluable depth to the backfield.

The Brandon Marshall trade wound up as: #Jets get: WR Brandon Marshall RB Zac Stacy #Bears get: FS Adrian Amos — Nick Mensio (@NickMensio) May 4, 2015

The Jets haven’t had a receiver of Marshall’s caliber since Keyshawn Johnson back in the late 90’s. Marshall will continue to be the x-factor for the Jets as they work their way through this season. Jets fans have every right to be excited for this guy who promises that this is his last stop in the NFL.

With Marshall having a few years left on his deal, hopefully this can be a mutual relationship on many levels. Marshall could be the Jets first 1,000 yard receiver since 2007. The Jets could finally get Marshall into his first playoff game this season. And maybe at the end of the rainbow can be the Jets getting back to the promise land and winning their second Vince Lombardi trophy.

Next: New York Jets: Quality depth will save team

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