Popular Jets WR trade target would be a terrible move by Joe Douglas

The NY Jets have been a popular landing spot for many of the more popular wide receiver trade targets across the league, as it is clear to anyone with even a cursory knowledge of Nathaniel Hackett's offense. This team's No. 3 wide receiver, Randall Cobb, has just three catches all year long.

With the Carolina Panthers the only remaining winless team in the league, the idea of trading away Terrace Marshall Jr. has started to creep into the ether over the last few weeks. The Jets need bodies out wide as badly as any contender or potential playoff team in the league.

With Cobb's continued ineptitude, the still vacant hole left by Corey Davis' retirement, and Mecole Hardman's recent trade back to the Kansas City Chiefs, Marshall might not have too much trouble coming in and making an impact. At least, in theory, he wouldn't have too much friction.

The Jets need to be real with themselves about what Marshall is at this point in his career. Despite his trade request, Marshall is more of a lottery ticket who could eventually turn out for the better instead of a ready-made impact player who steps in and dominates.

NY Jets trade rumors: Terrace Marshall Jr. is too risky

Marshall was picked 59th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft before names like Creed Humphrey and Amon-Ra St. Brown. After taking some steps forward last season, Marshall has only managed 16 catches for 114 yards in Bryce Young's debut season.

Despite a lack of depth competing to take snaps away from him, Marshall has been unable to secure a premier passing game role in Carolina. While the lack of speed and downfield playmaking isn't as alarming, given his style of play, the fact that someone with 23 touchdowns in his last two years at LSU only has one NFL score in his career should scare away teams.

The Jets' biggest passing game issue right now is a lack of explosion. Garrett Wilson can only do so much, and Allen Lazard's route tree can be somewhat limited. Marshall is more of a boundary receiver, and he's even struggling to fill that hole.

Giving up capital for a player who wouldn't necessarily be a slot upgrade would be a classic example of making a trade just to make a trade. Douglas needs to show some restraint here, as losing picks for Marshall will not move the needle.