Brandon Marshall has been traded for the third time in his career, this time to the New York Jets.
The Jets sent the Chicago Bears a 5th-round pick for the veteran receiver, who is due $7.5 million this season. Acquiring Marshall means the Jets will likely part ways with Percy Harvin, whom they acquired in a trade with Minnesota. The Marshall acquisition also gives the Jets another offensive weapon and will make Eric Decker their No. 2 receiver.
Marshall was already traveling to New York during the week to film “Inside the NFL” during the NFL season, so there is little doubt he wanted to be in the Big Apple. It’s also no surprise that the Bears got rid of him after he wore out his welcome there. He got into it with teammates and did not back Jay Cutler at times last season. Last month the team’s new coach and GM did not give Marshall their full support, either.
Marshall still was plenty productive in his limited time last season, catching 61 passes for 722 yards and 8 touchdowns. He caught 31 touchdowns over three seasons in Chicago.
Now that he will have Marshall and Decker, there will be no excuse for Geno Smith not to succeed. This will give the Jets the best possible scenario to evaluate their quarterback.
