The Chicago Bears are starting to rebuild their offense with new Head Coach John Fox. They traded wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets last week. The Bears will receive the Jet’s 5th round draft pick in this years’ NFL draft. Was this really the right move for the Bears, a team that ended 5-11?
Brandon Marshall has played the last three seasons in Chicago. This year was the only season he didn’t go over 1,000 receiving yards. He had his most productive year in 2012 with 1,508 receiving yards. In 2013 he was still a reliable target for Cutler with 1,295 yards. This past season, his numbers were down with only 721 yards but he was still a force near the goal line with eight touchdown catches. That was second on the team to Alshon Jeffery. The trade makes no sense for the Bears. They traded Jay Cutler’s favorite receiver and a guy who can move the chains. Without him, Cutler only really has a weapon in Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery is a large target for Cutler but he needs more receivers to catch the ball.
This is an excellent trade for the Jets. They needed another wide receiver for quarterback Geno Smith. They already have Eric Decker, but by adding Marshall they now have two players for Smith to throw the ball to. It also takes pressure off of Decker not to be the only dangerous receiver on the Jets roster. Cornerbacks are now going to need to cover both guys. The Jets now have a one-two punch but can Geno Smith throw it to them? If he can, the Jets should score early and often. If he is unable to throw the ball, turns it over, or is sacked, this trade won’t help them. The Jets will need to give Smith time to throw to these receivers. This will assist the Jets offense and they should improve on last year’s 4-12 record. The Jets clearly won this trade.
This could signal the end of Jay Cutler in Chicago. He threw for 3,812 yards this past season, but had 18 interceptions, his second highest career total. In 2009, his first year with the Bears, he threw 26 interceptions. The problem with trading him is his salary. Cutler is going to make $15.5 million this year and $16 million next year, making him a difficult trade prospect. The Bears deny they are looking to ship him out.
How will Brandon Marshall improve the Jets? Where will Jay Cutler land or will he stay with the Chicago Bears?
Cutler will stay with the Bears . His salary is too high and his production is too low for any other team to want him. I think it was a great trade for the Jets. They get Marshall and Decker. Let’s wait and see what happens.
I do think it a good trade for the Jets. The question is who will be the QB for the Jets and can they get the ball to both of these receivers. As you know they can catch the ball and they both have great speed.
I like Marshall and Decker. I question whether Geno Smith and Marshall (aka baby TO) will get along. We will have to wait and see I guess. Fox would like to get rid of Cutlet but I don’t see any others teams wanting him. He is expensive, divisive in the locker room and terribly overpaid. Good luck John Fox!
Agreed with Cutler. Smith may not be the starter though as they have just traded for Ryan Fitzpatrick. We will see who wins the QB battle.