The New York Jets have acquired wide receiver Brandon Marshall from the Chicago Bears and this came after the team was exploring trades for Marshall this offseason and not it's likely that the Jets will release Percy Harvin and the deal reportedly will be for a mid-round draft pick going to Chicago from NY.
Marshall is coming off of a disappointing performance last season and the Bears now may look at trading him over releasing him this offseason. According to the Chicago Tribune, the Bears are shopping Marshall this offseason and it comes ahead of next week when his salary becomes guaranteed for next season. Marshall is owed over $7 million for 2015 and on March 12 his base salary will be guaranteed and if the Bears don't trade him before that, there is a chance he could be released.
UPDATE: reports have Marshall traded to the NY Jets from the Bears.
According to the Boston Globe, Marshall's release would save $4 million in salary cap space if it comes ahead of March 12 and if he is designated a post June 1 cut, they will clear $7.7 million off the cap. That is likely the incentive for the Bears looking to move Marshall and if he is traded or released, it means the Bears are ready to push Alshon Jeffery and Marquess Wilson up the depth chart. Jeffery is basically a number one receiver already and he showed that last year when Marshall struggled.
Jay Cutler is also a target to be traded by the Bears and it comes after John Fox and Ryan Pace were brought in to take over for Marc Trestman and Phil Emery. Marshall told reporters that he met with the new head coach and general manager and was "assured nothing" about the upcoming season. Marshall has had his off the field issues in the past and Fox also said he was concerned with Marshall's appearances on Inside the NFL last season.
Marshall comes in after playing in 13 games before ending the season in injured reserve and he finished with 61 catches for 721 yards and eight touchdowns. Marshall had just two 100-yard games and is getting past 30 and his production could continue to decline. Marshall did deal with injuries, so that could have cause his inconsistent play, but overall he was simply not as good as the previous two seasons. Marshall could be a target for teams in need of playmakers even after his disappointing season, as his past shows he can be productive when healthy.
Marshall has worn out his welcome on two teams and it appears that he is doing the same in Chicago, although money could be the reasoning for this one. Marshall could be an option for the Browns, as they have cap space and a need at receiver with Josh Gordon suspended. The Texans have been mentioned as a potential option, as they are preparing to move on from Andre Johnson. The Patriots may release Danny Amendola and could be a landing spot, while the Seahawks and Raiders both could use depth at WR.
Marshall had 100 catches in 2013 and 118 receptions in 2012 and that made his drop off very stark last season. Marshall put up a career best 1508 yards in 2012 working with Cutler and in 2012-13 he had 23 total touchdown catches.