Trade for Bears
The Bears have one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL. No one caught more than 37 balls last year and the receiver who played the most snaps for them was Roy Williams. Brandon Marshall was an absolute steal for 2 3rd rounders and Jay Cutler has to be thrilled. The pair combined for 206 completions from 2007-2008. The Bears still have cap space to go after another receiver or to sign Mario Williams and take a receiver in the first or second round. If they’re smart (which they appear to be), they’ll sign Eddie Royal. He has past chemistry with Cutler and would come cheap enough for them to sign Mario Williams, who they are reportedly the favorite for.
Update: Even with Marshall’s off the field issues, I still think this is a good trade for them. I think the chemistry with Jay Cutler is too strong and a change of scenery could be a very good thing for Marshall. They’re buying low and his contract is such that he can be cut for no penalty after any of the next 3 seasons, in which he’ll be paid 9 million per year.
Grade: A
Trade for Dolphins
I’m holding off on this grade for 24 hours because of Peyton Manning. Peyton Manning loves things his way so there’s a possibility that he told the Dolphins, get rid of Brandon Marshall (who has some character problems), sign Reggie Wayne instead and then we have a deal. If that didn’t happen, the Dolphins are just depleting their receiving corps for a rookie quarterback. No one else on the roster had more than 527 yards last year. That’s just stupid and the Dolphins sold Marshall for 25 cents on the dollar. 2 years ago they got him for 2 2nds, now they get 2 3rds for him.
Update: The trade makes a lot more sense now that we know about Marshall’s off the field issue. Marshall has all sorts of off the field issues and the Dolphins might be smart to cut bait with the troubled receiver as they go into a rebuilding process. Best case scenario for them, they sign Matt Flynn and then they can use their #8 overall pick on Michael Floyd to replace Marshall.
Grade: A
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