Here are the top five reasons stud wide receiver Brandon Marshall won’t be back with the New York Jets in 2017.
1. He will not take a pay cut
While the New York Jets are in desperate need to make cap space as they are the second lowest NFL team with money to spend this offseason, Marshall made it abundantly clear Wednesday on WFAN’s Boomer and Carton Show that he would not take a cut in salary.
“People need to get away from me due $7.5 [million],” Marshall said Wednesday. “Get away from my salary. That’s underpaid. Any team should be happy to have me for $7.5 million.”
While Marshall’s comments may be true, the Jets are not a team that can afford his salary.
2. Deterioration in play
Brandon had his worst statistical season since his rookie year as a result catching just 59 passes for 788 yards (third worst of his career), and just three touchdowns.
Without question, poor quarterback play contributed to those numbers, but at the age of 33, it could very well be said that after 11 years of gritty NFL play his numbers are on a downward slope.
3. Rifts with teammates
When the Jets obtained Marshall via trade from the Chicago Bears, they knew of his earlier altercations with teammates. However, in 2015 Marshall had no episodes and seemed to thrive with other Jets players.
2016 was a different story as Marshall had run-ins with two teammates. In the middle of one practice, he had a verbal confrontation with respected CB Darrelle Revis.
After beating Revis for a touchdown during 11-on-11 drills, Marshall verbally lashed out at him, saying he had no respect for him anymore, referring back to a 2015 game in which WR DeAndre Hopkins ran up 188 yards while scorching him for two touchdowns. The 11-year veteran also took a swing at the Jets 2007 first-round pick during that practice and needed was restrained by his fellow teammates.
His other argument was with defensive Lineman Sheldon Richardson. After a week-three loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, he had a verbal confrontation with Richardson which warranted involvement by head coach Todd Bowles.
If the Jets truly plan on rebuilding, ridding themselves of alpha type players like Marshall and Richardson would be a wise move. Head Coach Bowles does not need further distractions to deal with while trying to put the New York Jets back on a winning track.
Neither player should be in the Jets’ plans for 2017.
4. Inside the NFL Gig is a distraction to the organization and for Marshall
One of the reasons Marshall enjoys playing for the Jets is because Inside the NFL’s headquarters is in New York, which equals less travel for him personally.
With the show being held during the NFL season, this takes away from time Brandon can focus on his play, and for any pro player to be at the top of his NFL game, one should be fully devoted to being the best football player he can. In fact, this is just another reason that could explain his downward spiral in play during the 2016 season.
Coach Bowles has stated that he needs to change the overall environment of the team. That is hard to do that when Marshall is speaking a little too candidly of the Jets environment during Inside the NFL broadcasts. It’s a distraction to the Jets organization for the reason Marshall is dishing “inside” observations about the team on the airwaves.
5. Marshall wants a shot at the Super Bowl
Brandon has clearly stated: “My only motive now is to have team success. That’s my only motive until I retire. I’ve accomplished a lot. Lots of touchdowns — not enough. Lots of catches. Lots of yards.”
“No playoffs, no Super Bowl rings. That’s the only thing that matters in my career.”
Let’s face it, presently the Jets are as far from a shot at the Super Bowl then they probably have ever been since the Joe Namath days.
