Brandon Marshall: Pursue or No?

I think this has a chance be the most controversial debate of this series. He's the total package as a receiver, strong, athletic, fast, and tall. He's electrifying with the ball in his hands. I still can't get over the game winning touchdown catch he had against Dallas this season. I was blown away. He is only 25 years old and has 3 straight 1,000 yard, 100 catch seasons. He set a career high in touchdowns this year with 10 despite a downgrade at his quarterback position. He set an NFL record with a 21 reception game against the Colts.

There are also reasons his team isn't in a rush to resign him. He's been arrested 4 times in 4 years in the league. He's caused problems in the locker room and got himself benched for the biggest game this year in 2009 for being late to a physical therapy session.

Things will likely get complicated if the Jets try to pursue Marshall. He's a restricted free agent. Despite the baggage, Denver would be foolish to give him anything other than the highest tender, first and third round picks. The Jets currently do not have a third round pick. It goes to Cleveland for Braylon Edwards. I've been reading up the past few days trying to make sense of the NFL rules. My understanding is the Jets could not tender Marshall an offer without obtaining a new third round pick either of their own slot or one before. At the 29th pick of the round, that wouldn't be too hard. They would trade out of the second round with some team and could grab a later pick.

The issue is whether Marshall is worth that price. Getting him would probably leave the team without a pick in the first three rounds of this deep Draft. The thought of surrounding the ground and pound attack with weapons like Braylon Edwards and Marshall on the outside, Jerricho Cotchery in the slot, Dustin Keller at tight end, and Leon Washington out of the backfield is sure tempting. I actually think you could justify it. Add a passing attack like that to the best run game and defense in the league, and you have one heck of a team if Mark Sanchez is ready to elevate his game.

The Jets could also get a first and third round pick by letting Edwards walk and signing Marshall. I don't love this idea. For all of his baggage, Braylon was a great fit in the locker room and is less of a risk. You'd also have to find a team to give up a first and third to take a chance on him.

Thinking it through, this is a tougher call than I thought it would be. I'm inclined to say pass. Marshall's too much of a risk to give a monster contract. Guys who want to find trouble can usually find it in New York. He seems like a potential ticking timebomb between the nightlife and the New York media. The Jets would also lose the chance to add two quality players at better value.

I vote don't pursue.

How do you vote?