Brandon Marshall Signs $47.5 M Contract; Why The Jets Won't Be Affected

On Wednesday morning, ESPN announced that Brandon Marshall would be traded to the Miami Dolphins for a 2010 second-round draft pick and a 2011 second-round draft pick.  Marshall has now signed a contract for $47.5 million.  Many say that this move will help solidify a Miami Offense that has been embracing the wildcat offense for the past two years.  In a division with the New York Jets and New England Patriots, the Dolphins know that just like the last three seasons, the 2010 football season in the AFC East will be a battle until the end of the season.  For the last two years the final game of the season decided who will advance to the playoffs.

Just coming days after the Jets traded a fifth round draft pick for Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes, it seems skeptical that the Dolphins would make a trade for such a high profile receiver like Brandon Marshall.  After the trade of Santonio Holmes to the Jets the Dolphins knew that the competition just improved, again.  At the beginning of the 2010 season, the Dolphins starter will most likely be Chad Henne.  Their receivers are lacking talent and their only strongpoint is the running game.

Because they play in the same division, the Dolphins will play the New York Jets twice this season, once in Miami and once in the new Meadowlands Stadium.  With the addition of Marshall, it should not faze Rex Ryan's number one defense.  To make sure that the defense stays on top, the Jets added corner back Antonio Cromartie.  Cromartie will play opposite Darrelle Revis who arguably was the defensive player of the year.  

With a young quarterback leading a team like the Miami Dolphins it will be interesting to see the outcome of the match-up between the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins this season.  With a secondary and overall defense as strong as the Jets', it is unlikely that the Dolphins will be able to Prevail.