Why Entry to the Brandon Marshall Circus Is Too Expensive for the Jets

I'm sure a lot of you are getting a little tired of all the Brandon Marshall articles, especially ones that revolve around a possible deal that would land him in New York as part of the improving New York Jets.

Well, today, two NFL sources relayed information to ESPN analyst Adam Schefter that the Denver Broncos are asking for inside linebacker David Harris in any potential deal.

For a Jets fan who was unsure as to whether he would welcome the circus to New York, the entry price has just tilted the scales in favor of a decision.

If you were to ask me the top two aspects of the 2009 New York Jets team that I was most excited about, I would say the play of Mark Sanchez and the combination of Harris and Bart Scott as the inside linebackers.

Now we are being told that if we want to bring a man with more issues to be resolved than an episode of This Is Your Life featuring Isiah Thomas, we'll have to break up this partnership before it ever had the chance to show its true potential.

That price for me is simply too steep.

Harris led the Jets in tackles in 2007 with 127—90 of those being solo—and he also racked up five sacks. He took a step back in 2008 as he battled injuries, recording a solid 75 tackles, 52 solo, and a single sack.

Do people seriously think that breaking up a partnership that, by all accounts, looks to be one of the most productive inside linebacker tandems in the NFL in 2009 for a man who brings attitude and legal issues is a good idea?

Not for me.

To add to that, rumors suggest the Broncos will also look for draft picks in any potential deal—a fourth- or fifth-round selection. Not to live in the past, but the middle rounds have been kind to the Jets over the past few years. Leon Washington, Kerry Rhodes, and Jerricho Cotchery were all fourth-round selections.

Throw in that Marshall is coming off an injury-plagued offseason in which he barely participated, and you wonder what the Jets are even thinking.

On the other hand, Harris has spent the offseason working hard.

In the three preseason games, I'd argue that not only has he been the most consistent player on the Jets roster, but also the most impressive. Sacks, interceptions, tackles—he is popping up all over the field, and the obvious chemistry he is building with Scott should have every Jet fan excited for the future.

Despite speaking against any potential deal for Marshall, I have persisted to admit that this obvious talent on the field may be a great asset to this team, whose perceived lack of ability at the wide receiver position is penciled in to be its downfall in 2009.

However, for a team looking to play smash-mouth football, would we be comfortable with Jamaal Cummings, Kenwin Westerman, or Larry Izzo starting opposite Scott?

I wrote a piece a few days ago on Westerman, where I highlighted his future potential; however, a starting spot in 2009 I fear is a little too soon for that potential to be realized.

So the price of Harris alone is too much for this team. But Harris and a future draft choice?

Well, you can rest assured that this Jet fan will not be running away to join the circus.

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