NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

March 7, 2015

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Table of Contents

ASSOCIATED PRESS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Jets re-sign linebacker David Harris to 3-year deal (Dennis Waszak, Jr.) .......................................................................... 2

AP source: Jets agree to acquire Brandon Marshall from Bears (Dennis Waszak, Jr.) ................................................... 3

AFC East Free Agency Capsules ................................................................................................................................................ 4

THE RECORD ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Jets re-sign linebacker David Harris (J.P. Pelzman) ............................................................................................................... 6

Jets agree to trade for Bears WR Brandon Marshall (J.P. Pelzman)................................................................................... 6

NEWSDAY.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

David Harris re-signs with Jets (Kimberley Martin)............................................................................................................... 7

Source: Brandon Marshall to be traded to Jets (Kimberley Martin).................................................................................. 8

Brandon Marshall trade a bold and good first move for new Jets GM (Bob Glauber) ................................................... 9

ESPN NEW YORK............................................................................................................................................................................10

David Harris re-signs with Jets (Rich Cimini) ........................................................................................................................10

Source: Jets trade for WR Marshall .......................................................................................................................................11

Jets GM Mike Maccagnan has aggressive plan that includes Darrelle Revis (Rich Cimini) ..........................................12

Jets' free-agent targets: Wide receiver (Rich Cimini) .........................................................................................................13

NJ.COM............................................................................................................................................................................................14

Welcome back! David Harris re-signs with Jets (Dom Cosentino)....................................................................................14

Jets get rec eiver Brandon Marshall in trade with Chicago Bears, reportedly for fifth-round pick (Darryl Slater) ..15

Brandon Marshall trade: 10 things to know about newest Jets receiver (Dom Cosentino) ........................................17

Brandon Marshall trade signals that the Jets (thankfully) want a quick turnaround (Steve Politi) ...........................18

Could Jets keep Percy Harvin even after trading for Brandon Marshall? (Darryl Slater) .............................................19

Jets 'very' interested in signing ex-Eagles cornerback Cary Williams, per source (Dom Cosentino) .........................21

NFL Free Agency 2015: Jets l ikely to be interested in signing cornerback Kareem Jackson, per source (Darryl

Slater) ..........................................................................................................................................................................................21

NEW YORK POST............................................................................................................................................................................22

Jets re-sign LB David Harris to three-year, $21.5M deal (Brian Costello) .......................................................................22

Jets acquire Brandon Marshall from Bears for fifth-round pick (Brian Costello)...........................................................23

Jets fans can salivate as Bowles-Maccagnan plan becomes clear (Steve Serby) ...........................................................24

Brandon Marshall’s past filled with these red flags (Bart Hubbuch) ...............................................................................26

Brandon Marshall: Harvin upgrade or Santonio sequel? (Brian Costello) ......................................................................27

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ..............................................................................................................................................................28

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Jets re-sign linebacker David Harris to 3-year, $21.5M deal (Seth Walder) ...................................................................28

Jets land Brandon Marshall for fifth-round pick, also keep David Harris with three-year deal (Seth Walder)........28

Unlike John Idzik, new GM Mike Maccagnan already gives Jets pivotal pieces to bolster both sides of ball (Manish Mehta) .........................................................................................................................................................................30

NEW YORK TIMES..........................................................................................................................................................................32

Jets Will Acquire Brandon Marshall and Re-Sign David Harris (Ben Shpigel) .................................................................32

WALL STREET JOURNAL ...............................................................................................................................................................33

Jets Reshape Offense With the Marshall Plan (Stu Woo) ..................................................................................................33

METRO NEW YORK........................................................................................................................................................................34

David Harris to return to Jets (Kristian Dyer) .......................................................................................................................34

Brandon Marshall traded to Jets for mid-level draft pick (Kristian Dyer) .......................................................................35

FRIDAY’S SPORTS TRAN SACTIONS.............................................................................................................................................35

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jets re-sign linebacker David Harris to 3-year deal (Dennis Waszak, Jr.) ASSOCIATED PRESS March 6, 2015

http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/jets-re-sign-linebacker-david-harris-3-year-deal

NEW YORK (AP) — David Harris is staying put in the middle of the New York Jets' defense.

The team announced Friday that it re-signed the playmaking linebacker who has more than 1,000 tackles in eight seasons with the Jets.

A person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press that it is a three -year, $21.5 million contract — which includes $15 million guaranteed through the first two years. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't announced terms.

Harris, 31, has been a consistent leader on the Jets' defense since he was drafted in the second round out of Michigan in 2007. He has led the Jets in tackles in all but one of his seasons with the Jets — he missed five games in 2008 with an ankle injury — and relayed the signals for former coach Rex Ryan's defense.

Harris, nicknamed "The Hitman" by teammates, is expected to be a key part of the defense as a middle linebacker in new coach Todd Bowles' defense. He was likely going to be a highly sought free agent — particularly by Ryan's Bills or former defensive coordinator Mike Pettine's Browns — if he hadn't been re-signed by New York. Harris was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday for the first time in his career, but elected to not test free agency as new general manager Mike Maccagnan made him an offseason priority.

Harris, in a statement posted on the team's website, said he "could not be happier" to continue his career with the Jets.

"After hearing the plans and vision of coach Bowles and Mike Maccagnan," Harris said, "there was no doubt I wanted to return, help win a Super Bowl with the Green & White, and retire a Jet."

He had a career-high 150 tackles last season, giving him 1,019 for his career and ranking him fourth on the franchise's career list. Harris also tied his career high with 5 1/2 sacks last season, giving him 32 for his

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career. Only center Nick Mangold and left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson have been with the Jets longer, by a year.

Harris has also been a reliable presence for the Jets, having played in 100 consecutive regular-season games — the longest streak by an active NFL linebacker. While he has never been a Pro Bowl selection and shuns the spotlight, Harris is well-respected around the league.

Despite telling The Associated Press last season that he would like to finish his playing career with the Jets, he refused to speculate about his future.

"I try, in a way I guess, to show these guys that there's a different way to do things rather than being a guy who's starving for attention," he said at the time. "You go out there and do your job, do it at a high level, be respectable and carry yourself without needing the spotlight on you.

"Everything else is extra to me. I need that energy for other stuff."

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AP source: Jets agree to acquire Brandon Marshall from Bears (Dennis Waszak, Jr.) ASSOCIATED PRESS March 6, 2015

http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/ap-source-jets-agree-acquire-brandon-marshall-bears

NEW YORK (AP) — Brandon Marshall is on the move, heading from the Chicago Bears to the New York Jets.

A person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press that the Jets agreed to acquire the star wide receiver on Friday, pending a physical exam.

The trade, the first by new Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan, is for an unspecified draft pick, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because neither team had announced the deal. The trade cannot become official until the NFL's new league year begins next Tuesday.

It was a busy and headline-making day for Maccagnan, who earlier Friday re-signed linebacker Davis Harris to a three-year contract.

Marshall, who turns 31 on March 23, has played the last three seasons with the Bears. He dealt with injuries and had 61 catches last season, his lowest total since his rookie year with Denver in 2006, for 721 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Bears will save $7.7 million by dealing Marshall, and also create nearly $4 million in salary cap space. He is signed through 2017, but the final two years aren't guaranteed — meaning the Jets could reevaluate the move after the 2015 season.

Marshall will pair with Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley on the Jets' receiving corps, but the move also leaves the future of Percy Harvin in doubt. Harvin is due $10.5 million next season, but Marshall's arrival likely makes him expendable.

If the Jets cut Harvin by March 19, they would owe Seattle a sixth-round draft pick after acquiring him from Seattle last October. If Harvin remains past that date, the Jets would give up a fourth-rounder.

Marshall has 773 career receptions for 1,289 yards and 65 touchdowns in nine NFL seasons. He is familiar with new Jets coach Todd Bowles, who was an assistant with the Miami Dolphins when Marshall played there in 2010 and 2011. Bowles was the interim coach for three games at the end of the 2011 season. Jets receivers coach Karl Dorrell was also Marshall's position coach in Miami in 2010.

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Marshall has often been outspoken and sometimes controversial, but has also been one of the league's best at his position. He has caught 100 or more passes in five seasons, and had seven straight years of 1,000 yards or more receiving — a streak that was stopped last year when he had a nagging ankle injury and then missed the final three games after sustaining two broken ribs and a collapsed lung against Dallas on Dec. 4.

When healthy, Marshall is a true No. 1 receiver who can take over games, something the Jets have lacked for years. Jerricho Cotchery is the last Jets player with 1,000 yards receiving or more in 2007.

Decker, who was New York's biggest free-agent signing last year, led the team with 74 catches for 962 yards and five TDs. But, he'll surely benefit from the addition of Marshall, who will take away double teams from Decker and give the Jets another vertical presence in the offense.

The big question for the Jets is who will be throwing them the ball. Geno Smith is heading into his third year, but has mostly struggled in his first two NFL seasons and New York could be in the market for a quarterback in the draft — particularly Oregon's Marcus Mariota or Florida State's Jameis Winston.

The Jets could also try to add depth at the quarterback position by bringing in a veteran to compete with Smith during training camp. Michael Vick was Smith's backup last season, but is not expected to be re-signed.

Marshall has said he suffers from borderline personality disorder, and has been an active spokesman for mental health during the last few years. He has been fined by the NFL in the past for wearing green cleats to support his mental illness foundation.

Marshall is also known as a fiery competitor, and has been willing to speak his mind — parlaying that into a spot on Showtime's "Inside The NFL" last season. He would fly from Chicago to New York every Tuesday during the season to tape the show. He has also had his shares of off -field issues, having been arrested twice for domestic violence incidents. Charges in both cases were later dropped.

Marshall was a fourth-round draft pick by Denver in 2006 out of Central Florida, and he quickly established himself as one of the most physical — he's 6-foot-4, 230 pounds — and elusive receivers in the league. He set the NFL record with 21 catches in a game at Indianapolis in 2009.

He was traded to the Dolphins in 2010 for a second-round draft pick that year and a second-rounder the following year. Marshall was traded to the Bears in 2012 for draft picks, reuniting him with quarterback Jay Cutler — his former teammate in Denver.

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AFC East Free Agency Capsules The Associated Press March 6, 2015

http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/afc-east-free-agency-capsules

BUFFALO BILLS (9-7)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DEs Jerry Hughes and Jarius Wynn; RB C.J. Spiller; LBs Brandon Spikes, Larry Dean and Stevenson Sylvester; S Da'Norris Searcy; WR Marcus Easley; TE Lee Smith; OG Erik Pears.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: OT Chris Hairston, WR/KR Marcus Thigpen, WR Deonte Thompson, P Jordan Gay.

NEEDS: The Bills, under new coach Rex Ryan, have already been busy addressing needs by acquiring RB LeSean McCoy in a trade with Philadelphia and QB Matt Cassel in a trade with Minnesota, while also

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signing free agent OG Richie Incognito. They still have needs in the defensive backfield, at offensive tackle and tight end. And don't rule out Buffalo adding yet another quarterback to compete with Cassel and EJ Manuel for the starting job.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (8-8)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QB Matt Moore, S Louis Delmas, RB Knowshon Moreno, DT Jared Odrick, G Daryn Colledge, C Samson Satele, TE Charles Clay (transition tagged), S Jimmy Wilson, LB Jason Trusnik, LB Kelvin Sheppard, RB Daniel Thomas, RB LaMichael James, CB T.J. Heath.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE Derrick Shelby, LB Jonathan Freeny, S Michael Thomas, S Jordan Kovacs, CB R.J. Stanford.

NEEDS: The Dolphins are expected to make a run at DT Ndamukong Suh, and if they win bidding likely to top $100 million, they might have little cap room left. Other positions needing to be addressed on an aging defense include linebacker, cornerback and safety. To free up cap space, the Dolphins released receivers Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson and might part with Mike Wallace, leaving them short on targets for Ryan Tannehill.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (15-4)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: PK Stephen Gostkowski (franchise tagged), LS Danny Aiken, LB Akeem Ayers, DT Alan Branch, LB Jonathan Casillas, G Dan Connolly, S Devin McCourty, RB Stevan Ridley, RB Shane Vereen, LB Chris White.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

NEEDS: Pass rusher, linebacker. DEs Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich have been productive getting to the quarterback, but there is little depth behind them. And Jones was sidelined for six games last season. Injuries also forced Jerod Mayo, the Patriots' best linebacker, to miss most of the past two seasons. LB Dont'a Hightower was sidelined for four games in 2014 and could miss the start of next season after having shoulder surgery following the Super Bowl victory.

NEW YORK JETS (4-12)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QB Michael Vick, G Willie Colon, RB Bilal Powell, DL Leger Douzable, CB Kyle Wilson, S Dawan Landry, DT Kenrick Ellis, LB Nick Bellore, T Ben Ijalana, CB Phillip Adams, FB John Conner, WR Greg Salas, LS Tanner Purdum, LB Jermaine Cunningham.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: NT Damon Harrison, S Jaiquawn Jarrett.

NEEDS: The Jets have more than $51 million in salary cap space to work with, and figure to be active spenders. Help at cornerback is a top priority for new GM Mike Maccagnan after former GM John Idzik struck out in free agency and the draft. CBs Dee Milliner (Achilles tendon), the team's No. 1 draft pick in 2013, and Dexter McDougle (ACL), third-rounder last year, are coming off major injuries. The Jets could look for a veteran QB to compete with Geno Smith if Vick doesn't return, which is likely. New York could focus on drafting a top prospect — Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota — with No. 6 overall pick should they fall. Pass-catching running back could be another spot New York tries to add because Chris Johnson won't be back and Powell could draw attention in free agency. Offensive line depth also is likely to be addressed, and the team might need to replace a starter if RG Colon is not re -signed. New York traded for Brandon Marshall to be its No. 1 receiver.

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THE RECORD

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Jets re-sign linebacker David Harris (J.P. Pelzman) THE RECORD MARCH 6, 2015

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/jets-re-sign-linebacker-david-harris-1.1284125

On the same day the Jets agreed to acquire star wide receiver Brandon Marshall in a trade from Chicago, they also took care of one of their own veteran stalwarts.

Inside linebacker David Harris re-signed with the Jets on Friday. It's a three-year deal worth $21.5 million, according to a source. The contract includes $15 million of guaranteed money in the first two seasons, the source said.

The 31-year-old Harris, a second-round draft pick from Michigan in 2007, has been extremely durable and productive for the Jets. He has missed only five games in his career because of injury, all in 2008. He has 30.5 sacks, six interceptions, nine forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in his career. He had a career-high six sacks in 2014.

Harris was a favorite of former Jets coach Rex Ryan, and Ryan’s new team, Buffalo, was expected to have plenty of interest, so it was imperative that the Jets didn't let Harris hit the open market.

The Bills had reached an agreement to deal inside linebacker Kiko Alonso to Philadelphia for running back LeSean McCoy, which gave them a vacancy at Harris' position.

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Jets agree to trade for Bears WR Brandon Marshall (J.P. Pelzman) THE RECORD MARCH 6, 2015

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/jets-agree-to-trade-for-bears-wr-brandon-marshall-1.1284066

The Jets agreed to acquire star wide receiver Brandon Marshall in a trade with Chicago, according to a source. The compensation reportedly would be a fifth-round draft pick. The trade cannot become official until 4 p.m., Tuesday, when the free agency period starts. It also is dependent upon Marshall, who moonlighted on TV last season, passing his physical with the Jets.

This is the first big move by new general manager Mike Maccagnan.

Also Friday, the Jets took care of one of their own veteran stalwarts. Inside linebacker David Harris re-signed for a three-year deal worth $21.5 million, according to a source. The contract includes $15 million of guaranteed money in the first two seasons, the source said.

The quiet but dependable Harris has a much different personality than the outspoken and sometimes-troubled Marshall.

The mercurial wide receiver, who will be entering his 10th year in the NFL, took the unusual step last season of serving as one of the hosts for Showtime’s “Inside the NFL” weekly show. He became the only active NFL player to appear on such a program on a weekly basis, and he reportedly has been invited to reprise that role in 2015.

Certainly being with the Jets would make it easier for him to do so. Marshall had to fly from Chicago to New York each Tuesday to tape the show last year. If the trade goes through and he returns to the gig, the Manhattan studio will be only a car ride away.

Marshall, who will turn 31 on March 23, has been known both for his moodiness and his talent. In nine pro seasons with Denver, Miami and Chicago, he has 773 receptions for a 12.6-yard average and 65

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touchdowns. But this would mark the third time he has been traded despite his immense talent, although the Jets obviously believe he won’t be a problem in the locker room. New coach Todd Bowles knows Marshall from 2010-11 when Marshall played for Miami and Bowles was an assistant there, and then the interim head coach for the final three games in 2011.

New wide receivers coach Karl Dorrell was Marshall’s position coach in 2010 with the Dolphins.

Marshall is due $7.7 million in 2015, but his contract isn’t guaranteed after that. So the Jets could let him go a year from now. It seems likely that’s what they will do shortly with wideout Percy Harvin, who is due $10.5 million if he still is on the Jets’ roster on March 19.

Marshall has said he suffers from borderline personality disorder, and has actively campaigned about mental-health issues in recent years. He has been arrested twice for incidents of alleged domestic violence, but the charges were dropped both times.

The 31-year-old Harris, a second-round draft pick from Michigan in 2007, has been extremely durable and productive for the Jets. He has missed only five games in his career because of injury, all in 2008. He tied a career-high with 5.5 sacks last season and has 30 in his NFL career

Harris was a favorite of ex-Jets coach Rex Ryan, and Ryan’s new team, Buffalo, was expected to have plenty of interest, so it was imperative that the Jets didn’t let Harris hit the open market.

“After hearing the plans and vision of Coach Bowles and Mike Maccagnan,” Harris said in a statement, “there was no doubt I wanted to return, help win a Super Bowl with the Green & White, and retire a Jet.”

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NEWSDAY

David Harris re-signs with Jets (Kimberley Martin) Newsday March 6, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/david-harris-re-signs-with-jets-1.10025837

David Harris is staying put. And for big money.

The free-agent linebacker has re-signed with the Jets, the team announced Friday.

Harris signed a three-year deal worth $21.5 million, a source told Newsday. The deal includes $15 million guaranteed over the first two years of the contract.

Harris, 31, was able to take advantage of a weak middle linebacker market in free agency and the Jets were able to retain one of their productive defenders. He has 884 tackles, 30 sacks, nine forced fumbles and six interceptions in eight years and tied his career high with 5 1/2 sacks in 2014.

"I could not be happier to announce that I have signed a contract extension with the New York Jets," Harris told the Jets' website. "After hearing the plans and vision of coach [Todd] Bowles and [general manager] Mike Maccagnan, there was no doubt I wanted to return, help win a Super Bowl with the Green & White, and retire a Jet. Thanks to everyone in Jets Nation."

The Buffalo Bills, now coached by Rex Ryan, also coveted Harris. And it seemed likely that Ryan would land his former linebacker after the Bills traded Kiko Alonso earlier this week for running back LeSean McCoy. But in the end, the familiarity with the Jets and the money offered by Maccagnan proved to be too good for Harris to pass up.

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Source: Brandon Marshall to be traded to Jets (Kimberley Martin) Newsday March 6, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/brandon-marshall-to-be-traded-to-jets-source-says-1.10025055

Mike Maccagnan apparently isn't afraid to make bold moves.

The first-year Jets general manager has agreed to trade for Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall pending a physical, sources confirmed Friday.

The trade cannot become official until 4 p.m. Tuesday, the start of the new league year.

According to NFL.com, the Jets are expected to give up a fifth-round pick for Marshall, who spent the past three seasons with the Bears.

With his arrival, the Jets are expected to part with receiver/returner Percy Harvin, who is owed $10.5 million this season. They have until March 19 to officially decide whether to keep Harvin. If they cut him, the pick they agreed to send Seattle under the terms of their trade last year will remain a sixth-rounder. If they keep Harvin, Maccagnan & Co. will have to send a fourth-round pick to the Seahawks.

Earlier this week, the Chicago Tribune reported that the Bears were exploring trade options for Marshall and that if no deal could be reached, the team would have released him before his $7.5-million base salary for 2015 became guaranteed Thursday. His contract with the Bears also calls for a $200,000 workout bonus in 2015.

By trading for him, the Jets ensured that they would be able to land the outspoken receiver before he hit the open market.

From 2007-13, Marshall ranked second in the league in catches (692) and receiving yards (8,741). He has scored 31 touchdowns the last three years and has gained more than 1,000 receiving yards in seven of his nine NFL seasons.

But his career has been marred by on- and off-the-field drama.

Last season, Marshall was critical of quarterback Jay Cutler and was involved in a locker-room incident with kicker Robbie Gould.

The Jets will be the fourth team for Marshall, who will turn 31 on March 23. A fourth-round pick of the Broncos in 2006, Marshall was dealt to the Dolphins in 2010 for two second-round picks after three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Miami traded him to the Bears in 2012 for two third-round picks.

The new Jets regime has lots of familiarity with Marshall. Head coach Todd Bowles was a Dolphins assistant and later an interim head coach while Marshall was in Miami during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. The Jets' new scouting director, Rex Hogan, spent 12 years with the Bears before joining the Jets.

Marshall is expected to be a key focal point in a Jets offense that currently features receivers Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley. Now that Marshall is New Jersey-bound, he will be even closer to the Showtime Studios where he co-hosted "Inside the NFL" last season.

He was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in 2011 and has become a mental health spokesman and advocate in recent years, donating thousands of dollars to help fund awareness programs.

The league fined Marshall $10,500 in 2013 for wearing green cleats (a violation of the NFL's uniform rules) during a Thursday Night Football game.

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Now he will have the chance to don green on game days with the Jets.

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Brandon Marshall trade a bold and good first move for new Jets GM (Bob Glauber) Newsday March 6, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/brandon-marshall-trade-a-bold-and-good-first-move-for-new-jets-gm-mike-maccagnan-1.10025927

Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan addresses the media

Mike Maccagnan vowed to be aggressive in his first offseason as Jets general manager, and he already is living up to that promise.

He made a bold move to improve the team's receiving corps by trading for Brandon Marshall.

Good player. Reasonable contract. Minimal compensation.

Good move by Maccagnan.

Marshall, who turns 31 on March 23, is coming off a down year in Chicago because of injury problems coupled with quarterback Jay Cutler's issues with the passing game under Marc Trestman, who was fired after the season. But the 6-4, 229-pound Marshall already is the best receiver on the Jets' roster, which also includes Eric Decker, Jeremy Kerley and -- for now -- Percy Harvin.

The Jets in all likelihood will dump Harvin, the oft-injured wideout whose $10.5-million salary is $3 million higher than Marshall's. Harvin was worth a gamble in a trade with the Seahawks last year, and he did show some flashes on the field while playing the good soldier off it. But he also dinged his ankle and had only two 100-yard receiving games in his eight games with the Jets.

Some of Harvin's paltry numbers can be traced to quarterback issues with both Geno Smith and Michael Vick, but Harvin was no more of a deep threat with those two passers than he was with Russell Wilson, who has played in the last two Super Bowls.

Assuming Marshall passes his physical and the trade becomes official when the league year opens Tuesday, the Jets will have upgraded the position significantly. Marshall had seven straight seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards from 2007-13, and in his first two years with the Bears, he totaled a whopping 218 catches for 2,803 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Marshall had some well-publicized off-field issues during his days with the Broncos and Dolphins, problems that included domestic violence and a diagnosis in 2011 of borderline personality disorder. He had no off-field issues during his time with the Bears and has become a thoughtful and outspoken supporter of people dealing with psychological problems.

The Jets have had their share of issues with wide receivers causing locker-room distractions -- see: Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards -- but they hope Marshall won't fall into that pattern.

No guarantees, of course, but Marshall has the endorsement of first-year coach Todd Bowles. The two were together in Miami when Bowles was the Dolphins' secondary coach and interim head coach and Marshall was a big-time receiver beginning to come to terms with his off-field issues.

There's no way Maccagnan would have made this deal unless Bowles was comfortable with it, so the coach clearly is willing to take a calculated risk that Marshall will be a positive influence on and off the field.

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The Jets are expected to attempt to trade Harvin, although it's tough to see anyone lining up to surrender draft-choice compensation and inherit Harvin's bloated contract. The more likely scenario is that the Jets release Harvin before March 19 and owe the Seahawks a sixth-round draft pick.

If he's still on the roster, it's a fourth-round pick.

Do the math.

It makes little sense to keep Harvin, especially with the upcoming draft rich with wide receivers for a second straight year.

The Jets own the sixth pick and have a huge need at cornerback, although Maccagnan is likely to go with the best player available, even if it's another receiver. After all, even with Marshall on the roster, if you have a chance to get Alabama's Amari Cooper, West Virginia's Kevin White or Louisville's DeVante Parker, you build up the position. Especially in a league in which you can't have too many receivers.

Of course, if the Jets have a chance to land Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, that's even better. Those decisions will sort themselves out on draft day next month. For now, they have become a better team with Maccagnan's first move. Plenty more to come.

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ESPN NEW YORK

David Harris re-signs with Jets (Rich Cimini) ESPN.com March 6, 2015

http://espn.go.com/newyork/nfl/story/_/id/12432711/new-york-jets-re-sign-david-harris-three-year-215-million-deal

The New York Jets retained an important part of their defense Friday, re-signing linebacker David Harris four days before he was to become an unrestricted free agent.

Harris' new contract will be three years, $21.5 million, including $15 million guaranteed in the f irst two years, according to a league source.

"After hearing the plans and vision of Coach [Todd] Bowles and [general manager] Mike Maccagnan, there was no doubt I wanted to return, help win a Super Bowl with the Green & White, and retire a Jet," Harris said Friday.

Of the Jets' 17 pending free agents, Harris was their No. 1 priority, so this is an important step for Maccagnan, who earlier in the day acquired wide receiver Brandon Marshall in a trade with the Chicago Bears, sources said. The trade can't become official until Tuesday, the start of the league year.

The Jets felt a sense of urgency with Harris, who would've been pursued by the Buffalo Bills if he had been allowed to hit the open market. New Bills coach Rex Ryan, formerly of the Jets, was target ing Harris after trading linebacker Kiki Alonso to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Jets have re-signed linebacker David Harris to a three-year, $21.5 million deal, according to sources.

Harris, 31, has been a mainstay on the Jets' defense since 2007, when he was drafted in the second round out of Michigan. In fact, he has led the team in tackles in seven of his eight seasons, coming up short in 2008 because he missed five games with a groin injury.

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In 2014, Harris played in 99.4 percent of the defensive snaps, a typical year for him. Under Ryan, he was an every-down linebacker in the truest sense. He also was Ryan's quarterback on the field, calling the defensive signals.

Harris led the Jets with 101 solo tackles last season, surpassing the 1,000 mark for total tackles in his career. He also tied a career high with 5.5 sacks, as he was heavily involved in the blitz package. He struggled at times in pass coverage, and some scouts wonder how long he'll be able to stay an every -down linebacker.

The Jets thought so much of Harris in 2011 that he received the franchise tag, which he parlayed into a four-year, $36 million contract. He's never made the Pro Bowl, but he's always been regarded as a model of consistency and unselfishness.

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Source: Jets trade for WR Marshall ESPN.com March 6, 2015

http://espn.go.com/newyork/nfl/story/_/id/12432188/chicago-bears-trade-brandon-marshall-new-york-jets

The Chicago Bears have agreed to trade wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

The trade, which cannot become official until free agency opens Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, will also rely on Marshall passing a physical. The Jets are sending a fifth-round pick to the Bears in return, according to a source.

A nine-year veteran and five-time Pro Bowler, Marshall fought through nagging leg injuries most of last season and finished the year on the injured reserve due to fractured ribs and a punctured lung. He produced just 721 yards receiving. Before last season, Marshall racked up 1,000 yards receiving in seven consecutive seasons.

Although Marshall's ability has never been questioned, he has often been a distraction. Last season, Marshall was part of a postgame locker room rant after a loss to the Miami Dolphins, and he challenged a Detroit Lions fan to a boxing match on Twitter.

In addition, he had weekly television duties as an analyst on Showtime's "Inside the NFL."

A mental health spokesman, the 30-year-old Marshall has seemed to put his past off-the-field issues in the rearview mirror. The mercurial receiver will join a Jets team that figures to rely on young quarterback Geno Smith and currently has receivers Percy Harvin and Eric Decker under contract, although Harvin is likely to be released by the team.

Brandon Marshall has averaged 8.3 TDs per season over the past six years, which would be a major upgrade for a Jets WR corps that ranked near the bottom of the league last season.

Jets first-year head coach Todd Bowles was a key voice in making the trade. He was a member of the Dolphins' coaching staff in 2010 and 2011, Marshall's two-year run with the team. The Jets' new director of college scouting, Rex Hogan, was a longtime Bears scout, so he, too, has familiarity with Marshall. His position coach in Miami, Karl Dorrell, is now the Jets' receivers coach.

In a span of 12 months, the Jets have remade their once-woeful receiving corps. Their starters will be Marshall and Decker, whom they signed last year to a five-year, $36.25 million contract in free agency.

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Marshall will count $7.7 million against the Jets' cap -- a $7.5 million base salary, which becomes guaranteed Thursday, plus a $200,000 workout bonus. They can save $10.5 million by releasing Harvin. If they do so by March 19, they will owe a sixth-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks, per last October's trade agreement. If he's on the roster, the pick escalates to a fourth-rounder.

The move is the first major splash made by Chicago's new leadership regime. The Bears hired coach John Fox and general manager Ryan Pace this offseason to succeed Marc Trestman and Phil Emery, respectively.

Marshall's wife, Michi, took to Instagram to thank the city of Chicago.

The Marshall trade will save the Bears $7.7 million in cash with the trade while creating $3.95 million in cap space. But the club will be saddled with $5.625 million in dead money on the 2015 cap.

While the Bears have elected to move Marshall, the team plans to re-sign backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen, a source told Schefter. The decision to re-sign Clausen comes at a time where the new Bears brass has remained noncommittal about the future of incumbent starter Jay Cutler, who is in the midst of a seven-year, $126.7 million deal. If Cutler is still on the Bears' roster on Thursday, $10 million of his 2016 salary becomes guaranteed.

Information from ESPN.com's Michael C. Wright and Rich Cimini contributed to this report.

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Jets GM Mike Maccagnan has aggressive plan that includes Darrelle Revis (Rich Cimini) ESPN.com March 6, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/49635/general-manager-mike-maccagnan-has-aggressive-plan-that-includes-darrelle-revis

Mike Maccagnan has been on the job for about a minute, and we already know this about him: He's not gun-shy.

And another thing: He wants to win now.

On Friday, the New York Jets' general manager pulled off a low-risk trade for a talented, yet volatile wide receiver -- Brandon Marshall. Sound familiar? Maccagnan's predecessor, John Idzik, made a similar deal last October for Percy Harvin, but it was a too-little, too-late move born of desperation.

Marshall is a less expensive, more talented version of Harvin, but he's also four years older. He'll be 31 in a couple of weeks, and it's certainly fair to wonder why a rebuilding team -- with a big question at quarterback, no less -- is willing to pay $7.7 million this year for a receiver on the wrong side of 30.

Why? Because Maccagnan apparently isn't content to ride out his honeymoon in the far-right lane. He's in the passing lane, trying to make up ground in the AFC East. It's why he re -signed linebacker David Harris, hardly a young pup at 31, for a whopping $15 million in guarantees. It's why he'll go into free agency Tuesday determined to pursue a certain almost-30 cornerback who has his own Island address.

Yes, they're hot for Darrelle Revis, and we could see the most dramatic Jets-New England Patriots tug-of-war since the Curtis Martin saga in 1998 -- assuming Revis doesn't re-up with the champs before Tuesday. The smart money says he doesn't, forcing the Patriots to release him to avoid a prohibiti ve $20-million option. The border war is about to escalate once again.

The Marshall trade took onions because we all know he can be everything from a diva (being kind) to a major headache, especially for his quarterbacks. On his worst days, he can make Santonio Holmes seem

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like a boy scout. In Chicago, Marshall clashed with Jay Cutler, criticizing him publicly toward the end of last season. That came after Cutler reportedly didn't bother to visit Marshall in the hospital after he suffered rib and lung injuries.

Nice chemistry, huh? A player with Marshall's talent doesn't get traded three times unless there are some serious issues above the shoulders. He's an immensely talented "me" guy, but the beauty of the trade is the Jets can cut bait after a year with no salary-cap ramifications. All it cost them was a fifth-round draft pick.

Clearly, Maccagnan is leaning on new coach Todd Bowles, because Bowles is the Marshall expert at One Jets Drive. He and Marshall spent two seasons together with the Miami Dolphins, 2010 and 2011, so we have to assume Bowles knows the good, the bad and the ugly. Maybe he can find a way to keep him in line. Marshall also will have his former Dolphins' position coach, Karl Dorrell, so he'll be surrounded by familiar faces. That should help. The coach-player dynamic is the key to the entire trade.

"The true test will be when adversity strikes, considering the quarterback [situation]," said an AFC personnel executive, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

"He's a talented guy who has been traded to three teams and never finished a contract," the executive said of Marshall. "All that said, he's better than what the Jets had. But it's all the other stuff that will come with it and will test a new regime. The fact that the quarterback situation is unsettled, it'll be interesting to see how that plays out."

Ah, yes, the quarterback situation. Bad play at quarterback can ruin everything. The most aggressive GM in the league can't create a franchise quarterback out of thin air, so it looks like Maccagnan will be stuck with Geno Smith or a second-rate veteran from the free-agent market. Maybe he's banking on an improved supporting cast helping Smith grow as a player. The rising tide lifts all boats, as the saying goes, but not if one of the boats has a leak.

For now, Marshall gives the Jets a legitimate No. 1 receiver. His numbers declined last season because of injuries, but he was the NFL's second-leading receiver in catches and yards from 2007 to 2013. Eric Decker, miscast last season as a No. 1, will feel more comfortable as No. 2 and will see less coverage. Harvin probably will be released, saving them $10.5 million on this year's cap.

The Jets' passing offense was 32nd last season, and they just added a five -time Pro Bowl receiver. They got older, but they got better. Unlike his predecessor, Maccagnan isn't conceding today for tomorrow.

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Jets' free-agent targets: Wide receiver (Rich Cimini) ESPN.com March 6, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/49599/new-york-jets-free-agent-targets-wide-receiver

With the signing period set to begin March 10, we'll preview the New York Jets' biggest needs and likely free-agent targets:

Position: Wide receiver

Overview: The direction they take will hinge on the Percy Harvin decision, which must be made before March 19. Unless he agrees to a team-friendly renegotiation, Harvin probably will be released. In that case, they'll need to sign a starting-caliber free agent.

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Players under contract for 2015: Eric Decker, Harvin, Jeremy Kerley, T.J. Graham, Chris Owusu, Saalim Hakim, Quincy Enunwa, Walter Powell, Shaq Evans.

Free-agent targets: Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin, Torrey Smith, Michael Crabtree

Why Cobb is a fit: At 25, he's a younger, better version of Harvin. When lined up in the slot, Cobb was the only player last season to have 1,000 receiving yards and the only player in the last five seasons to score at least 10 touchdowns in a single season from that position. He maximized his free-agent value with a career year (91 catches, 1,287 yards, 12 touchdowns). The Green Bay Packers have a track record for re -signing their own, so Cobb could be a tough get.

Why Maclin is a fit: He rebounded nicely after missing the 2013 season with an ACL tear. Playing on a one-year, prove-it contract, Maclin proved himself as a No. 1 receiver -- 85 catches, 1,318 yards and 12 touchdowns. He had only one drop, according to PFF. Like Cobb, he'll be tough to pry away. He's in a good situation with the Philadelphia Eagles, who can't afford to lose him after trading LeSean McCoy. Todd Bowles spent a year in Philly, so he's familiar with Maclin.

Why Smith is a fit: The Jets had only 15 receptions last season on throws that traveled at least 20 yards in the air, tied for 29th, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Smith, one of the league's best deep threats, averaged 15.7 yards per catch and scored 11 touchdowns for the Baltimore Ravens -- the first wide receiver since Randy Moss in 2004 with more than 10 receiving touchdowns and fewer than 50 catches. Two criticisms: He's a one-trick pony and drops too many balls (11).

Why Crabtree is a fit: The Jets were infatuated with Crabtree in the 2009 draft, but that was two GMs ago. There's some risk involved because he hasn't been the same player since tearing his Achilles' in '13, as he averaged only 10.3 per catch last season for the San Francisco 49ers. Any team that invests in Crabtree will be gambling that he can recapture his 2012 form.

Prediction: Tough call here because the Jets are wary of doling out at least $8 million a year, knowing they can land a top receiving prospect in the draft. Look for them to sit out the top-dollar market, looking for value in the second wave.

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NJ.COM

Welcome back! David Harris re-signs with Jets (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media March 06, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/03/david_harris_re-signs_with_jets_per_source.html

The Jets' busy Friday continues: Inside linebacker David Harris, a veteran mainstay who was set to become a free agent on Tuesday, has agreed to a new contract to remain with the team, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Harris's deal is for a max length of three years, with $15 million in guaranteed money in 2015 and 2016, and a total value of $21.5 million, the person added. That person spoke to NJ Advance Media on condition of anonymity because he or she was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

The Jets later confirmed news of Harris's signing.

"I could not be happier to announce that I have signed a contract extension with the New York Jets," Harris said, per the team's website. "After hearing the plans and vision of Coach Bowles and Mike Maccagnan,

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there was no doubt I wanted to return, help win a Super Bowl with the Green & White, and retire a Jet. Thanks to everyone in Jets Nation."

Harris had let it be known he wanted to "retire a Jet," though there was some uncertainty about where he'd end up in 2015 after head coach Rex Ryan was fired after last season ended. Ryan, since hired by the Bills, then traded inside linebacker Kiko Alonso to the Eagles earlier this week, perhaps paving the way for a push to lure Harris to Buffalo. The Dolphins, whose new executive vice president for football op erations is ex-Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum, were also reportedly set to go hard for Harris.

But on the day before other teams could begin reaching out to Harris's reps, the Jets locked him down. That $15 million in guarantees may seem like a high price for an aging inside linebacker—per overthecap.com, the next-highest average annual guarantee at that position is Patrick Willis of the 49ers' $4.06 million—but the Jets have to spend plenty this offseason to meet the NFL's cash spending requirements after two years of tight-fistedness under John Idzik, their previous general manager. And the salary cap went up another 7.7 percent in 2015 after rising eight percent from 2013 to 2014. Players are just going to get more money going forward.

Harris hasn't missed a game since 2008, and even though he sustained a shoulder injury against the Chargers on Oct. 4 of last year that was serious enough for Ryan to say "most guys would be in a sling," Harris played all but six of the Jets' defensive snaps this past season. Harris can be a liability in coverage, but Pro Football Focus still graded him 29th among the league's inside linebackers in 2014. Though quiet, he's also one of the most respected veterans in the locker room.

The Jets don't have a suitable backup waiting in the wings at Harris's position, so they would have been in a bit of a spot by letting Harris walk. They still may have to address inside linebacker in the draft, if for no other reason than to plan for the future. Harris is 31 years old.

Hey, look who's excited to see Harris is coming back:

Any questions about how important linebacker David Harris is to the Jets defense have been answered. Go Jets!!!

— Joe Namath (@RealJoeNamath) March 6, 2015

Word of the Harris trade came just hours after the Jets had traded for Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall. A busy day indeed for new GM Mike Maccagnan.

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Jets get receiver Brandon Marshall in trade with Chicago Bears, reportedly for fifth-round pick (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media March 06, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/03/jets_will_acquire_wide_receiver_brandon_marshall_i.html

The Jets' new general manager, Mike Maccagnan, pulled off his first big move Friday.

He executed a trade with the Bears and acquired wide receiver Brandon Marshall, pending a physical. The news was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Bears were looking to get rid of Marshall, either by trading or releasing him, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The Jets apparently didn't want to wait and see if the Bears released Marshall. It is unclear what the Bears will receive in the trade. According to the Tribune, the Bears wanted a mid-round draft pick for Marshall,

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perhaps even a pick as low as a fifth-rounder. And according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Jets are sending a fifth-rounder to Chicago.

The Marshall trade almost certainly means the Jets will move on from receiver Percy Harvin, who is due to receive $10.5 million in non-guaranteed salary next season.

Releasing Harvin, which the Jets probably will do any day now, will free up $10.5 million more in salary cap space for 2015, though the Jets are about to dedicate $7.7 million of that to Marshall, presuming they pick up his current contract.

That works out to $2.8 million more in 2015 salary cap space for the Jets, who already had about $50 million of room.

If Harvin is on the Jets' roster March 19, Seattle will receive a fourth-round draft pick from the Jets. If Harvin is not on the roster, Seattle will get a Jets sixth-rounder. That's part of the trade between the Jets and Seattle last year, which sent Harvin to the Jets.

So the Jets will essentially give up a fifth-rounder and a sixth-rounder for an eight-game tryout with Harvin last year and at least one season with Marshall, in 2015. Maccagnan will need to now count on Marshall being an upgrade over Harvin.

In this spring's draft, the Jets are now also unlikely to select a receiver (like Alabama's Amari Cooper or West Virginia's Kevin White) with the No. 6 pick.

The Jets' new head coach, Todd Bowles, was the secondary coach in Miami when Marshall played for the Dolphins from 2010-11. Bowles's wide receivers coach, Karl Dorrell, was an assistant in Miami for those two seasons -- as the receivers coach for 2010 and the quarterbacks coach for 2011.

The Jets' new senior director of college scouting, Rex Hogan, came to the Jets from the Bears. So he also is familiar with Marshall. Hogan was a national scout for the Bears.

Marshall turns 31 later this month. He is a five-time Pro Bowler -- including from 2011-13, plus 2008-09 -- but his numbers were down last year: 61 catches for 721 yards and eight touchdowns. Though Marshall played in just 13 games last season, those were his lowest catch and yardage f igures since his rookie year, 2006, with Denver.

From 2007-13, while playing for Denver, Miami and Chicago, Marshall averaged 99 catches, 1,249 yards and eight touchdowns per season.

How much does Marshall have left at this stage of his career? How well wi ll he complement receiver Eric Decker with the Jets, as another outside receiver and deep threat? At 6-4 and 230 pounds, Marshall is a potential red-zone asset for a Jets offense that finished last in the NFL last year in red-zone percentage (36.17 -- more than 4 percent worse than the next-closest team.)

Marshall has three years left on his contract. But he has no guaranteed money on his contract past 2015, so the Jets can cut him after this season with no future cap implications. Because the Bears will absorb Marshall's prorated signing bonus as salary cap hits, Marshall is due to count $7.7 million against the Jets' cap in 2015, $8.1 million in 2016 and $8.5 million in 2017. This presumes the Jets keep his current contract intact.

But Marshall's contract would not carry any dead money figures for 2016 and 2017 if the Jets cut him after 2015. In short, the Jets aren't committing anything -- neither money nor salary cap implications -- to Marshall beyond this coming season.

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Like Harvin last year, Marshall will come to the Jets with a checkered past, though Harvin's issues involved spats with teammates and Marshall's have involved brushes with the law. Marshall has acknowledged that he suffers from borderline personality disorder.

While playing for the Broncos in 2008, he was suspended three games by the NFL, after a DUI arrest, plus a domestic violence incident. The suspension was reduced to one game upon appeal. He pleaded guilty a reduced charge in the DUI incident and was found not guilty of misdemeanor battery in the other incident.

In 2009, he was arrested for disorderly conduct after an alleged fight with his fiancee, Michi Nogami-Campbell. The charges were dropped. In 2011, she allegedly stabbed him near his stomach, acting in self defense. He went to the hospital, but fully recovered, and later insisted his wife did not stab or assault him, in what he described as a heated marital dispute.

In 2012, Marshall was accused of hitting another woman in the face at a New York club. An investigation determined there was not enough evidence to charge Marshall.

The Broncos in 2009 suspended Marshall for two preseason games, for "detrimental" conduct, after he slacked off and behaved bizarrely at practice. Marshall had previously demanded a trade and asked for a new contract. The 2009 season would be his last in Denver, just as the 2011 season, following the alleged stabbing incident, would be his last in Miami.

According to the NFL, Marshall is just the fourth player since 1995 to be traded three or more times, joining another talented, but sometimes troubled receiver, Randy Moss.

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Brandon Marshall trade: 10 things to know about newest Jets receiver (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media March 06, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/03/brandon_marshall_trade_10_things_to_know_about_new.html

And ... they're off: Just days before the start of free agency, the Jets pulled off a blockbuster Friday morning by trading with the Bears for wide receiver Brandon Marshall, a 10-year veteran who previously played for the Broncos and Dolphins. The deal becomes official on Tuesday, the first day of the 2015 NFL league year.

Here's what you need to know about Marshall, who turns 31 on March 23:

1. He's highly productive. In nine NFL seasons, Marshall has caught at least 100 passes five times. ESPN New York's Rich Cimini pointed out that from 2007-13, he was second in the league in catches (692) and receiving yards (8,741). Marshall also had at least 1,000 receiving yards in every one of those seasons before totaling just 721 last year, when he missed the last three games with injuries to his ribs and lungs. At 6-foot-4, 229 pounds, he makes for a big target, which ought to come in handy in the red zone, where the Jets finished 22nd in the NFL last season.

2. The records. In December 2009, Marshall set an NFL record by catching 21 passes in a Broncos loss to the Colts. He's also tied with the Texans' Andre Johnson and the Broncos' Wes Welker for most consecutive seasons with 100 or more receptions (five). To compare: No Jets player other than Eric Decker had more than 38 catches last season. And as ESPN's Adam Schefter noted, no Jets player has had 1,000 receiving yards in a season since Jerricho Cotchery in 2007.

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3. His quarterbacks. Marshall has never been to the playoffs in nine prior seasons. He's played with Jake Plummer, Jay Cutler (in Denver and Chicago), Kyle Orton, Chad Henne, Matt Moore, Jason Campbell, Josh McCown, and Jimmy Clausen. Yet he still put up the consistent production outlined above.

4. The Todd Bowles connection. Marshall had played for the Dolphins in 2010 and '11, when Jets head coach Todd Bowles coached the team's secondary and served as interim head coach for three games.

5. Unhappy in Chicago. The Bears imploded last year, finishing 5-11, a disaster that led to the firing of head coach Marc Trestman. The Chicago Tribune summed up some of the issues Marshall was in the middle of a year ago:

Offensive coordinator Adam Gase was the wide receivers coach during the end of Marshall's stint with the Broncos when things got chaotic even if his actions were not directed at his position coach.

Marshall caused a ruckus in the locker room after a loss to the Dolphins last season when he was overheard yelling at kicker Robbie Gould and offensive linemen had to intervene. He separately challenged a Lions fan and Lions center Dominic Raiola to fights on Twitter. He criticized Cutler when he was benched during Week 16 on WMVP-AM 1000, saying "I'd have buyer's remorse too" in regards to the quarterback's contract.

Sounds like Marshall is happy to be out of the Windy City.

6. Personality disorder. Anyone who wants to label Marshall a malcontent needs to understand he's been open about the fact that he has borderline personality disorder, for which he gets treatment. He's done lots of good work to support mental illness causes, and has even pledged to donate any NFL fines he gets to charity.

7. This is his third trade. Which is pretty unusual in the NFL. The Broncos, who drafted Marshall in the 2006 fourth round out of Central Florida, traded him to the Dolphins for second-round picks in the 2010 and 2011 drafts. Two years later, the Dolphins shipped him to the Bears for third-rounders in 2012 and 2013. Now this. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jets gave up this year's fifth-rounder to get him. Which makes sense, since they're committed to giving their fourth-rounder or sixth-rounder to the Seahawks, depending on what they do with Percy Harvin by March 19.

8. The money. Marshall is signed through 2017. According to the inestimable overthecap.com, the Jets are on the hook to pay him $7.7 million this season ($7.5 million in base salary, plus a $200,000 workout bonus, with that base money becoming guaranteed next Thursday). But in 2016 and '17, when Marshall is due to make $8.1 million and $8.5 million, his salary is not guaranteed. Which means if the Jets aren't satisfied after this year, they can cut him with zero cash considerations. And because Harvin, who is now probably going to get cut, one would think, was set to earn $10.5 million this year, the Jets are basically saving $2.8 million with this deal. That's on top of the $50-plus million in cap room they already have to spend starting next week.

9. The jersey number. Marshall wore No. 15 with the Broncos and Bears, and No. 19 with the Dolphins. Wideout Saalim Hakim currently has No. 15 with the Jets, but No. 19 is free.

10. Go say hi! Marshall is on Twitter @BMarshall. If you're a Jets fan, I'm sure he'd love to hear from you.

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Brandon Marshall trade signals that the Jets (thankfully) want a quick turnaround (Steve Politi) NJ Advance Media March 06, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/03/brandon_marshall_traded_jets_politi.html

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Wait a minute here. Did Mike Maccagnan not get the memo? He's supposed to stockpile his draft picks, take as many fliers as possible on mediocre wide receivers in the middle rounds, then watch as an airplane circles Jets headquarters with a banner demanding that he get fired. Or at least that's how the last guy did it.

This? This is different. This is bold. This gives Jets fans hope that their favorite team's passing offense might climb out of the 30s in the league rankings next season. Dare to dream, right?

If nothing else, Maccagnan showed that he's not taking the conservative route as a rookie general manager. The Jets desperately needed a No. 1 receiver and, without giving up more than a fifth-round pick, he grabbed one in Brandon Marshall.

That the Bears were dying to get rid of the guy ... yeah, that's reason for pause here. The Chicago Tribune, in a tongue-in-cheek column, trumpeted that getting anything "more than a kiss from Joe Namath" for the combustible receiver was a victory for Bears GM Ryan Pace. He brings baggage, without question.

He also brings talent. Marshall and Eric Decker gives the Jets their best 1-2 punch at receiver in years. Maybe Maccagnan has a plan to upgrade at the quarterback position next season, which will be truly when the fans carry him around the parking lot on their shoulders, or at least learn to pronounce his name.

But if he doesn't, and if it's Geno Smith again, it would be the definition of insanity to let him go into a third season without a reliable, big No. 1 target. Marshall is that guy. He caught 100 passes in 2013 — the Jets have never had a 100-catch receiver in their history. He's 31, at the tail end of his prime or a little past it, but he's certainly better than anyone on the Jets roster ... and that includes Percy Harvin, who won't be on it for long.

That Marshall is coming at a $2.8 million discount compared to what the Jets would have had to pay Harvin is another reason the deal makes sense. They'll owe him $7.7 million this season, and if he's too big of a headache to justify the price tag, they can cut him without owing him anything for 2016.

Maccagnan wasn't done on Friday, either, locking up productive linebacker David Harris — and maybe just as importantly, keeping him away from Rex Ryan and the Bills. And the free agency feeding frenzy doesn't even begin until Tuesday.

The GM will have about $40 million to spend when it starts, so the Jets will be a major players again. They have plenty of needs, including at quarterback (as usual), so Maccagnan is just getting started.

It's a pretty good start, too. The Jets might still stink on offense in 2015, but the GM is at least trying to accelerate the rebuilding process. That's a welcome development for a fan base that's waited long enough.

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Could Jets keep Percy Harvin even after trading for Brandon Marshall? (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media March 06, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/03/could_jets_keep_percy_harvin_even_after_trading_fo.html

Remember last autumn, when the Jets' then-general manager, John Idzik, said his trade for wide receiver Percy Harvin could be a "potential coup"?

One reason Idzik said that was because the Jets didn't give up a lot for Harvin, in a trade with Seattle. The Jets had plenty of salary cap room last year to accommodate Harvin -- because of Idzik's conservative-

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spending, forward-looking approach. And Harvin had no guaranteed money on his contract past 2014, so the Jets weren't committed to him, from a salary cap standpoint, if they decided to cut him this offseason.

At most, the Jets would give Seattle a fourth-round draft pick, if Harvin was on the Jets' roster come March 19. If he's not on the roster, Seattle gets a sixth-rounder from the Jets.

If Harvin acted up last season in his half-season tryout with the Jets, or if the Jets found an upgrade at receiver this offseason, then they could very easily move on from Harvin. But if Harvin thrived with the Jets last season -- he was solid, but not spectacular in eight games -- then the Jets could keep him on a year-to-year basis, since the remaining four years on his contract (2015-18) contained no guaranteed money and, thus, no future cap hits if the Jets cut Harvin after any year.

Harvin is due to make $10.5 million in non-guaranteed salary in 2015. The Jets on Friday traded for receiver Brandon Marshall, who will count $7.7 million against their cap in 2015. Like Harvin last year, the Jets don't have to commit any cap space to Marshall past 2015, because he also has no guaranteed money left after this coming season.

If things don't work out, the Jets can cut Marshall next offseason at no cost. (The Jets would love for Marshall to play like he did from 2011-13, when he ranked fourth, 11th and fifth in the NFL in catch rate on deep balls, according to Pro Football Focus. Last season, while deal ing with injuries, Marshall was 30th. He also was 39th in yards gained per route run, after ranking sixth, 13th, sixth, 12th, eighth, second and 12th from 2007-13.)

If the Jets cut Harvin this month, they'd save $2.8 million in cap space and lose a fifth-round pick and a sixth-rounder, between Harvin's departure and Marshall's few-strings-attached arrival. (The Bears are reportedly getting a fifth-round pick from the Jets for Marshall.) That's not a bad deal, especially if Marshall proves to be the upgrade over Harvin that most believe he will be.

But could the Jets perhaps retain Harvin, even as Marshall arrives?

Like Eric Decker, Marshall is an outside receiver, another deep threat and a big body. Harvin, with his smaller frame and shiftiness, has historically functioned best in the slot, and out of the backfield, on jet sweep plays. He also has demonstrated significant skills as a returner.

It seems the only logical way the Jets retain Harvin now is if he agrees to a pay cut -- or at least a contract restructure of some sort -- that lessens his blow to the Jets' salary cap. They had about $50 million in cap room before Friday's news that they traded for Marshall and re-signed middle linebacker David Harris.

The downside to a restructure with Harvin is that transferring some (or most) of his $10.5 million salary in 2015 into a signing bonus would mean prorated guaranteed money for future years of his contract. The Jets would then lose the advantage of getting to make a year-to-year, non-committal decision on Harvin.

If Harvin is willing to take a simple pay cut in 2015 from the Jets, presuming he decides he won't get enough money elsewhere in free agency, then there's a chance they could keep him. Harvin, Marshall and Decker would make an intriguing trio. Plus, slot receiver Jeremy Kerley just got a four-year extension last year and is now under contract through 2018.

If Harvin isn't willing to accept a pay cut, the Jets almost certainly will cut him and let him hit free agency. This is the most likely outcome. The Jets technically don't have to cut Harvin before the free agency signing period begins Tuesday. They can wait until March 18, after most of the big money is spent in free agency, because the deadline for the Jets' decision on Harvin isn't until March 19. The Jets have a lot of leverage here, especially after the Marshall trade.

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By all accounts, Harvin behaved himself last season with the Jets. He wasn't a problem in the locker room. There were concerns about this, because of Harvin's spats with teammates in Seattle. Harvin seemed to alleviate those concerns immediately. He also played through a serious ankle sprain.

Considering that Harvin wasn't a problem for the Jets last season, might they do him the courtesy of a swift release, if they can't see eye-to-eye on changes to his contract? Or would they want to keep him off the free agent market, and away from other teams (see: Patriots, New England), as long as possible?

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Jets 'very' interested in signing ex-Eagles cornerback Cary Williams, per source (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media March 06, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/03/jets_very_interested_in_signing_ex-eagles_cornerba.html

The wintry weather in and around North Jersey has subsided, so ex -Eagles cornerback Cary Williams's planned visit with the Jets is still on.

A person familiar with the situation told NJ Advance Media that Williams is expected to arrive Friday night to meet with Jets brass, and that the Jets are "very" interested in signing the veteran free agent to a contract. That person spoke on condition of anonymity because he or she was not authorized to talk publicly on the matter.

That the Jets have a strong interest in signing Williams should not be taken as an indication that a deal is imminent. Williams had met with the Seahawks on Thursday; he reportedly has meetings set up in the days ahead with the Titans; and the Steelers the Ravens (another of his former teams) are also reportedly interested.

Williams had been released by the Eagles on Tuesday for salary cap reasons. Because he's no longer under contract, Williams has been free to meet with other teams in advance of this weekend's legal tampering period for players whose contracts are slated to expire Tuesday at 4 p.m. Williams is also permitted to sign a deal at any time.

The Jets, obviously, need corners, and there are plenty on the market this offseason. Pro Football Focus graded Williams as the 49th-best corner in the league in 2014.

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NFL Free Agency 2015: Jets likely to be interested in signing cornerback Kareem Jackson, per source (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media March 07, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/03/nfl_free_agency_2015_jets_likely_to_be_interested.html

The NFL's three-day free agency negotiating window begins Saturday, leading up to Tuesday's 4 p.m. kickoff of the free agency signing period.

Over the next three days, the agents of pending free agents can discuss dollars with teams, but a deal can't officially go down until 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Essentially, free agency begins Saturday, even though contracts won't be signed until Tuesday. Which means the Jets can really start attacking their primary issue -- a glaring need for cornerbacks.

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The Texans' Kareem Jackson is one corner the Jets likely will show interest in signing, according to a league source, who spoke to NJ Advance Media on a condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly on the situation.

It would come as no great stunner if the Jets go hard after Jackson, or if they sign him, for that matter.

They have about $50 million in salary cap room to work with. They desperately need an elite corner (plus maybe another complementary corner in free agency) so they can competently run head coach Todd Bowles' defense. And Jackson is considered one of the top cornerbacks available this year, along with Seattle's Byron Maxwell.

Of course, there's always the possibility that former Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis will become a free agent for the second straight offseason, if the Patriots can't agree to contract terms with him.

The Jets haven't had talks with Revis's camp yet -- they can't, according to NFL rules -- but they're "very" interested in signing a lower-profile corner: ex-Eagle Cary Williams, who is visiting the Jets this weekend.

But back to Jackson. The Jets' new general manager, Mike Maccagnan, knows Jackson well. Maccagnan was the Texans' college scouting director before the Jets hired him. Jackson was drafted 20th overall by the Texans in 2010. They're the only team he has played for. When the Texans drafted Jackson, Maccagnan was their assistant college scouting director.

Jackson made three interceptions last season, boosting his career total to 10. The Jets last season tied for last in the NFL with six picks, including four by their corners.

Jackson, who is 5-10 and 188 pounds, has been a starter since he entered the NFL. This is where Pro Football Focus has ranked him, overall at his position and as a coverage corner, since he's been in the league:

• 2010: 98th overall, 97th in coverage

• 2011: 78th overall, 99th in coverage

• 2012: 12th overall, seventh in coverage

• 2013: 81st overall, 84th in coverage

• 2014: 11th overall, seventh in coverage

Jackson turns 27 next month. Considering how he struggled earlie r in his career, and the way he rebounded from those struggles, he could be a good mentor for the Jets' third-year corner, Dee Milliner, the former No. 9 overall pick. Milliner, 23, struggled as a rookie, and then played just three games last season before tearing his Achilles tendon.

Last week, the ESPN analyst Louis Riddick offered praise for Jackson, and how he might be able to fit on a cornerback-needy team like the Jets, because he can do multiple things in the secondary.

"If you watch [Jackson's] tape from last year, something clicked," said Riddick, the former director of pro personnel for Washington and Philadelphia. "Very versatile, in terms of being an inside nickel player and an outside corner, a guy that should get significant interest on the market."

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NEW YORK POST

Jets re-sign LB David Harris to three-year, $21.5M deal (Brian Costello) New York Post

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March 6, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/03/06/jets-re-sign-lb-david-harris-to-three-year-deal/

The Jets took care of one of their own Friday.

Just hours after trading for Brandon Marshall , the Jets re-signed linebacker David Harris, a mainstay in the middle of the team’s defense over the past eight seasons. Harris signed a three-year, $21.5 million deal, with $15 million guaranteed in the first two seasons, according to a source.

Keeping Harris, who would have become a free agent Tuesday, was an offseason priority for the Jets. Harris is 31, but remains a productive player and is well -respected inside the organization.

“I could not be happier to announce that I have signed a contract extension with the New York Jets,” Harris said in a statement released by the team. “After hearing the plans and vision of Coach [Todd] Bowles and Mike Maccagnan, there was no doubt I wanted to return, help win a Super Bowl with the Green & White, and retire a Jet. Thanks to everyone in Jets Nation.”

Harris led the Jets with 101 solo tackles last season. He has led the team in tackles in seven of his eight seasons. He surpassed 1,000 career tackles last year and is fourth in franchise history with 1,019 tackles. He trails only Kyle Clifton, Mo Lewis and Marvin Jones, and will pass Jones with three more tackles. Harris also had 5 ½ sacks last season, tying a career high.

The Jets wanted to get Harris locked up before free agency began because he was expected to have many suitors, including the Bills with former Jets coach Rex Ryan and the Dolphins with former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum, who drafted Harris in the second round in 2007.

Harris never has made a Pro Bowl, but has been a critical cog in the Jets’ defensive success. He acted as the quarterback of the defense under Ryan, calling the defensive signals. He also is a respected voice in the locker room and demonstrated tremendous toughness last season playing most of the year with a serious shoulder injury.

The contract appears to be a fair one for both sides. The Jets could move on after two years if Harris declines. Harris gets an average of $5 million guaranteed per season, the most among inside linebackers in the NFL.

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Jets acquire Brandon Marshall from Bears for fifth-round pick (Brian Costello) New York Post March 6, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/03/06/jets-acquire-brandon-marshall-from-bears-report/

The new Jets general manager pulled off a blockbuster trade Friday, acquiring wide receiver Brandon Marshall from the Bears, pending a physical, according to league sources. The move gives the Jets’ offense an instant boost and gets Maccagnan’s rebuilding project of a 4-12 team under way.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Multiple reports said the Jets would be shipping a fifth -round draft pick to Chicago for Marshall, but a source said there may be more to the deal. The trade cannot become official until the new league year begins on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

With free agency beginning Tuesday and the Jets sitting on more than $50 million in salary cap space, everyone expected Maccagnan to be a big spender, but he got a jump on the action with this deal.

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The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Marshall gives the Jets a true No. 1 wide receiver, something they have been lacking in recent years. Marshall can now team with Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley to give Geno Smith, or whoever is the quarterback, a strong receiving corps.

The Jets are expected to release Percy Harvin once the trade becomes official. Harvin was slated to make $10.5 million this year. Marshall is a more productive and cheaper player, is set to make $7.7 million this season. His 2006 and 2017 salaries of $8.1 and $8.5 million are not guaranteed, so the Jets can cut him after this season without any future salary cap implications.

Marshall turns 31 this month and has a history of major production and major headaches for his teams. This is the third time he has been traded, a red flag.

“He has a shelf life,” one league source said. “He has a lot of talent, but it only lasts so long.”

New Jets coach Todd Bowles was a Dolphins assistant coach in 2010 and 2011 when Marshall played there. Bowles was Miami’s interim head coach at the end of 2011. The trade clearly shows Bowles likes Marshall and believes he can keep him in line. Wide receivers coach Karl Dorrell was Marshall’s position coach in Miami in 2010, so he knows him, too.

Marshall is a five-time Pro Bowler who had more than 1,000 yards receiving for seven straight seasons before falling short last year after he was sidelined for three games by lung and rib injuries. He has caught at least 100 passes in five different seasons.

Marshall finished last season on injured reserve. He caught 61 passes for 721 yards and eight touchdowns, his worst production since his rookie season. He also had a high ankle sprain that slowed him. Between 2007-13, he averaged 99 receptions, 1,249 yards and eight touchdowns a year.

Talent like Marshall’s does not become available, though, unless there is baggage. Marshall has had numerous incidents throughout his career, most notably when his wife stabbed him in 2011. Marshall revealed that year that he suffered from borderline personality disorder and he has tried to raise awareness about mental health issues in recent years.

Last season, Marshall found controversy again. He challenged a Twitter follower to a boxing match after a Lions fan had insulted Marshall’s mother. He previously received scrutiny after a loss to the Dolphins when reporters overheard him screaming at his teammates in the locker room.

Marshall also drew criticism for his analyst’s role on Showtime’s “Inside the NFL.” Many viewed him flying east to film it every Tuesday as lacking dedication to football. Now, he will be much closer to where the show is filmed in the city.

The Jets hope Marshall gives them a weapon they have been lacking. The team has not had a receiver notch 1,000 yards in a season since Jerricho Cotchery did it in 2007. The combination of Marshall and Decker gives the Jets their best 1-2 punch since 2010, when they had Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards.

The rebuilding of the Jets began Friday with plenty more moves to come in the next few weeks.

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Jets fans can salivate as Bowles-Maccagnan plan becomes clear (Steve Serby) New York Post March 6, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/03/06/jets-fans-can-salivate-as-bowles-maccagnan-plan-becomes-clear/

Mike Maccagnan’s Marshall Plan is a shrewd one.

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The rookie Jets general manager made a nice catch in his first major move, a low-risk gamble on the mercurial Brandon Marshall.

He gets Geno Smith — or Marcus Mariota — a legitimate No. 1 receiver as, at worst, a one-year, $7.7 million rental opposite Eric Decker.

Marshall is comparable physically to a former formidable Jets target named Keyshawn Johnson.

“I think it’s going to be good for him … good for the team,” Johnson told The Post. “A guy like this that can still play. It gives him a rebirth.

“This is the first time that they’ve had what I would deem a legitimate big-time target … in a long time.

“I’m talking about a game-changer … a consistent four quarters of getting it done.”

Asked if Marshall reminds him of himself, Johnson said: “Yeah, he’s a lot like me — big, physical, becomes a great target in the red zone. Can make a number of good catches when needs to, big plays when need to. So, yeah, I would say so.”

Johnson’s ESPN colleague, Cris Carter, said of the Jets’ move: “I don’t think [Bill] Belichick and Rex Ryan and the Miami Dolphins, I don’t think they’re going to be happy with Brandon Marshall coming into the division. It’s definitely an upgrade for the Jets as far as receiver.”

Johnson said he knows Marshall personally and likes him. He said that, contrary to reports, Marshall, who thankfully has his borderline personality disorder issues under control, is not a problem child.

“He’s not a problem though, he never was a problem,” Johnson said. “So, I guess as far as that goes, you probably could use that comparison, where that was supposedly what I was. … He had three head coaches in like five years. Just ’cause you move around in this day and age in sports, don’t make you a problem.”

What kind of guy is he?

“He’s just a highly competitive guy. … He is misunderstood. … He’s been fine ever since he’s addressed the [borderline personality disorder] issue. We’ve done some TV stuff together and he’s pretty funny, he’s fun. I don’t see why he would be a problem at all.”

Marshall comes cheaper than Percy Harvin ($10.5 million), a gadget receiver and elite returner who is not a go-to guy.

Marshall, who will turn 31 later this month, desperately needed a change of scenery from Jay Cutler and the Bears, and he will have extra incentive to be on his best behavior under the New York microscope, where he will be looking to advance his post-football career during his studio appearances on Showtime’s “Inside the NFL,” a short limo ride from Florham Park.

“That New York market can be big for his post-career,” Johnson said. “New York creates bigger personalities.”

He’ll be Harvin in 2014, and Santonio Holmes in 2010.

The cost is hardly prohibitive — a fifth-round draft choice, ironically the same price former general manager Mike Tannenbaum paid for Holmes. And the fourth-round pick Maccagnan would have to surrender to the Seahawks by keeping Harvin reverts to a sixth-rounder if and when he releases him.

Marshall, a 100-catch receiver five times and a double-digit touchdown man three times, will offer for Decker the type of cover he had in Denver with Demaryius Thomas.

“It’s not like he’s a bum, but he wasn’t what they paid him to be … but I think he’s a complimentary receiver,” Johnson said of Decker.

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The Maccagnan-Todd Bowles team is hardly the John Idzik-Rex Ryan team, which means they were united on adding Marshall.

It is an indication that Bowles, much like Ryan and one of Bow les’ mentors, Bill Parcells, is not afraid of the challenge of handling volatile personalities. You get the sense from Bowles he will not tolerate malcontents, and Maccagnan will have his back.

You can even make the argument the Marshall Plan puts a little more pressure on Belichick to keep Darrelle Revis, who will be covering Marshall if he stays in New England.

Maccagnan then moved swiftly to re-sign linebacker David Harris (three years, $21.5 million) and keep him from Ryan’s clutches.

The rookie GM is off to a fast start.

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Brandon Marshall’s past filled with these red flags (Bart Hubbuch) New York Post March 6, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/03/06/brandon-marshalls-past-filled-with-these-red-flags/

The Jets will be getting a talented, mercurial and at times troubled addition all in the same package with the proposed trade with the Bears for Brandon Marshall.

While Marshall has been one of the NFL’s most consistent receivers over the past decade, recording seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2007-13, this also will mark his third trade in the past five years — a considerable red flag.

The Broncos, Dolphins and now Bears all have dealt the 6-foot-4, 230-pound pass catcher, even though Marshall, who will turn 31 on March 23, was voted to the Pro Bowl five times in that span and even selected a first-team All-Pro in 2012.

The most likely reason for that is Marshall’s troubled personal life, which includes five known arrests since 2004 for a variety of offenses ranging from domestic violence to assault to DUI, as well as a murky incident four years ago in which he was stabbed by his wife following a fight with her.

The NFL suspended Marshall for three games in August 2008 because of all the off -field incidents, although it was reduced to one game and a $52,000 fine equal to two game checks on appeal.

But even when Marshall wasn’t arrested, trouble has seemed to find the Uni versity of Central Florida product.

Marshall was present at a 2007 fight at Denver nightclub that resulted in the shooting death of then-Broncos teammate Darrent Williams, and The Post reported in 2012 that Marshall was accused of hitting a woman in the face during a melee at a Manhattan nightclub. The investigation into the latter incident ended without charges.

But there are signs Marshall has turned his life around, in large part because of treatment he continues to receive since being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in 2011. Marshall became a public spokesman for sufferers of the illness and reportedly is filming a documentary about his fight to overcome it.

Showtime was impressed enough with Marshall’s recovery to invite him to be the first active player to serve as an analyst on the network’s weekly “Inside the NFL” show last season.

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Marshall taped the show in the city on Tuesdays, the players’ regular day off, and Showtime liked his insight so much that it invited him back for the 2015 season.

But Marshall’s stint on the show was controversial in Chicago, in large part because he was struggling through his worst season since his 2006 rookie year — and the Bears were missing the playoffs — while he was doing it.

Although Marshall caught eight TD passes last season, he had just 61 receptions for 721 yards before his season was ended in Week 14 when a hit by Cowboys safety Barry Church broke two of Marshall’s ribs and collapsed a lung.

That marked a steep plunge for Marshall, who averaged 99 catches for 1,249 yards from 2007-13.

Marshall also has a history of controversy with teammates, with one of the most notable dustups coming last season when he went on a postgame tirade against Jay Cutler and kicker Robbie Gould after the Bears’ 27-14 home loss to the Dolphins in October.

Marshall’s most memorable tantrum, though, came in 2009 and helped prompt his trade from Denver to Miami. Marshall, who was disgruntled with then-Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, was videotaped in practice swatting away passes instead of trying to catch them.

McDaniels briefly suspended Marshall, then dealt him to the Dolphins after the season.

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Brandon Marshall: Harvin upgrade or Santonio sequel? (Brian Costello) New York Post March 6, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/03/06/brandon-marshall-harvin-upgrade-or-santonio-sequel/

New Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan made his first big move Friday when he agreed to a deal with the Bears to acquire Brandon Marshall for a fifth-round draft pick, pending a physical.

Let’s take a look at the positives and negatives of this deal:

Why it makes sense

1. Who’s No. 1? – The Jets have needed a No. 1 wide receiver for years. Marshall has been one of the best wide receivers in football for several years. At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, he is a big target. The acquisition of Marshall allows Eric Decker to slide into the No. 2 receiver spot, a better fit for him.

2. Bye-bye, Percy – This is the second big trade for a receiver the Jets have made in the past six months. The difference between Marshall and Percy Harvin is their value. Harvin has tremendous talent, but never seems to have the production to go along with it. Marshall had seven straight seasons of 1,000 yards receiving before dropping off last year. Plus, Marshall will cost the Jets $7.7 million in 2015 as compared to Harvin’s $10.5 million. Once this trade becomes official Tuesday, the Jets likely will cut Harvin.

3. One-year trial – Marshall’s salary is only guaranteed for 2015. If he is a problem in the locker room or does not produce the way they hope, they can release him after this season and move on.

Why it doesn’t make sense

1. Tone Time revisited? – Marshall has had plenty of issues off the field. This is the third time he has been traded. That is a red flag. Last year in Chicago, he had a locker-room shouting match with a teammate and called out a Lions fan on Twitter looking for a fight. The Jets went through this with Santonio Holmes and it did not go well. Are the Jets asking for a locker-room problem?

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With Marshall, it should be pointed out he has been public about his borderline personality disorder and has become a spokesman for mental health, something he should be commended for. He has not had any legal trouble for a few years, but the talk of locker-room issues persists.

2. On the down side – The 2014 season was not kind to Marshall, who had his worst season since his rookie year. It was the first time since 2006 that he did not have 1,000 yards receiving. He turns 31 in May and could be finished as an elite player. That is a risk the Jets are taking here.

3. Throw him the damn ball – I don’t buy into the idea that since the Jets are not settled at quarterback, they should not be acquiring other offensive talent. But I do think that either having Geno Smith or a rookie (Marcus Mariota or whomever) as the quarterback could be a problem with Marshall. Will he accept it if the quarterback struggles or will he blast him in the locker room or, worse, in the media? Todd Bowles knows Marshall from their time in Miami together, so he must be confident he can keep him happy. I just think Marshall is a better fit for a team with an established quarterback instead of coming to the Jets’ always-turbulent QB situation.

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Jets re-sign linebacker David Harris to 3-year, $21.5M deal (Seth Walder) NEW YORK DAILY NEWS March 6, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-re-sign-linebacker-david-harris-3-year-21-5m-deal-article-1.2140004

On the same day that Jets GM Mike Maccagnan agreed to a trade for talented wide receiver Brandon Marshall, he locked up the Jets’ top impending free agent. David Harris agreed with the Jets on a three-year, $21.5 million deal that includes $15 million fully guaranteed through the first two years of the contract, according to a source.

Harris, who was drafted in the second round of the 2007 draft, has long been a critical component in the Jets defense. He was an important player to re-sign because he is still productive and there is not a replacement currently on the roster. Harris is the team's defensive signal caller.

Had Harris, 31, hit the open market, the Jets would have faced stiff competition for his services. Rex Ryan and the Bills were expected to go after the veteran linebacker, particularly after they jettisoned Kiko Alonso to the Eagles. The Falcons and Bears were also reportedly interested in the inside linebacker.

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Jets land Brandon Marshall for fifth-round pick, also keep David Harris with three-year deal (Seth Walder) NEW YORK DAILY NEWS March 7, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/brandon-marshall-traded-jets-article-1.2139825

The Jets are rebuilding their offense and talented wide receiver Brandon Marshall appears to be one of the new faces on the team.

Days before free agency is set to begin, new Jets GM Mike Maccagnan took aggressive opening steps to improve the team, landing a talented wideout and re-signing a crucial member of the defense.

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The Jets agreed to trade for Bears star wide receiver Brandon Marshall, pending a physical, according to sources. They are reportedly sending a fifth-round pick in exchange for the receiver, who had been on the trading block.

In addition, the Jets re-signed their highest priority impending free agent, David Harris. The inside linebacker agreed to a three-year, $21.5 million deal that includes $15 million fully guaranteed through the first two years of the contract, according to a source.

The trade for Marshall likely paves the way for the Jets to cut Percy Harvin, who is set to make $10.5 million in nonguaranteed money this season. Marshall, who will turn 31 later this month, will cost the Jets $7.7 million against the salary cap in 2015, according to overthecap.com. He is on a contract that runs through 2017.

The Marshall acquisition was both unexpected and impactful: the veteran receiver brings a strong résumé of success, although he is coming off a down year.

Before last year’s 61-reception, 721-yard and eight-touchdown performance, Marshall had seven consecutive seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards. The last time the Jets had a 1,000-yard receiver was Jerricho Cotchery in 2007.

But while Marshall’s talent is evident, he brings major off-the-field concerns based on a long and troubling list of run-ins with the law.

Marshall was reported to be involved in at least eight alleged instances of domestic violence or domestic disputes between 2006 and 2009, although he was arrested only twice and the charges were dropped in both of those circumstances. in

Marshall was also present in 2007 when Denver teammate Darrent Williams was killed in a shooting outside a party and the new Jet later testified that he may have escalated the conflict that led to Williams’ death.

Marshall was suspended in 2008 for three games related to a domestic violence charge (that was later dropped) from March of that year. The suspension was eventually reduced to a single game upon appeal.

In April of 2011, Marshall was stabbed by his wife Michi Nogami-Marshall, according to police. Nogami-Marshall told police she acted in self-defense. Marshall and Nogami-Marshall later said the stabbing did not occur, and charges were dropped.

Later in 2011, Marshall announced that he had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, which can cause fluctuating moods and make maintaining stable relationships difficult. The receiver has since tried to spread awareness of the disease.

Marshall appeared on Showtime’s “Inside the NFL” on a weekly basis last season, and he was asked how the league’s new domestic violence policy would have affected him had it been in place years ago. “The way my mentality was back then, I probably would have stayed there and probably served a six -game suspension or even been banned from the NFL,” Marshall said.

Since Marshall’s diagnosis, his off-field incidents have been curbed, although cops investigated whether he punched a woman at a Chelsea nightclub in 2012. Charges weren’t filed, however.

Marshall did cause some locker-room mayhem in Chicago last season. After shouting was heard inside the Bears locker room following a loss to the Dolphins, it was reported that Marshall was calling out QB Jay Cutler and kicker Robbie Gould. Later in the season, he said on the radio that he would have had “buyer’s remorse too” on Cutler’s seven-year, $126 million contract.

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The Jets are familiar with the player they are getting, however. Todd Bowles and Marshall were both in Miami in 2010 and 2011, and Bowles was the Dolphins’ interim head coach for the final three games that season. Jets wide receivers coach Karl Dorrell was also Marshall’s position coach in Miami in 2010.

Assuming the Jets do indeed drop Harvin, they will have replaced the former Seahawk with a more accomplished receiver and saved themselves $2.8 million in the process.

Even though Marshall’s acquisition presents off-the-field risks, there are also risks in keeping Harvin. If the Jets cut Harvin, they would surrender only a sixth-round pick to the Seahawks, instead of a fourth-round pick.

Friday’s swift action — the trade for Marshall and the re-signing of Harris in a single day — represents a marked departure from the glacial pace under which former GM John Idzik conducted business.

The Jets were not about to let linebacker David Harris hit the open market.

Assuming the bold action continues, which it very well could, considering that the Jets are approximately $40 million under the cap, fans will surely welcome the change.

In Harris, the Jets retained an elder statesman of the defense, but a critical one.

A second-round pick in 2007, Harris has long been a key component, and it was important to re-sign the linebacker because there was not a replacement for him on the roster.

Had Harris, 31, hit the open market, the Jets would have faced stiff competition to keep him. Rex Ryan and the Bills were expected to go after the veteran, particularly after they jettisoned Kiko Alonso to the Eagles.

“After hearing the plans and vision of Coach Bowles and Mike Maccagnan, there was no doubt I wanted to return, help win a Super Bowl with the Green & White, and retire a Jet,” Harris said in a statement via the team. “Thanks to everyone in Jets Nation.”

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Unlike John Idzik, new GM Mike Maccagnan already gives Jets pivotal pieces to bolster both sides of ball (Manish Mehta) NEW YORK DAILY NEWS March 7, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/mehta-gm-maccagnan-jets-pivotal-pieces-article-1.2140399

Mike Maccagnan fired a bold opening salvo to jolt the NFL landscape days before the start of free agency. Rather than plod along with a disjointed plan like his predecessor did, the rookie general manager pulled off a pair of savvy moves Friday that should let everyone in on a secret: The Jets aren’t messing around anymore.

Maccagnan, unlike the GM before him, clocked a faster 40 time than your garden-variety snail (or glacier). He traded for five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall and re-signed the team’s top in-house free agent David Harris by lunchtime.

The new regime, flush with about $40 million of salary-cap space before the free-agent negotiating window opens Saturday, has breathed life into a starving fan base jaded by a ridiculously conservative front office that pinched pennies and stifled progress the past two years.

While John Idzik did just about everything humanly possible to make life more difficult for Rex Ryan, Maccagnan has already given Todd Bowles pivotal pieces to bolster both sides of the ball.

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“I like both moves,” one personnel director said. “It gives them some veteran leadership to usher in a new way of doing things.”

Marshall, who will turn 31 later this month, is far from a choir boy. His well-documented off-field issues and on-field/locker-room outbursts shouldn’t be ignored, but the Jets assumed a relatively low level of risk by sacrificing a reported fifth-round pick in the upcoming draft.

Marshall, who had seven consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons before an injury-marred 2014 with the Bears, has been a difference maker for the better part of his career. He will provide [INSERT STARTING QUARTERBACK HERE] with a top pass-catching target and alleviate some of the pressure from Eric Decker. The Marshall-Decker combination is the best the Jets have had since Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards were cornerstones of the 2010 team that made it to the AFC Championship Game.

The Jets, who will likely part ways with Percy Harvin once Marshall passes his physical to complete the deal on Tuesday, upgraded at an obvious position of need and saved a few bucks along the way.

Marshall was cast as a quack, phony and malcontent by some in Chicago, but Bowles, who spent two seasons in Miami with the wide receiver, felt confident enough that the acquisition would help the Jets’ end game.

“He will be good for that locker room,” the personnel director said. “He’ll be the unquestioned leader and someone those guys will respect and look up to. There’s no fifth-round (pick) that will have the impact that Brandon will have.”

Marshall isn’t a savior, but he still can be a quality player for at least a couple years. His injuries last season (ankle, cracked ribs, collapsed lung) are a not-so-friendly reminder from Father Time, but the Jets were wise to make the deal for myriad reasons.

Marshall’s presence will have a ripple effect that will A) make life easier for Geno Smith or a veteran signal caller, B) create more favorable matchups for Decker, who proved in Denver that he can thrive when safeties are preoccupied with the receiver on the opposite side, and C) offer a legitimate red-zone threat for the league’s worst offense inside the 20 last season.

Marshall will earn $7.7 million in 2015 before Maccagnan needs to make a decision on the fi nal two years of a contract that includes non-guaranteed salaries. If the receiver flops, the Jets will move on with minimal damage. If Marshall succeeds, Bowles will ride the wave of a player who totaled 31 touchdowns over the past three seasons in Chicago.

Maccagnan made the equally important move to retain Harris, who will earn $15 million fully guaranteed in the first two years of a three-year, $21.5 million deal, according to a source. The new GM has a fundamental understanding that his predecessor never grasped: Sometimes you have to “overpay” and stretch your budget to land pivotal players.

Harris will be Bowles’ and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers’ central nervous system like he was for Ryan, who likely dropped plenty of F-bombs upon learning that the veteran linebacker wasn’t going to hit the open market.

The new Bills head coach was ready to stand outside Harris’ window with a boombox over his head and blast Peter Gabriel to lure the quarterback of his defense for years to Buffalo.

Maccagnan crushed that dream before the weekend.

There is plenty of work to do and surprises ahead. The new regime promised not to make splashy moves for the sole sake of grabbing headlines, but it’s impossible not to take notice when a smart picture comes into focus.

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NEW YORK TIMES

Jets Will Acquire Brandon Marshall and Re-Sign David Harris (Ben Shpigel) New York Times MARCH 6, 2015

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/07/sports/football/jets-agree-to-acquire-brandon-marshall-from-the-bears.html?ref=football&_r=0

It will take far more than one bold move, one major trade and one critical re -signing for the Jets to contend again. But after an off-season of sweeping change throughout the organization, the Jets’ march toward respectability continued Friday with the biggest personnel decisions made so far by the team’s new general manager, Mike Maccagnan.

In an aggressive move, the Jets agreed to acquire Brandon Marshall from the Chicago Bears in a trade that has ramifications beyond their adding one of the N.F.L.’s superlative receivers to their roster.

The trade, first reported by ESPN and confirmed by a person with direct knowledge of the team’s intentions, cannot be announced until 4 p.m. Tuesday, when free agency begins. It is also contingent upon Marshall’s passing a physical exam. In return, the Bears will receive a midround draft pick, said by NFL Network to be a fifth-rounder.

Also Friday, the Jets re-signed their most important free agent, keeping middle linebacker David Harris with a three-year deal that, according to a person with direct knowledge of the contract, is worth $21.5 million with $15 million guaranteed. That is a hefty sum for a 31-year-old inside linebacker, but Harris is the on-field conduit for the coaching staff — communicating the team’s defensive signals — and his leadership is valued by the Jets. By re-signing Harris, the Jets prevented their former coach, Rex Ryan, from trying to lure him to the Buffalo Bills.

When Ryan coached the Jets, he raved about Marshall’s talents. The Jets’ new coach, Todd Bowles, has seen those talents up close in practice; he was on the Dolphins’ staff when Marshall spent two seasons with Miami.

Marshall is tall and physical and a dynamo in the red zone — capable of alleviating pressure on the Jets’ other outside threat, Eric Decker, while presenting a 6-foot-4, 230-pound target for the Jets’ quarterback. Marshall will strengthen and diversify a passing offense that ranked last in the league last season.

Trading for Marshall is the clearest indication yet that the Jets will part with receiver Percy Harvin, who added speed and versatility to the team when he was acquired in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks last season but who is owed a prohibitive $10.5 million in 2015. If the Jets cut Harvin before March 19, they can send a sixth-round draft pick to Seattle. If they retain him, they will have to give the Seahawks a fourth-round pick.

Marshall has had a tempestuous nine-year tenure in the N.F.L. that includes three trades in five seasons and a slew of legal troubles, most of which came before he was traded to Chicago in March 2012. Marshall learned in 2011 that he had borderline personality disorder, and he has become a staunch advocate for mental health awareness.

Marshall, who turns 31 on March 23, had seven straight 1,000-yard seasons before an injury-plagued 2014 in which he was hampered by ankle problems and, later, by broken ribs that caused him to miss the Bears’ final three games. But he still caught 61 passes for 721 yards and 8 touchdowns.

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By trading for Marshall, the Jets, in essence, decided that he and his contract, which is guaranteed through the 2015 season, were a better match than any of the top receivers available in free agency: Jeremy Maclin, Randall Cobb and Torrey Smith.

The Jets can instead allocate their money — which stood at about $55 million in salary-cap space before Friday’s moves — in other areas. The Jets are looking to improve at cornerback, bolster their offensive line, find a pass-rusher, add a running back and, of course, try to resolve their quarterback quandary, which is in its fourth decade.

The Jets could sign a veteran free agent to compete with Geno Smith, or select a quarterback high (or low) in the draft, or procure one with another audacious stroke. Whoever that quarterback is, he will be throwing to one of the best receivers the Jets have had in some time.

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WALL STREET JOURNAL

Jets Reshape Offense With the Marshall Plan (Stu Woo) New York agrees to acquire Chicago’s star receiver in exchange for a 5th-round draft pick; QB questions linger Wall Street Journal March 6, 2015

http://www.wsj.com/articles/jets-reshape-offense-with-the-marshall-plan-1425678436?tesla=y

Whether this wager helps the team in the long run is unclear, but by agreeing to trade for Chicago Bears star wide receiver Brandon Marshall, the Jets promise to have a watchable and possibly even fun offense in 2015.

The trade is pending a physical and can’t go through until the NFL’s free -agency period begins Tuesday. In their first major move under new general manager Mike Maccagnan, the Jets would give up a fifth -round draft pick for the receiver, NFL.com reported.

Trading for Marshall might lead to an immediate domino effect for the Jets roster and for their plans for the NFL Draft, which begins April 30.

With Marshall, the Jets would have three reliable receivers, along with Eric Decker, last year’s big offseason signing, and Jeremy Kerley, who signed a multi -year extension in the autumn.

That gives the Jets leeway to cut Percy Harvin, the talented but oft-injured and expensive receiver and kick returner. The Jets acquired Harvin via a trade with the Seattle Seahawks in the middle of the 2014 season. He caught only 29 passes for 350 yards and one touchdown in eight games, in part because an ankle sprain and ribs injury hindered him.

While Harvin never bloomed into the force the Jets hoped he would be, Marshall has proven himself to be one of the league’s best receivers. He is a five -time Pro Bowler who gained at least 1,000 receiving yards in seven straight years, from 2007 to 2013.

The news was first reported Friday morning by ESPN. A person familiar with the agreement later confirmed the trade agreement.

So why are the Jets giving up only a fifth-round pick to nab him? First, Marshall turns 31 years old later this month. By his standards, he had a mediocre 2014 season, with 61 catches, 721 yards and eight touchdowns as he played with an ankle injury.

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Marshall is also notable for what he has done off the field. He was openly critical of Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler last year. Marshall last season also offered on Twitter to fight a heckler for $25,000.

The Jets hope that Marshall can recover from his 2014 season. Age shouldn’t be a big concern with Marshall, since he relies on his 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame rather than his speed to make tough catches. The receiver is regarded as one of the most thoughtful NFL players, and he has a nonprofit foundation to raise awareness for borderline personality disorder, which he was diagnosed with.

The Jets are also betting that Marshall will get along with a familiar coaching staff. New Jets head coach Todd Bowles knows Marshall from Miami. The receiver played for the Dolphins in 2010 and 2011, when Bowles was the secondary coach and interim head coach. In New York, Marshall would also be reunited with former Dolphins assistant coach Karl Dorrell, now the Jets wide receiver coach.

With Marshall, the Jets should have one of the better receiving corps in the league. The only problem is whether they can find anyone to throw the ball. With Michael Vick set to become a free agent and expressing little desire to return to the Jets, the team’s best quarterback is the turnover-plagued Geno Smith. The Jets, who hold the sixth overall pick in the upcoming draft, could draft Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota if he’s available, but might have to endure his rookie struggles. If he’s unavailable, the Jets might go with a cornerback instead. Should the Marshall trade go through, the Jets will almost certainly skip on drafting a receiver in the first round.

If the Jets release Harvin, they would have about $50 million in salary cap space available to improve at their weakest positions: cornerback, offensive guard, linebacker and safety. They did take care of one need on Friday by re-signing inside linebacker and defensive leader David Harris.

Harris, who turned 31 years old in January, has played only for the Jets. His new contract is worth $21.5 million over three years, with $15 million fully guaranteed in the first two years, according to a person familiar with the agreement.

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METRO NEW YORK

David Harris to return to Jets (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York March 6, 2015

http://www.metro.us/sports/david-harris-to-return-to-jets/zsJocf---jpDalzw0Yqzcw/

Long-tenured Jets linebacker David Harris took a big step towards retiring with the team that drafted him when he signed a deal with the team on Friday. The three-year contract is worth $21.5 million sources confirmed to Metro New York, ensuring that the linebacker is going to be a part of the Jets rebuilding process.

Drafted by the Jets out of Michigan in 2007, Harris has spent the entirety of his solid career with the team. The 31-year old linebacker is the model of consistency as he has played every game the past six seasons, often through multiple injuries. He had 71 tackles this past season and his 5.5 sacks was his highest total since 2009 and tied for his career-high.

Rumors and speculation for much of the week had Harris going to the Buffalo Bills to re -join head coach Rex Ryan. But a source tells Metro that Harris “always wanted to stay with the Jets and that the team had no intention of letting him go.”

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The move comes on the same day that the team traded a fifth round pick to the Chicago Bears for wide receiver Brandon Marshall, adding the dynamic five-time Pro Bowl selection to a passing offense that was among the worst in the league last year.

Often known for his run support, a more svelte Harris appeared more comfortable in space last year and his pass protection seemed more fluid than in year's past. There's a hope that he can continue to be a starter at a high-level for the first two years of his contract, where the bulk of the guaranteed money in the deal sits.

While he might play beyond the length of this current contract, by signing Harris the Jets add stability to a defense that needs to add another pass rusher and also has some serious concerns in the backend. Harris returning to the team means less upheaval to the unit and also allows the Jets to draft a middle linebacker in the later rounds to groom as his eventual successor.

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Brandon Marshall traded to Jets for mid-level draft pick (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York March 6, 2015

http://www.metro.us/sports/brandon-marshall-traded-to-jets-for-mid-level-draft-pick/zsJocf---vEnbQKxQGYmlU/

After spending the last few years with inadequate targets, it appears that the New York Jets have addressed their wide receiver depth in a major way with Friday's trade for wide receiver Brandon Marshall. The five-time Pro Bowl selection was disgruntled with the Chicago Bears and was seeking to get away from the situation, leaving the Jets and their healthy cap space in a prime position to land the talented wide receiver.

According to a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jets have acquired the former Bears star for a mid-level draft pick. The 30-year receiver is owed $7.5 million in 2015 and will be a $7.7 million hit against the salary cap for this upcoming season.

He becomes a free agent in 2018 and is owed $23.7 million over the next three seasons.

Last year, injuries limited Marshall to 13 games but he still caught 61 balls for 721 yards and eight touchdowns. In 2013 and 2013, he topped 100 receptions and had double-digit touchdown hauls in each season.

The addition of Marshall is an instant boost to the Jets' passing offense, which ranked dead -last in the league last year. He will provide some sizzle and playmaking ability to a receiving corps that now includes Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley, all three of which are now on long-term deals with the Jets.

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FRIDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

BASEBALL

American League

SEATTLE MARINERS — Designated 1B Ji-Man Choi for assignment.

TEXAS RANGERS — Returned LHP Edgar Olmos to Seattle after voiding his waiver claim. Agreed to terms with LHP Joe Beimel on a one-year contract.

National League

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COLORADO ROCKIES — Agreed to terms with RHPs Christian Bergman, Chad Bettis, Brooks Brown, Eddie Butler, Jairo Diaz, David Hale, Tommy Kahnle and Jorge Rondon; LHPs Tyler Anderson, Tyler Matzek, Chris Rusin and Christian Friedrich; INFs Cristhian Adames, Nolan Arenado, Charlie Culberson, D.J. LeMahieu, Ben Paulsen and Rafael Ynoa; and OFs Brandon Barnes, Charlie Blackmon, Corey Dickerson, Rosell He rrera and Kyle Parker on one-year contracts.

American Association

AMARILLO THUNDERHEADS — Signed INF Ryan Soares and RHP Kevin Thomas.

SIOUX CITY EXPLORERS — Signed OF Rene Tosoni.

WINNIPEG GOLDEYES — Signed INF Brock Bond. Traded INF Ryan Pineda to Sussex County (Can-Am) for cash.

Atlantic League

LONG ISLAND DUCKS — Signed OF Evan Crawford and RHP Sergio Perez.

Can-Am League

NEW JERSEY JACKALS — Signed INF Anthony Phillips.

OTTAWA CHAMPIONS — Acquired C Corey Caswell from the Pecos League for future considerations.

Frontier League

ROCKFORD AVIATORS — Signed LHP Josh Smoker to a contract extension. Signed RHP Colby Holmes and INF Greg Velazquez.

SCHAUMBURG BOOMERS — Signed RHP Clayton Crum.

TRAVERSE CITY BEACH BUMS — Signed LHP Ian MacDougall to a contract extension.

BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association

HOUSTON ROCKETS — Assigned G Nick Johnson to Rio Grande Valley (NBADL).

MILWAUKEE BUCKS — Signed F Chris Johnson to a 10-day contract.

UTAH JAZZ — Signed F Jerrelle Benimon to a 10-day contract and G Bryce Cotton to a second 10-day contract.

FOOTBALL

National Football League

BUFFALO BILLS — Signed LB Keith Rivers.

CAROLINA PANTHERS — Signed OT Michael Oher to a two-year contract.

CHICAGO BEARS — Signed QB Jimmy Clausen to a one-year contract extension.

CLEVELAND BROWNS — Re-signed RB Shaun Draughn and P Spencer Lanning.

DENVER BRONCOS — Signed OT Paul Cornick, G Ben Garland and LB Brandon Marshall.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Re-signed DE Ryan Davis.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Released DT Vance Walker.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Signed WR Jerome Simpson.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Re-signed LS Tyler Ott.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Terminated the contract of RB Pierre Thomas.

NEW YORK JETS — Re-signed LB David Harris.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Signed QB Tajh Boyd.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS - Signed WR/KR Jacoby Jones to a two-year contract.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — signed RB Marshawn Lynch to a two-year contract extension. Terminated the contract of TE Zach Miller. Placed OT Garrett Scott on the waived/non-football injury list. Waived DT Jesse Williams. Signed DE Greg Scruggs to a one-year contract.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS — Re-signed TE Niles Paul.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League

FLORIDA PANTHERS — Reassigned D Shane O'Brien to San Antonio (AHL). SUNRISE, Fla. - Florida Panthers Executive Vice President and General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has reassigned D Shane O'Brien to San Antonio (AHL).

WINNIPEG JETS — Recalleed F Eric O'Dell from St. John's (AHL).

American Hockey League

HERSHEY BEARS — Assigned D Michal Cajkovsky to South Carolina (ECHL).

LAKE ERIE MONSTERS — Assigned D Joey Leach to Fort Wayne (ECHL).

ECHL

ELMIRA JACKALS — Signed F Evan Haney.

STOCKTON THUNDER — Signed G Lucas Gore. Added G Doug Melvin as emergency backup.

WICHITA THUNDER — Loaned G Tim Boron to Rochester (AHL). Added G Kevin St. Pierre as emergency backup.

SOCCER

Major League Soccer

D.C. UNITED — Signed D Luke Mishu.

LA GALAXY — Signed M Mika Vayrynen and F Edson Buddle.

NEW YORK CITY FC — Signed M Pablo Alvarez Nunez and D Shay Facey.

COLLEGE

NCAA — Placed Syracuse on five-years probation and suspended men's basketball coach Jim Boeheim nine conference games next season.

ALABAMA — Announced the resignation of women's soccer coach Todd Bramble, to take same position at George Mason.

ASSUMPTION — Announced the resignation of men's basketball coach Matt Mahar.

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HAMPDEN-SYDNEY — Named Ian McMichael soccer coach.

HOLY CROSS — Fired men's basketball coach Milan Brown.

NEW JERSEY CITY — Named Rob Pasternak assistant baseball coach.

RICE — Named Taylor Hess compliance coordinator.

SAMFORD — Signed men's basketball coach Scott Padgett to a four-year extension through the 2018-19 season.

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