Bears Acquire Marshall from Miami, Reunite Receiver with Cutler
Published by Tom Van Wyhe on March 13, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears announced Tuesday afternoon they have acquired wide receiver Brandon Marshall from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for two third round picks in 2012 and 2013, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The move reunites Marshall, who has failed to match his incredible production in Denver from 2007-2009, with Jay Cutler, who has also struggled to reach his potential since being unceremoniously traded from Denver to Chicago in 2008.
I smell 100 receptions.
The single most significant factor in Cutler’s plateau in Chicago, and the greatest criticism levied against Bears management, has been the lack of quality receiving talent at his disposal. While Devin Hester and Johnny Knox both run with breakneck speed, the former runs less-than-crisp routes and both are too vertically challenged to seriously threaten defenders downfield. Furthermore, the absence of Greg Olsen hurt Cutler last season, as Olsen, thanks to his size and athleticism at the tight end position creating mismatches, had been Cutler’s primary red zone target.
No more.
Chicago now possesses a true No.1 receiver. Marshall combines athleticism with ideal size (6’4″, 229), making him both a menacing deep threat and a player who can create yards after the catch by shedding arm-tackling defensive backs.
In two seasons together, Marshall caught 102 and 104 receptions and 23 combined touchdowns in 31 starts. The natural chemistry between Cutler and Marshall was staggering, and both were rewarded in 2008 with bids to the Pro Bowl. Putting both players in the same huddle again reignites the Bears offense and positions the offense with a strong two-dimensional attack.
The trade also affects recent rumors Chicago is targeting Mario Williams. Marshall’s salary signed in 2010 was a five year deal worth $47 million, approximately $9.4 million per year. The Bears had $24 million in free space before the deal acquiring Marshall, and more details of the cap hit will be available in coming days. But attempting to sign an All-Pro talent like Williams could now be unrealistic.
Of course, Williams may also consider the new look of the Bears, and their position in what must now be considered the NFL‘s strongest division, and attempt to ink a deal, regardless.
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