To capitalize on their incredible defense and the twilight of Aaron Rodgers’ career, Joe Douglas and the New York must get creative with how they invest in the offense. They’ve made multiple new additions to the coaching staff and begun to clear cap space. Although, options are already being depleted. This week, the wide receiver class watched two big names leave the market with Michael Pittman and Mike Evans remaining on their respective teams. However, hope remains. One potential name could still be available. With his longtime position coach joining the team, Marquise Brown is a name to monitor. The fifth-year veteran is on the market after two seasons in Arizona. While unable to replicate the production of his Baltimore days, Brown still played with some great quarterbacks. After playing with Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray, why not play with a future Hall of Famer?
Hollywood Help? This Free Agent WR Is a Jets Target
Marquise Brown affectionately garnered the nickname “Hollywood” from iconic broadcaster Gus Johnson while playing for Oklahoma. While a description of the tantalizing athleticism when he was paired with Baker Mayfield, Brown’s life, does feel like a screenplay. Brown worked at Six Flags Magic Mountain while at community college before earning a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma. What the 5’9″ receiver lacked in size, he made up for in athleticism. Brown’s gamble paid off with over 2,400 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns becoming a primary target for back-to-back Heisman Winners. (Baker Mayfield followed by Kyler Murray)
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“Mayfield winds up, down the field! HOLLYWOOD!” Marquise “Hollywood” Brown hauls in a 77 yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield in Oklahoma’s 62-52 win against Oklahoma State in 2017. pic.twitter.com/17u3u7MKwj— Days until Oklahoma Football (@ouftblcountdown) August 29, 2022
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Marquise Brown’s NFL career thus far
Brown’s production wowed scouts despite his size. Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta made Brown the first wide receiver selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. The 25th overall pick immediately made an immediate impact, finishing second in targets during his rookie season. Even more fulfilling, he helped his former Pop Warner teammate Lamar Jackson capture his first MVP in only his second full season. Brown became the Ravens’ most reliable receiver, behind only tight end Mark Andrews. Brown’s productivity continued the next two seasons, amassing 14 total touchdowns and his first 1,000-yard season in 2021. Alas, this was his last year in Baltimore; he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals to reunite with Kyler Murray. Unfortunately, injuries to both himself and Murray prevented them from replicating their production in Oklahoma. Through 26 total games, Brown finished his time in Arizona with 1,283 total receiving yards and only seven total touchdowns.
Joshua Dobbs
Hollywood Brown for a Cardinals TD! #Cardinals lead 28-16 #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/PexuHZ7DGu
— rich
(@bigcocklockzz) September 24, 2023
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Brown’s Fit in New York
While there are a lot of very talented wide receivers available on the open market, forging a strong offensive line must be prioritized above all else. Not just ensuring Aaron Rodgers’s health, but more vital than that is the long-term running lanes for Breece Hall and pass protection for the team’s future quarterback. It’s an investment that must pay off long-term in New York. New York can attempt to make a run at Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd, or even Tee Higgins respectively. However, all three will take a large financial investment plus New York still has Allen Lazard on the books.
Marquise Brown has playoff experience and played with two talented quarterbacks Jackson and Murray. In addition, the New York Jets recently signed Shawn Jefferson as the team’s new wide receiver coach. Jefferson spent the 2022 season as the Cardinals’ wide receiver coach in Arizona. That experience together could help Brown quickly acclimate to the offense. Should teams double-cover Garrett Wilson, Rodgers can utilize Brown’s speed to gain yards on underneath routes. Not to mention, Brown’s deep ball abilities can come in handy should Rodgers need a 20+ yard throw on his reconstructed Achilles. In addition, his experience being both a first-round pick and number-one wide receiver can be a great mentor to Garrett Wilson heading into year three.
Main Photo: [Mark J. Rebilas] – USA Today Sports
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