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Rapid React: Jets install Marshall plan, acquire WR from Bears

Only a couple days removed from the earth-shattering LeSean McCoy-to-Buffalo transaction, another, more predictable player was sent packing to a new team.

Acquired from Chicago for a fifth-round draft pick, Brandon Marshall is a Jet.

Geno Smith, you have no more excuses.

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With Eric Decker, Percy Harvin (for now) and Marshall on roster, New York’s revamped wide receiver corps, a terrible unit two seasons ago, is now quite respectable. Decker and Marshall are big, physical receivers capable of racking 90-plus catches apiece. They’re adept route runners and strong red-zone targets. Their presence could open up the underneath screen/slant game for the shifty Harvin. In light of Marshall’s arrival, the often disgruntled wideout must be wearing a smile.

Assuming Smith is manning the controls, Marshall’s fantasy value obviously takes a step back. However, all is not entirely lost. New Jets coach, Todd Bowles, is defensive-minded, but his offensive coordinator, Chan Gailey, is a spread-it-out play-caller who helped advance the careers of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tyler Thigpen. In other words, there's hope for Smith. Gailey can turn garbage into fantasy gold. Smith is a viable QB2 with top-15 potential. And, no, I'm not inebriated. His days of 13 pass attempts in a game are long gone. 

Gailey’s K.C. and Buffalo teams didn’t post video game numbers under his tutelage. As the Bills head honcho from 2010-2012 Buffalo WRs ranked eighth, 18th and 29th in overall fantasy value. The most profitable target on those teams was Steve Johnson who peaked at No. 10 in total fantasy points among wide receivers in 2010. Marshall and Decker should be considered back-end WR2s capable of 70-plus catches, 950-1050 yards and 5-7 touchdowns apiece in 2015. As for Harvin, he could become what C.J. Spiller was during his glory days, a multi-dimensional contributor shifted about to maximize matchups. That is, if he isn’t cut. Harvin is owed $10.5 million next year.

Not to be overlooked, Chris Ivory becomes an intriguing mid-round RB2/3 grab. With numerous vertical weapons on roster, he could see many exploitable holes. His role as a pass catcher could also grow.

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Of course, much could still change in New York. The Jets own the sixth overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. It’s entirely possible Marcus Mariota, over Chip Kelly’s dead body, slips to them. Who the heck knows?

In the Windy City, the over/under on Alshon Jeffery targets is set at 9,999.5. Already the No. 10 WR off the board in early mocks, he's a lock to be selected as a WR1 come August. Pending what the Bears do in the Draft, Marquess Wilson also sees a significant value uptick. The sleeper's plus size (6-foot-4, 185-pounds) and catch radius are very appealing. If he secures the WR2 spot opposite Jeffery, he would be a popular breakout candidate. 

Marshall's move to New York may seem like an enormous downgrade, but the likely discounted receiver should still hold considerable fantasy value this fall.

Related video - Yahoo Sports' Frank Schwab on the trade: