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CORTLAND, N.Y. - The Jets are known for making deals in August - remember some guy named Favre? - and they're thinking trade once again.
They're exploring the wide-receiver market and have held preliminary discussions with a few teams, according to NFL sources. Although he's not officially on the trading block, the biggest name on the Jets' radar is the Broncos' Brandon Marshall, who has issued a pay me-or-trade me demand.
The Broncos reportedly have no interest in trading Marshall, 25, one of the top young receivers in the league, but they also said the same thing about quarterback Jay Cutler - and now he's playing for the Bears.
Because of off-the-field issues, a surgically repaired hip and enormous contract demands (he's entering the final year), Marshall would be a risk for any team. But there's no denying his talent: 206 catches and 2,590 yards over the last two seasons. At 6-4, he'd be a much-needed target in the red zone for the Jets. While they consider Marshall a long shot, they're not about to summarily dismiss it.
The Jets have one of the most inexperienced receiving corps in the league, the reliable Jerricho Cotchery and four other veterans with a combined total of 110 catches. The organization doesn't believe the picture is as bleak as some are painting it, but it wouldn't mind adding a proven playmaker.
If the Jets do add a veteran, it probably won't be a free agent such as Marvin Harrison.
Another name to watch is the Chiefs' Dwayne Bowe, a former first-round pick. He caught 86 balls for 1,022yards on an awful team last season, but he's had a difficult transition under new coach Todd Haley. He may have played his way out of the doghouse with five catches in the preseason opener, but the Chiefs are rebuilding and will move a player if he doesn't fit their long-term plans.
The Giants are another team that bears watching. They have a glut of receivers, and the Jets are wondering if one, perhaps Sinorice Moss, will become available.
The Jets are looking for a consistent threat other than Cotchery. Chansi Stuckey is slated to start opposite Cotchery, with Brad Smith the No. 3 wideout, but the flavor of the week is David Clowney. He caught three passes for 102yards and a touchdown in the opener.
"He stepped up big-time in that game," Rex Ryan said yesterday. "I think that was huge. We all know he can do it. He's got that blazing speed. It wasn't necessarily a surprise. You guys saw it last year (in the preseason) ...but it was good for me to see with my own eyes."
The receivers have been dealing with the speculation since the draft, when the Jets tried to trade up for Percy Harvin. Then came the rumors about Plaxico Burress, now an afterthought because he's reportedly facing a long suspension. Cotchery doesn't believe they need another veteran. "I'm leading these troops right now," he said. "I think we have the guys to get it done. We have some talented guys."
The players and coaches are buzzing about speedster Aundrae Allison, whom the Jets acquired Aug. 5 on waivers from the Vikings.
"I always call him '88 and out the gate.' He can fly," Ryan said. "I'm just waiting for them to throw him a ball. I'm like, 'You know, he's open. Eighty-eight is open again.' I'm just waiting for our quarterbacks to realize that."
Ryan can talk all he wants, but GM Mike Tannenbaum has a reputation for making deals in the preseason. In recent years, the Jets have acquired Pete Kendall, Ty Law, Kevan Barlow and, of course, Brett Favre.
Chances are, Tannenbaum will strike again.
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