NFL

Dolphins steal Jets’ thunder with Marshall trade

Did the Dolphins one-up the Jets yesterday when they traded for disgruntled star receiver Brandon Marshall?

Despite finishing just one game short of the Super Bowl last January, the Jets have spent this offseason making the kind of aggressive moves that define them as one of the most serious “win-now” teams in the NFL.

The Jets’ marquee moves — acquiring cornerback Antonio Cromartie, running back LaDainian Tomlinson and receiver Santonio Holmes — have catapulted them to potential favorite status in the AFC. But yesterday, the Dolphins joined the fray, trading for the prolific Marshall, who is second only to the Patriots’ Wes Welker for most receptions over the last three seasons.

After the trade, Marshall and the Dolphins reached agreement on a four-year, $47.5 million contract extension that includes $24 million guaranteed.

The Marshall acquisition surely got the attention of the Jets and Patriots, Miami’s two chief rivals in the AFC East.

Suddenly, Chad Henning, Miami’s young quarterback, becomes a more dangerous threat than he was when he was throwing to the likes of Ted Ginn Jr., Brian Hartline, Davone Bess and Greg Camarillo — all of whom combined for just six touchdown catches last season.

Fifteen receivers have caught passes for the Dolphins the past three seasons. During that span, Marshall has more touchdowns and 100-yard games than all of them combined.

Suddenly, the Dolphins’ run-heavy, Wildcat offense becomes much more diverse. Marshall has 327 career receptions for 4,019 yards and 25 touchdowns in four seasons, all in Denver.

The Dolphins’ acquisition comes just two days after the Jets’ trade for Holmes and, based on Marshall’s numbers compared to those of Holmes, Miami topped the Jets here.

What the Jets didn’t do with Holmes, however, that the Dolphins did was go all in financially with Marshall. Both, based on past history, are character risks.

Miami gave Marshall $24 million guaranteed and they’re stuck with him if it doesn’t work out. The Jets are on the hook for only the $770,000 Holmes is due to make this year if he doesn’t work out.

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Restricted free agent Leon Washington, the only unsigned Jet, reportedly will sign his tender contract offer this morning.

Washington, who received a second-round tender worth $1.759 million, returned to New Jersey last night from Florida, where he has been rehabbing his broken leg.

Jets CB Drew Coleman yesterday signed his one-year, restricted free-agent tender for $1.176 million.

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The NFL announced it will unveil the 2010 regular-season schedule on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on NFL Network and nfl.com.