Over the weekend a very interesting trade took place between the Detroit Lions and the New York Jets.

The Lions sent quarterback Kevin O’Connell to the Jets for an undisclosed pick. The Lions acquired O’Connell off waivers from the New England Patriots on Sept. 1. The trade occurred Saturday, Sept. 5.

What’s interesting here is that the Denver Broncos also put in a claim for O’Connell before he became the property of the Detroit Lions for a brief moment.

The New York Jets now have four quarterbacks on their roster and say they plan to “move forward with four quarterbacks on the roster.”

While the Jets legitimately like O’Connell, he is also more valuable to them right now as trade bait. 

He is coming into a new system with three quarterbacks that have spent at least six months adapting to the new Jets regime. Ahead of O’Connell on the depth chart are starter Mark Sanchez, Kellen Clemens, a fourth-year player out of Oregon, and Erik Ainge, in his second year out of Tennessee.

The Jets in all likelihood will offer the Broncos O’Connell and draft picks. The Broncos are rumored to have shown some interest in Jets linebacker David Harris as well. Keep in mind the Jets are depleted in high draft picks due to last year’s acquisition of Brett Favre and this year’s move to get Sanchez.  

If the Broncos do eventually discuss a trade with New York, they should call the Jets’ bluff and ask for Mark Sanchez; in all logic that isn’t going to happen, but they should still pursue that angle. Sanchez has won the starting quarterback job in New York as a rookie.   

Sanchez was seen on the University of Colorado sidelines during the CU-CSU game all decked out in Buffs gear. He was there supporting his longtime friend, CU wideout Scotty McKnight. Sanchez was standing alongside, ironically enough, Broncos third stringer and fellow rookie Tom Brandstater.

The Denver Broncos took Brandon Marshall off the suspended list on Sunday and officially made room for him on the roster by releasing former New England Patriot wide receiver Chad Jackson. The Broncos had been carrying seven receivers.

It’s important to note that the Broncos have taken the stance that they are not looking to trade Marshall. The thinking is at this point Brandon needs the team and they need him. However, this strained relationship leaves a number of things to think about.

The Jets are carrying four quarterbacks, and as everyone now knows, the Broncos have three quarterbacks that are all young in coach Josh McDaniels’ system. Kyle Orton’s and Chris Simms’ injuries have put the position in doubt. While Brandstater had a good debut as a starter, he has noticeable things he should work on before becoming the starter. 

Both Coach McDaniels and the Jets are high on Kevin O’Connell’s potential in the NFL. 

The question is, what will really come of Brandon Marshall this season and any possible trade?

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

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