Jets' Marshall tabs Cutler for MVP, lobbies for Fitzpatrick's elite status

Brandon Marshall believes he'll be in great company for the 2016 season as the de facto leader of the New York Jets' offense.

Marshall said Tuesday on ESPN's "First Take" that Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick should be discussed as an "elite" quarterback, a label that's been liberally applied to many pivots over the past decade.

Fitzpatrick signed a one-year, $12-million contract to remain with the Jets on July 27. The veteran quarterback is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, in which he threw for 3,905 yards and 31 touchdowns against 15 interceptions.

Marshall also submitted an off-the-board pick for NFL MVP, expressing his belief that former teammate and Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will capture the league's highest individual honor.