20752617-mmmain.jpg

The Bears could be a surprise playoff contender in 2016, but chances are it will be another rebuilding year. (Kamil Krzaczynski | USA TODAY Sports)

Brandon Marshall's relationship with Jay Cutler has been a bit strained ever since the wideout was shipped from Chicago to New York a year ago.

After apparently being the only player to hold Cutler accountable with the Bears, Marshall laughed out loud when he was asked by ESPN if he and Cutler are "cool," and continued to say he and the quarterback haven't talked in "two years" back in February.

But that doesn't mean Marshall, who's coming off a record-breaking season with the Jets, doubts Cutler's ability under center. Not even close.

"Jay Cutler can be an MVP this year," Marshall said on ESPN's First Take Tuesday. "I truly believe that."

A season ago, Cutler actually was quite solid after a few up-and-down seasons with the Bears. The 33-year-old signal caller completed 64.4 percent of his passes and threw for 3,659 yards with 21 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. His 92.3 quarterback rating was the best of his career, and the interceptions his lowest in any season he played at least 15 games.

But Marshall's bold outlook on what Cutler could be capable of this coming season is based on not just the quarterback's talent, but those surrounding him. Assuming all parties are healthy, Cutler's top two targets on offense are Pro Bowl wideout Alshon Jeffery, along with the No. 7 pick in last year's draft Kevin White.

"He has all the tangibles," Marshall said. "This guy has been taking guys all offseason to the side, bringing them to his house, bringing them to Nashville ... I'm telling you, go to Vegas right now [and bet on Cutler].

"I'll go out on a limb and say it again, if Alshon Jeffery stays healthy, and then you have Kevin White, if this rookie can come in and catch 55 or more balls, Jay Cutler can be an MVP."

Cutler wasn't the only quarterback Marshall spent time talking up. When Ryan Fitzpatrick's name was mentioned, Marshall went as far as to say he should be considered among the "elite" in the NFL.

For the Jets a season ago, Fitzpatrick completed 59.6 percent of his passes and threw for 3,905 yards with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. The 31 touchdowns set a new Jets franchise record, while 109 of those completions, 1,502 of the yards and 14 of those scores all went to Marshall. Fitzpatrick's QB rating of 88 was the 24th-best in the NFL last year.

When First Take co-host Stephen A. Smith strongly disagreed, Marshall set some standards.

"What does he have to do to be elite?" Marshall said. "Throw for 5,000 yards and get us to the playoffs? Ok. You'll see."

Connor Hughes may be reached at chughes@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connor_J_Hughes. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.