New England Patriots at New York Jets in NFL Week 12

Brandon Marshall catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter as the New York Jets host the New England Patriots in NFL action at MetLife Stadium. 11/27/16 East Rutherford, N.J. (John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

FLORHAM PARK -- The Jets are going to have a decision to make regarding Brandon Marshall. Specifically, do they want him back next year?

As he cleaned out his locker the day after the season officially came to a close, Marshall indicated he'd be willing to take less money to stay at One Jets Drive.

Well, to an extent.

"I know what I'm worth," Marshall said. "I think this team knows what I'm worth as far as the organization. But it's not about the money. I'm good. I just want to win. That's all I want to do is win.

"I'll play for free. My bills are paid."

Marshall, who will turn 33 in March, has one year left on his very team-friendly contract. The Jets hold all the cards. If on the team, he'll possess a cap hit of $7.5 million. If released, the Jets can alleviate all of it.

If Marshall was still playing at the level he was in 2015 -- he caught 109 passes for 1,502 yards and 14 touchdowns -- and the Jets readying for a playoff run, the decision would be a no-brainer. But things have changed coming off 2016, and heading into 2017.

Marshall caught just 59 passes for 788 yards and three touchdowns this past year. He dealt with injuries (sprained MCL, injured 5th metatarsal). The Jets don't look ready for a playoff run next season, but set for a complete rebuild.

Moving on from Marshall to recoup additional salary cap space and get younger makes as much sense, if not more, than keeping him.

"I would love to be back," Marshall said. "There is a business side to it. But, for me, I would love to be back.

"I'm extremely confident I'm still an elite receiver. I still demand double coverage. I still demand a lot of attention ... I think I'm still at the level I can demand that kind of respect and that kind of coverage. The numbers weren't there [this year].

"That's new for me. This is a year where most receivers can hang their hat on. Not me. The bar is set high and it's unacceptable."

Of course, there are a few off-the-field issues the Jets will consider with Marshall. There was ongoing tension with defensive end Sheldon Richardson throughout the year, which bubble to the surface Week 3 against the Chiefs, and Week 16 against the Patriots.

A report this week stated Marshall's behavior after games, and his attempt at motivational speeches during losses, irked some of his teammates. Several players complained Monday of chemistry issues and a fractured locker room. Cornerback Darrelle Revis said the Jets had a "dark cloud" over them throughout the year.

Marshall, while not the reason for all issues, was the center of several.

"For me, with Brandon, I always make sure that I hear the message rather than the delivery of the message," receiver Quincy Enunwa said Monday. "It's not easy for everybody. When I sit down and I talk to him and I listen to what he's saying, I know why he does what he does, and he says what he says.

"It's frustration. You go through 10-plus years, and you don't make the playoffs [as Marshall has]. It's not like he doesn't know what he's talking about when he says it. There were times when what he was saying wasn't coming across the way other people wanted it to -- and when we're losing, it's hard."

All of this doesn't look good for Marshall, who could be let go for non-football reasons.

In the past, Marshall has said the Jets would be the last team he plays for after having previous stints with the Broncos, Dolphins and Bears. If released, the wideout said he'd retire.

When asked Monday if that's still the case, Marshall wasn't as straightforward.

"I have options," said Marshall, who co-hosts Showtime's Inside the NFL. "I have television. That's always good. I'm glad I took that serious a couple of years ago.

"I'm not in a panic. I have options.""

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