Various media outlets, including Alex Olson of Top Fantasy Football, reported this morning that the Cleveland Browns have traded wide receiver Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets.
The reported deal sends Edwards to New York in exchange for receiver Chansi Stuckey, special teams player Jason Trusnick and two draft picks.
Edwards has 10 receptions for 139 yards so far this year, without a touchdown catch. Stuckey has 11 receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown so far in 2009.
After a huge 2007, though, most observers would think Edwards has a bigger ceiling than Stuckey, despite the production so far this season. The turnover at quarterback has likely played a role in Edwards' production this year, though rookie Mohamad Massaquoi had more yards just last week for the Browns than Edwards has all year.
Let's look at the fantasy impact of this deal.
Winners
Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets- At 6'3 and 215 pounds, Edwards is a bigger target than Stuckey (6'0 and 196 pounds). Whether or not Edwards catches the ball is a different story.
Thomas Jones, RB, Jets- Edwards' playmaking ability will force the secondary to respect the passing game more than Stuckey did, which should open up more running lanes for Jones on first and second downs.
Edwards- He now has a young quarterback that doesn't appear to be losing his job any time soon. Consistent quarterback play goes a long way in determining the production of a receiver, and Eric Mangini's inability to make up his mind in Cleveland couldn't have helped Edwards' situation.
Joshua Cribbs, WR, Browns- By moving Edwards, Cribbs will now get more looks in the offense. Stuckey will compliment a team concept on offense better than Edwards (and his ego) did, so spreading the ball around will be easier for Derek Anderson/Brady Quinn/Whomever Mangini decides is the quarterback.
Massaquoi, WR, Browns- At 6'2 and 207 pounds, Massaquoi is the most physical receiver in Cleveland now and would appear to be their go-to guy moving forward. He could be a great sleeper addition to a wide receiving group off waivers this week.
To Be Determined
Dustin Keller, TE, Jets - He's been a solid fantasy tight end to start the year, but the addition of a big play receiver like Edwards might take the ball out of Keller's hands, especially in the red zone.
Leon Washington, RB, Jets - Washington is the money man in New York out of the backfield on third downs. If Edwards starts getting more looks up field, Washington might lose some touches in his niche role.
Jerome Harrison, RB, Browns- He's effectively taken over for Jamal Lewis, but adding another mid-tier receiver to the Browns offense like Stuckey just allows opposing defenses to put another man in the box on Sunday.
Losers
Stuckey- He now has Massaquoi and Cribbs, both more athletic than he, ahead of him in the eyes of Anderson and Quinn. He also has an unsettled quarterback issue and a questionable head coach. His fantasy value might have bottomed out this morning.
Darkhorse Winner
LeBron James Posse - Now they won't have to worry about Edwards smacking them in the face at a night club any more.
