This morning the Cleveland Browns pulled the trigger on a deal sending former Pro-Bowler Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets.
The Cleveland Browns in return receive wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik, and two draft picks. Those picks are rumored to be a 3rd round pick and a 5th round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
So how does this impact the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and your fantasy teams in 2009?
First, this is a huge gain for the Cleveland Browns. Braylon was in the last year of his contract, and was not going to be re-signed by Cleveland. Edwards has not contributed to the 2009 Browns in any way positive, and just came off of arguably his worst professional game ever.
So with the draft picks alone, at least Cleveland gained something out of what could have been nothing.
Aside from the picks, Chansi Stuckey, in his third year out of Clemson, has shown the ability to play at the NFL level in pre-season games. This year, Stuckey has not been a factor. Stuckey has 11 grabs for 120 yards and a touchdown. His career stats are 43 receptions, 479 yards and four touchdowns over a three year period. I could see Stuckey making an impact as a slot receiver for the Browns, nullifying Brian Robiskie’s presence.
As for Jason Trusnik, the Cleveland Browns get a local product. Trusnik went to High School at Nordonia in Macedonia, Ohio and attended College at Ohio Northern University. In his pro career, Trusnik has not seen the field much. His three year career totals equate to 24 tackles, 15 solo tackles and a forced fumble.
The New York Jets inherit an explosive receiver in Braylon Edwards. I know, Braylon can’t catch, Braylon this, Braylon that!
Look back to Edwards and his play at the University of Michigan. Look back at his Pro-Bowl season of 2007. Forget the stats, look at reality. This is Braylon’s contract year! He needed a change of venue. His recent off the field issues will cause him to lay low, and will force him to focus on this season.
Once familiar with the Jets Offense, I expect Braylon Edwards to be a top 20 NFL receiver once again.
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Kurt Fraschetti
Senior Fantasy Football Writer
Kurt@ProFootballinsight.net
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* – Chansi Stuckey photo credit: Duncan/AP via New York Daily News
