Well that was a crazy first day of NFL free agency. Not only did Titans quarterback Jake Locker and iconic 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis announce retirement, two mega-trades took over so much NFL buzz it will have analysts and fans shaking their heads for weeks.
Seahawks trade for Jimmy Graham
The best tight end in football will leave New Orleans for Seattle, which is a little ironic due to the fact there was verbal scuffling between Graham and a few of the Seahawks players during a 2013 NFC playoff game.
Jimmy Graham scraped with Bruce Irvin in pregame warmups prior to the 2013 NFC playoff game between the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks.
Defensive end Michael Bennett blasted Graham after the game calling the then-Saints tight end “overrated” after being held to just four catches in two games against Seattle.
“I don’t have any thoughts that there will be a problem,” head coach Pete Carroll said in a conference call with reporters on Tuesday. “I think that’s gamesmanship and guys getting ready to play and all that and that’s all understood.”
Seattle also gets a 4th round pick in the trade while the Saints receive Pro Bowl center Max Unger and the 31st pick (1st round) in this year’s draft.
Fantasy Impact
This will hurt Graham’s value somewhat. He’s not playing in a dome with prolific passer Drew Brees any longer and he’s now in an offense that focuses more on the run. No Seahawks tight end has caught more than 400 yards in one season under the Pete Carroll era. Having a great pass-catcher like Graham certainly helps Russell Wilson’s value.
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Eagles and Rams swap QBs
This trade has Philly fans scratching their heads, or screaming four-letter words at their monitors…
Sam Bradford is going to the Eagles while Philly is sending Nick Foles to the Rams. Sure, Bradford is a former No. 1 overall pick, but he’s been a walking mummy every year he’s been in the league. He’s played just 7 games since 2012. Foles has proven to be a reliable quarterback, throwing for 40 TDs and 12 INTs over two seasons under head coach Chip Kelly. Sam Bradford has 59 TDs and 38 INTs over four seasons.
This trade of course happens after Kelly shipped RB LeSean McCoy out of town and failed to sign WR Jeremy Maclin. The entire offensive core of the Eagles is no more.
The Eagles also get a 5th round pick this year while the Rams get a fourth-rounder this year and a second-rounder in 2016.
Fantasy Impact
Nick Foles putting on a Rams uniform certainly helps the receiving core there, especially Tavon Austin. He’s a stud, just needing someone to get him the ball. It is entirely unpredictable how Bradford will work out in Philadelphia. He might not even be able to beat out Mark Sanchez for the starting position; some speculate Kelly made this deal to help him secure another trade that will help him land Oregon standout QB Marcus Mariota.
Photo Credit: Getty
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports
