Instant Analysis – Santonio Holmes traded to the Jets

Santonio Holmes was traded to the Jets tonight for a 5th round pick (#151 overall). It’s easy to see that from an NFL perspective, that’s a steal for the Jets. It’s also obvious that Pittsburgh was just simply done with Santonio. You can read about it all night on sports blogs, but we have our own take on how this changes the dynasty landscape. I think you’ll see we’re one of the first to get this out, too! Here’s some instant analysis of some players who are affected by this move.

Santonio Holmes WR NYJ
Holmes’ immediate value decreases. Mark Sanchez is not Ben Roethlisberger and the Jets are a grind it out offense…ironically, very similar to what the Steelers were before the past couple of seasons. If I owned Holmes, I’d stand pat right now. You won’t get great value for him in trade because it’s apparent this isn’t a situation where he’ll likely increase his numbers. Keep in mind that he’s in line for a contract extension and it wouldn’t surprise me if the Jets give him one. A couple of seasons to let Sanchez grow and Holmes could once again emerge as a top 15 WR.

Braylon Edwards WR NYJ
This isn’t brutal for Braylon, either. In fact, this could help him get freed up a little bit. It’s quite likely that Holmes and Edwards are playing for one contract extension. I expect a pretty good season for Edwards – this may be his one big shot for some more big money, so he should be motivated. I also don’t think it’s a better or worse time to move him. He is what he is and that hasn’t changed.

Jerricho Cotchery WR NYJ
He’ll likely continue to man the slot, but I think his numbers will go down. Let’s face it – Dustin Keller is their best red zone and short yardage passing option. I’d move Cotchery if I could get something in return.

Mark Sanchez QB NYJ
It certainly can’t hurt, can it?

Mike Wallace WR PIT
Hello opportunity! Barring the Steelers making another move, one of our favorite sleepers from last year will get a shot at a starting gig. He was impressive last season with a 39/756/6 line. He runs a 4.3 40 and the Steelers have liked him from the start – don’t think for a second that his talent wasn’t considered with this move. With Arians running (or throwing) the show, Wallace should flirt with 1,000 yards and could come close to double digit scores as well. Ironically, we posted a tweet this afternoon that it was time to buy low on him. Our hope is someone did because his value spiked when Holmes was traded 3 hours later. Now THAT’S why you visit this site, people!

Antwaan Randle El WR PIT
Don’t get carried away. He moves up a spot on the depth chart, but he’s waiver wire fodder.

Limas Sweed WR PIT
See Randle El, Antwaan, above, but add some depression and ball dropping issues.

Ben Roethlisberger QB PIT
This shouldn’t hurt Big Ben too much, either. He tends to spread the ball around quite a bit and from what I’ve seen from Wallace, the talent dropoff from Holmes isn’t that big.

Hines Ward WR PIT
See Roethlisberger, Ben, above, but take away the legal troubles.

There’s one other dynamic out there that could change. Many mock drafts have the Steelers taking OL or DB help. Might they go WR? What if Dez Bryant drops to #18? Would they look at Arrelious Benn or Golden Tate in round two? Time will tell, but this trade has rocked the dynasty world tonight.