5 NFL trades that will shake up fantasy football in 2023 ft. Cowboys’ Brandin Cooks move
NFL trades are done purely for the team's benefit - not for fantasy football. While fantasy has grown in recent years, there's not a single NFL team out there (or player/personnel) that gives a single thought to fantasy when making a move.
However, these moves do impact the game. Fantasy players are impacted by every single move a team might make and there have been quite a few this off-season. Fantasy football could look significantly different next year, especially based on these trades.
5) Elijah Moore to Cleveland
With Elijah Moore going to the Cleveland Browns, three fantasy players are impacted: Moore, Amari Cooper, and Deshaun Watson. Watson has a bona fide number two wideout and Moore can finally catch passes from someone not named Zach Wilson.
Additionally, Cooper will benefit from having another strong wide receiver on the roster to take some coverage and pressure off of him. The Browns offense has completely changed for fantasy.
4) DJ Moore to Chicago
For the first time in his career, DJ Moore finally has a stable quarterback situation. He's produced exceptionally good catching passes from an injured Cam Newton, Sam Darnold, PJ Walker, Baker Mayfield, and Teddy Bridgewater. He'll be an even better fantasy option in Chicago.
Justin Fields will also benefit. He basically had no one to throw to last season, but he now has a legit top wide receiver to play with.
3) Darren Waller to New York
If Darren Waller can stay healthy, he's a top-three tight end. That is the weakest position in fantasy football because everyone who doesn't get Travis Kelce is left without a reliable option.
Waller will benefit from playing in New York. Daniel Jones is probably an upgrade from Derek Carr and Brian Daboll's offense will be better than Josh McDaniels' would have been. Plus, there aren't any real threats to cut into his targets, so he could produce a lot.
2) Brandin Cooks to Dallas
Brandin Cooks joining the Dallas Cowboys impacts himself, CeeDee Lamb, and Dak Prescott. Prescott's numbers will be better with both Cooks and Lamb to throw to and Lamb will see some of the coverage shift to Cooks. The entire Dallas offense looks a lot better for fantasy football now.
1) Aaron Rodgers to New York
Note: This is only if the proposed deal that sends Aaron Rodgers to the Jets does happen, which it hasn't yet.
When Aaron Rodgers joins the Jets, he becomes a relevant fantasy football quarterback again. The Jets offense gets better, too. Breece Hall, assuming he's healthy, will have a better year. Garrett Wilson, who was a fantasy darling last season, will be a top wide receiver option and Tyler Conklin will likely be a more reliable tight end option as well.