TRADE 08: Dez of Future Past

Wednesday morning is waiver claim day, but along with ten claims and thirteen free agent signings, this morning saw a huge deal go down between undefeated Phoenix (4-0) and scuffling Savannah (1-3) as the teams pulled the trigger on a deal that was heavily context driven, and involved previously traded commodities going in either direction.

PHOENIX ACQUIRES:
WR Dez Bryant

RB Isaiah Crowell

SAVANNAH ACQUIRES:
WR Vincent Jackson

LB Derrick Johnson

WR Victor Cruz

The Uprising score the best player in the deal in Dez Bryant, the fifth WR to hear his name called on draft day. Of course, that's not the player they are getting, as Bryant broke his foot in the first game of the season, and has not returned to the field since. His time table for return has been shrouded in mystery, with the most ambitious estimate having him back in week seven- a more conservative recovery, or one that experiences setbacks, could have him sidelined for the entire LFL regular season. At 4-0 and with solid WR depth, the Uprising felt confident taking on Dez with an eye towards the back nine. If he returns to full health (and doesn't suffer from deteriorating context) he becomes the team's #1 WR in front of Keenan Allen and Jordan Matthews. Isaiah Crowell is an old school grinder of a RB, who has seen his role diminished as the season has gone on. Even so, he's still proven to be productive, and appears set to start at RB in week five. Devonta Freeman is the only RB that has played in multiple games for the Uprising this year: Crowell will be their seventh different RB to tote the ball on the young season in ten opportunities.

After a promising start, the Petes have lost three straight without their premier wideout in the lineup. Also missing? Defensive captains Luke Kuechly, MIA since week one with a concussion, and Deandre Levy, who has still not taken the field in 2015. After initially looking to wait for the triad to return to health, their free fall necessitated action. VJAX is a big play specialist that will have a few quiet weeks- but he's healthy and he's a touchdown threat from anywhere on the field. He is not Dez, but he can contribute to wins now and later. Derrick Johnson is an elite linebacker in this league, and should help pick up the slack immediately. Levy is expected back this week, and Kuechly is assumed to be on track to play next week after the bye- if all three players are right, they might become the best linebacking corps in the league. In Victor Cruz, the Petes get some of what they lost in moving Dez: an uncertain time frame on adding potential for a late season reinforcement that far exceeds anything the wire will churn out. If they can keep a roster spot for him, the Salsa coming to Savannah could turn the tide on their season.