Trade 8: Risks & Rewards

Following Carmel's deal earlier this week, the Jersey Crew pulled the trigger on their first ever deal, a RB/LB swap with Phoenix. The Uprising add another hobbled player, as they continue to amass injured talent despite a 1-4 start.

PHOENIX ACQUIRES: RB DAVID JOHNSON & LB DEION JONES
JERSEY ACQUIRES: RB MELVIN GORDON & LB DEMARIO DAVIS

David Johnson joins Saquon Barkley on the Uprising sideline, where the seventh and first overall picks recuperate from injuries. While Barkley is not playing in week six, Johnson has a chance to suit up right away- more likely, both debut in week seven, and the Uprising will have to dig out of their hole without either.

For Jersey, it's potentially a lateral move, as Melvin Gordon would likely have been a first round pick if he were active- and he is now! And he's healthy! He slots in immediately where Johnson had been, and should not miss a beat. If Austin Ekeler continues to eat into Melvin Gordon's target share it could erode some of Gordon's top end value, but he's sure to get his touches.

The trade of a gimpy running back for a healthy one comes at the cost of a slight downgrade at linebacker- Deion Jones was a premier LB in 2017, and matched his per game rate during an injury ravaged 2018. He's been adequate to date in 2019, but looks to have one of the most inviting schedules in the season's back half, where Phoenix will need to put up big numbers to make up ground in the playoff race. Demario Davis is perhaps only a half tier behind Deion Jones in projections, a quality veteran LB that should supply good production week in and out.

Jersey sees their floor rise up as they work to make their inaugural season a successful one, while Phoenix takes on some added risk in hopes of a better reward. Time will tell if this deal ends up favoring one team or the other, or is a win-win. Or a lose lose!?

EVERYBODY LOSES.
Except Hill Valley.
So far.