TRADE 11: 123, 124

Two wide receivers were exchanged the other night, players that were selected back to back in the ninth round of the August player distribution draft.

PAWNEE ACQUIRES: WR MARVIN JONES

PHOENIX ACQUIRES: WR JORDAN MATTHEWS 

Marvin Jones was originally drafted by the Manitoba Moosecrew, but was bundled with fellow disappointing wide out Amari Cooper in a previous deal. In his single appearance for the Uprising the speedy 6'2" wide receiver was a revelation catching 6 balls for 96 yards and a TD before going into his bye week; He'll likely come out the other side a member of the Pawnee Pride, unless the very active trade partner dishes him before that. As presently constructed, (assuming a return to health for top options Jordy Nelson and Stefon Diggs) Jones and Donte Moncrief would figure into the WR3 and flex conversations, with less heralded players Roger Lewis and Taywan Taylor also on the roster, along with tight ends Cameron Brate and Hunter Henry mixing in at the flex.

Jordan Matthews joined a new offense late this offseason, then suffered a sternum injury on his first day of practice. Despite his status as a de facto number one target, he was very mediocre through the first month of the season before injuring his thumb. Already prone to drops, the embattled wide receiver was in need of another change of scenery and segues into a situation where he won't have to be 'the man.' Dez Bryant, Brandin Cooks, Amari Cooper, and Alshon Jeffery top the depth chart in Phoenix, giving Matthews a chance to get healthy and fill in at the flex through bye weeks or injury.