Braylon Edwards Trade Analysis

Upon hearing news of the Braylon Edwards trade, I gave a sigh of relief.

After the 2007-2008 season, Cleveland fans believed no receiver was better than Edwards, who had recorded a tremendous season.

The 2008-2009 season, however, was a different story, as Edwards led the league in drops, and posted a horrible season compared to the previous year's stats.  Edwards had become argumentative and troubled, and Cleveland fans were now split in their views of Edwards. 

Was the big play threat worth keeping?  Would he become more motivated, and drop less passes?  Would his attitude problems cease?

The draft came and went, and the Browns walked away with two receivers they had drafted in the second round: Brian Robiskie, the possession receiver out of Ohio State, and Mohamed Massaquoi, the deep threat out of Georgia. The Browns were clearly preparing for a future without Edwards. 

A trade seemed imminent, and sure enough, four games into the 2009-2010 season, he was traded to the Jets for wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik, and two undisclosed draft picks. 

Trusnik won't make too large of an impact, but Stuckey and the draft picks intrigue me.  Stuckey should win the number two or three receiver spot immediately, and will make an impact in the passing game right away. 

Stuckey didn't wasn't thrown at too often last year, but when he was, he delivered, with 32 receptions going for 359 yards and three touchdowns. He already has 11 receptions for 120 yards, and should get more looks in the Browns offense.

This cements Massaquoi's status as a number one receiver for the Browns, and he should continue to develop as a big play threat. 

This also jump starts the need for Brian Robiskie to develop, and I would like to see him get on the field next to Massaquoi and Stuckey.  The sooner we can get the future of the Browns passing game all on the field together, the faster they will develop, and the sooner the Browns can be a contender.

I would say the Browns received good value with Edwards if they got a first or a second rounder with one of the two draft picks they received.  Cleveland won't need a receiver in the draft if Massaquoi continues to play like he did last week, so they can focus on offensive line, and defense in the draft. 

Edwards could take the Jets offense to the next level if this trade motivates him enough.  Sanchez will be that much better now that he has Cotchery, Keller, and Edwards at his disposal. 

I wish Edwards all the best, but I am very relieved to have gotten rid of him.  This trade could very well be addition by subtraction.