Fantasy Impact of the Donovan McNabb Trade

The Eagles did the inevitable yesterday by sending Donovan McNabb to Washington to kick off the Kevin Kolb era. While it isn’t ideal to trade within your division, I think the Eagles got good value for him. 

The Eagles will probably have a better record than Washington this year, but what I’m concerned with is how the chips will fall in fantasyland.

For starters I would downgrade McNabb.

He goes from DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy, and Brent Celek to Santana Moss, Chris Cooley, Fred Davis, and a bunch of question marks. I know McNabb has done well without good receivers in the past, but his mobility isn’t what it once was and his new offensive line is suspect.

Santana Moss’ value increases.

While the Redskins’ WR fleet is a downgrade for McNabb, he’s an upgrade for them. Moss is no DeSean Jackson, but he is speedy and has big play ability. I would guess that either (or both)  Malcolm Kelly or Devin Thomas will take a step forward. We”ll have to see who gels with McNabb.

Unless they move Cooley or Davis, both TE's have decreased value.

That decrease won’t be attributed to McNabb’s arrival though. They are both capable of being #1 TEs, but if they are both on the roster, they won’t get the necessary targets.

On the Eagles’ side, LeSean McCoy’s value increases.

Kolb is basically a rookie QB with a little seasoning. The Eagles will likely lean a little heavier on McCoy and the running game. With no legitimate threat for the bulk of the carries, McCoy should get ample opportunity to shine.

DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are a little riskier than before the Easter trade.

Jackson scored in both games that Kolb started, but that’s not an adequate sample size. He certainly has the talent, so it shouldn’t really matter who’s under center. Maclin made strides last year and should continue to improve. If you are taking either WR, you’ll have to have a little faith in Kolb. 

Celek had mirror eight catch, 104 yard performances in Kolb’s two starts. He should act as a safety valve for the newly-anointed starter. His great hands and toughness give me the confidence to draft Celek without worries.

We all knew the day was coming, but it still takes you by surprise. It certainly adds another twist to an already exciting division.

The Eagles just have to hope it doesn’t blow up in their face. Given Washington’s track record under Dan Snyder, I wouldn’t be too worried for the Birds.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com .