As the NFL finishes their final week of preseason games, it’s important for us dynasty IDP managers to keep abreast of under-the-radar activity happening throughout the league. Tuesday, August 31st is the official NFL cut day, but some savvy NFL franchises are making trades to adjust their rosters prior to cut day. Let’s analyze the latest defender trades to find where IDP value can be had!
Player: Denzel Perryman – Linebacker
From: Carolina Panthers
To: Las Vegas Raiders
Compensation: Perryman and a 2022 7th for a 2022 6th
Situation: Perryman, a veteran linebacker out of the University of Miami has played his entire seven-year career with the Chargers. As a free agent following the 2020 season, the former second-round pick signed a two-year, $6M contract with the Panthers. However, because Carolina also signed Haason Reddick in the offseason, and because the defense already had Shaq Thompson and Jermaine Carter on the roster, Perryman became expendable. Las Vegas, on the other hand, needed depth at off-ball linebacker after the news of Nicholas Morrow’s ankle injury. Additionally, Gus Bradley is the Raiders defensive coordinator and has coached Perryman during their time together at the Chargers.
IDP Impact – Las Vegas: Perryman will likely see plenty of snaps in the middle of the Raiders defense while Morris is sidelined. Nick Kwiatkoski’s IDP value takes a hit with the trade. Finally, when Morrow does get back to full health, all three ILBs mentioned will play in a committee setting, making it a tough group to rely on in IDP leagues.
IDP Impact – Carolina: Jermaine Carter is now the unquestioned middle linebacker for the Panthers, and should be rostered as a high floor tackler.
Player: Shaun Wade – Cornerback
From: Baltimore Ravens
To: New England Patriots
Compensation: Wade for a 2022 5th and 7th round picks.
Situation: The Ravens used a 2021 fifth-round pick on Shaun Wade out of Ohio State. Through camp, Wade has played well and shown excellent instincts at the pro level. That said, Baltimore is stacked at corner, with stars Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters, Tavon Young, and Jimmy Smith leading the way. On the other end of this trade, New England still has Stephon Gilmore on the PUP list, so they decided to insure the position with a young player with upside.
IDP Impact – New England: The Patriots will still start JC Jackson and Stephon Gilmore when healthy. Look for Wade to see snaps in an injury situation or if Gilmore moves on to a new franchise due to a trade.
IDP Impact – Baltimore: The Ravens gained a future asset for a player that would not have had much opportunity. Baltimore will stick with Peters, Humphrey, Tavon Young, and Jimmy Smith for the 2021 season.
Player: John Reid – Cornerback
From: Houston Texans
To: Seattle Seahawks
Compensation: 2023 7th round pick
Situation: John Reid is a second-year player out of Penn State, who the Texans chose in the fourth round last year. 2021 is a major transition year for Houston, so players like Terrance Mitchell, Bradley Roby, Desmond King, and Vernon Hargreaves were all veterans brought in to compete this offseason. Seattle’s cornerback room however was a lot thinner coming into the 2021 season, so a late 2023 pick for a player who has some talent made sense for both teams.
IDP Impact – Seattle: Ahkello Witherspoon and Tre Flowers are currently slated as the starters in Seattle. Reid could see immediate snaps in nickel or dime packages and could eventually start if an injury were to occur. Trey Brown, the rookie fourth-round pick, may see fewer opportunities due to the trade.
IDP Impact – Houston: The Texans signed a dozen veteran free agents on both sides of the ball this offseason. I see little impact on the Texans IDP performers, post-trade.
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