Emergency Trade Breakdown

(Nothing in this post was created using any sort of generative AI)

An absolute blockbuster deal has just gone down with Browns, Romans, Jeantymen trading away Marvin Harrison Jr and two 1st round picks (27 and 28). In return they are getting Nico Collins and a 2028 3rd.

This is a massive trade for both sides with one side clearly pushing their chips all in for this season and I'm here to break it down for you.

Browns, Romans, Jeantymen

A clear all in move for this team giving up their former 1.01 rookie draft pick along with two other 1st round picks for Nico Collins. Now, you might immediately think this is an overpay for Nico, and while it might be, it was a must do trade for this team. This organization is loaded with top end talent in Bijan Robinson, Ashton Jeanty, and Amon-Ra St. Brown but the team just wasn't all the way there yet to truly compete. After sending out Jordyn Tyson for Rome Odunze, the Jeantymen wanted a true home run with Nico Collins.

Nico is coming off a top 10 fantasy season that still felt underwhelming for him. He missed a couple games, and even when he was playing, he just wasn't as dominant as his 2023 season. Now the injury could have affected him, but the largest issue for him last year was the offensive line. The Houston Texans offensive line was absolutely abysmal. Watching them in primetime was torture, they could not pass block even if their lives depended on it. Stroud had no time in the pocket, and that gave Nico very little time to get open down the field. The Texans signed four new offensive linemen and even drafted two more. They are doing everything they can to fix their one main weakness. If the O-Line improves, Nico and Stroud should have a much better connection than last season. And a much better connection means a big fantasy season for the Jeantymen.

Despite the hefty price tag, Nico could certainly be worth it if he helps this team get a championship. Even if the championship doesn't come immediately, this team is more than strong enough to force the draft picks to be later in the first round, devaluing them a little. They are even further devalued with the incoming expansion teams pushing the picks two spots later in the draft. High risk, high reward trade for this team and I like it for them.

PooShiesty9

This roster is in a funky spot currently after a 3rd place finish and two years removed from their championship. Despite finishing 1st in the regular season, they were only 5th in points for and dead last in points against. Now I won't say it, but someone might say that is a little fraudulent. The team took a significant step back in the points department due to sub-par seasons from Jefferson, Collins, and Bowers, while losing Tyreek Hill to injury was another big loss for them. But after an influx of running backs were acquired (Rhamondre Stevenson, Derrick Henry, David Montgomery), the team was still able to get that 3rd place finish. I think after that season this team needed to change something, and they decided to get younger.

Nico Collins is 27, and Harrison Jr. is about to be 24 so you might not think a 3 year difference isn't that big. But just think back to the "Worst Trades" article I just published and look back on some of the old trades that look crazy now. The NFL moves quickly and thinks shake up more than you realize. I'm not saying that Nico is old and will lose all his talent immediately, but getting younger is important for a dynasty team.

Harrison is still a talented player, he can run some really great routes and knows how to get open, but there are some issues with his hands that seem to be more mental than anything. This will only be his third season in the NFL, and he is by no means being counted out, he could have a breakout season if he fixes the drop issues. If he is able to figure things out, this trade could look fantastic for PooShiesty9. Dropping down from Nico to Marv and getting two 1sts on top could be huge.

While the draft picks are projected to be later in the first round, they could definitely be used to acquire other players to improve the team. Like getting a younger running back. Henry is 32, Montgomery is 29, Etienne is 27 (for a running back you're on the edge). The only running back of note that isn't old is Kyren at 25. Using those picks to upgrade or acquire other running backs could be huge for the future of this team. Very excited to see what they do.

Thanks for reading this emergency article about the Marv-Nico trade that just went down. I would love to know your thoughts about the trade in the sleeper chat.