As we rush into free agency and the NFL Draft counts down, it has been surprisingly quiet over the last few weeks with regards to trades in all the leagues.
There was a lot of action in February, many trades on multiple days (see our article Trading Places). Many teams appear to be holding off, waiting to see what occurs during free agency but also because of the draft. The top three leagues do not have to name their 8 roster keepers until 1st June, giving them plenty of time to observe what is going on in the NFL.
That could be a reason for the quiet trade front recently, but that was broken today as the Perthshire Wild Things and Stevenage Sabres announced their big trade.
Perthshire have been extremely busy in the trading arena recently, securing multiple picks in many rounds. Stevenage, on the other hand, had not traded.
The Sabres and Wild Things won their divisions last season, South and West respectively and both with a 9-4 record. Stevenage lost out in the Divisional Playoff to eventual BFA Bowl winners Derry Venom whilst Perthshire (Birmingham based at that time) lost out in the Elimination Playoff to their divisional rivals and subsequent BFA Bowl runner-up, Glasgow Claymores.
It is worthy to note that both teams will also change divisions for 2021, with the Wild Things moving to the North and the Sabres moving to the East, so with change comes adapting.
Josh Allen was the BFFL MVP in 2020 and he sat on the Wild Things roster. It could be assumed that a lot of teams would be keeping Allen going into 2021, but not Perthshire. He was traded along with another player on their roster.
Dalton Schultz found himself surplus to requirements at Perthshire and he was also traded along with the 19.13 and 20.13 picks.
That was the deal going in the direction of Stevenage, but what were Perthshire getting in return?
Aaron Jones has just signed a 4 year deal worth $48m with Green Bay. Many GM's would look at this and be marking Jones on their sheet as a keeper come June, but not Stevenage. They sent Jones to Perthshire as part of this deal and with Allen coming in they off-loaded a Quarterback from their roster.
Carson Wentz was the man to make way for the incoming Josh Allen and he now finds himself on the Perthshire roster. Stevenage also sent their 2.12, 6.12 and 15.12 picks to the Wild Things. Stevenage released Will Dissly from their roster and Perthshire released Alexander Mattison.
Mark, the Perthshire GM, hinted that come June his QB and RB keepers were now already decided.
"Putting a lot of faith into the rejuvenation of Carson Wentz. A better offensive line and some weapons to work with should reap big benefits for the Perthshire Wild Things."
The Wild Things GM must be happy with the acquisition of Aaron Jones.
"Coupled with Wentz is the addition of an elite running back in Aaron Jones." Mark added. "A big fantasy points scorer who should compliment Wentz well."
Mark reflected on losing the 2020 BFFL MVP.
"We are sorry to see Josh Allen go, but with plenty of picks in exchange, it was a no brainer. All the best to Josh Allen in his new venture."
Over in Hertfordshire we asked Pat, the Sabres GM for his take on the deal.
"We prioritised the QB and TE positions lower in the inaugural draft than most GM's. This allowed us to build a stellar defence which fared us well during the regular season, but ultimately failed us in the playoffs, where we fell at the first hurdle."
Does he think this trade will off-set that disappointment?
"This trade hopefully goes some way to rectify that, vastly improving our QB room and improving our TE room into the bargain with a slightly risky player coming off a long injury, but one who has an excellent ceiling."
The loss of draft picks was also a topic of questions for Pat.
"We've lost some draft capital, for sure, but I think it's worth it to solidify our keepers and get some value from our strong 2020 RB room before the keepers cut-off roster trimming. It would have been painful to lose either Robinson or Jones, without getting some value back."
From those comments it can be assumed that Sabres are marking Allen and Robinson (already on their roster) as their 2021 keepers, but they don't appear to be tied-in as such on Schultz.
That trade took place today, with both teams now working out their keepers and shifting player and draft picks in the process.
The Commish
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