Braylon Edwards Traded to Jets, Expected to Play Monday Night

We’ve already covered, with simple standard stats, why Edwards might not bring all that much value to the Jets. Jets fans will be glad to know that more advanced metrics don’t rate Edwards’ last few seasons very highly, either:

Of course, anyone with eyes can see that Edwards is a talented guy; he’s big and strong and fast and all that. Maybe a change of scenery is just the change he needs. But in so far as Edwards’ production the past few seasons is independent of context, this is bad news for the Jets.

It seems Braylon Edwards’ big Jets debut will happen in prime time. The team’s GM Mike Tannenbaum announced today that he expects Edwards to play against the Dolphins on Monday Night Football this week.

Tannenbaum also said that he’s banking on the change of scenery as the catalyst for a Braylon rebirth in NY:

The Jets made the NFL’s second-biggest move today when they traded for Braylon Edwards. Everyone in New York seems pretty pleased that they finally have a number-one receiver (especially since that whole tampering with Michael Crabtree thing didn’t work out). The Daily News has even proclaimed, “What a Catch!“ (See what they did there?) Our own Gang Green Nation shares in their optimistic thinking.

But, eventually, that initial excitement will die down, and then fans will begin to realize they just traded for a receiver who essentially has had one good year. So the question must be asked: does Edwards make the Jets a better team?

Obviously, this could cut both ways: If he continues to be awful this season, the Jets are out two picks and a couple players, but at least they haven’t wasted money on Edwards. But, if he returns to ‘07-Braylon, then he’s able to walk and sign with another team after this season.

Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer has details on the players the Browns acquired in exchange for Edwards. The haul includes: two draft picks, WR Chansi Stuckey and linebacker Jason Trusnick.

The two picks are believed to be a 3rd and 5th rounder. Unclear right now if those come in next year’s draft, or if they’re spread out.

This should teach us all a valuable lesson about punching LeBron’s friends. Although if it got Braylon shipped out of Cleveland, then mission accomplished.

For reaction to the deal today, check out SB Nation’s Gang Green Nation and Dawgs By Nature.