COLTS ADD LUCK PROTECTION WITH BRISSETT
The Indianapolis Colts acquired quarterback Jacoby Brissett from the New England Patriots for wide receiver Phillip Dorsett.
What does it give the Indianapolis Colts
It is extremely rare for quarterbacks to get traded in the NFL, but this deal makes a lot of sense for the Colts--who do not know exactly when franchise quarterback Andrew Luck will be ready to return as he recovers from shoulder surgery. Brissett was buried down the depth chart in New England behind Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo, but is a clear upgrade over both Scott Tolzien and Stephen Morris as Luck's backup. This was a necessary move for the Colts and their playoff hopes.
What does it give the New England Patriots
The Patriots recently lost Julian Edelman for the season due to a knee injury, so it makes sense for the defending champions to add another wide receiver at this time. Dorsett has disappointed since entering the NFL but has outstanding speed and plenty of untapped upside as a receiver. He could work his way into the No. 3 receiver role in New England, ahead of Danny Amendola and Malcolm Mitchell but behind Brandin Cooks and Chris Hogan. This was a good deal for both sides.
Fantasy impact
The biggest losers after this trade are clearly both Tolzien and Morris, as Brissett will probably play ahead of them as soon as he is up to speed with the new offense he must learn in Indy. Amendola and Mitchell also lose significant fantasy value due to Dorsett's arrival. Brissett is the clear winner in terms of a fantasy spike, but Dorsett should also benefit from catching passes from Brady (instead of Tolzien). However, the Pats spread the ball around so do not overrate Dorsett. This deal is also good news for projected No. 3 Colts receiver Chester Rogers.
