PATS LAND CORNER HELP IN TALIB
The New England Patriots acquired cornerback Aqib Talib and a seventh-round draft pick in 2013 from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a fourth-round draft pick in 2013.
What does it give the New England Patriots
The Patriots have struggled for quite some time in their secondary, especially when it comes to pass defense. Therefore, Talib should help in that area once he finishes serving his suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. At the very least, he'll serve as the team's new nickelback who can cover the slot receivers. However, he's talented enough to supplant either left cornerback Devin McCourty or right corner Kyle Arrington.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have become staunch disciplinarians under rookie coach Greg Schiano, so trading away Talib is just the latest move in that direction. E.J. Biggers figures to now be the permanent replacement for Talib at left cornerback, with rookie Leonard Johnson also adding more responsibilities in the secondary. Tampa Bay also has the option of moving veteran Ronde Barber back to corner, though the latter has been a dominant free safety this year.
Fantasy impact
There won't be much of a fantasy impact here, since the Pats' defense isn't great. Talib will help, but not to any major degree. Biggers will continue to start for the Bucs, so his value gets a bit of a boost in leagues with individual defensive players. Either McCourty or Arrington will likely lose playing time (and fantasy value) in New England, with Talib now on board.
Player focus
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
a fourth-round draft pick in 2013