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Miami Dolphins AFC East
Trade Details
MIAMI ADDS LINEBACKER ANTHONY FROM NEW ORLEANS Tuesday, September 19, 2017
The Miami Dolphins acquired linebacker Stephone Anthony from the New Orleans Saints for a 5th-round draft pick in 2018.
What does it give the Miami Dolphins?
Miami recently suspended star linebacker Lawrence Timmons indefinitely, so depth is a pressing need. Anthony is a great athlete who can be an above-average backup for the Dolphins. He hasn't emerged as the star the Saints were hoping for when they drafted him in 2015, but Anthony does have elite physical tools for a middle linebacker. Assuming he can keep improving his play-reading and reaction time, he might eventually be a steal for the 'Phins--or at least a serviceable depth option who can back up Mike Hull and Kiko Alonso.
What does it give the New Orleans Saints?
After a strong start to his NFL career, Anthony's progress has stalled somewhat. Injuries and inconsistency have both played roles in him not living up to his billing as a 2015 first-round draft pick, and it seems clear the dismal New Orleans defense is looking to make changes. With that in mind the team drops some salary here and moves on with Manti T'eo, Craig Robertson, and rookie Alex Anzalone manning the middle of the linebacker corps.
Fantasy Impact
Since Anthony was inactive for the Saints' first two games this season, there's no fantasy impact for any New Orleans players following this deal. Moreover, since Anthony looks unlikely to play a major role anytime soon with the Dolphins, he can be ignored in fantasy games featuring Individual Defensive Players.
Player Focus

to Miami Dolphins

to New Orleans Saints
a 5th-round draft pick in 2018