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Trade Details
PANTHERS KEEP RETOOLING OFFENSE, SHIP BIG BENJAMIN TO BILLS Tuesday, October 31, 2017
The Buffalo Bills acquired wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin from the Carolina Panthers for a 3rd-round draft pick in 2018 and a 7th-round draft pick in 2018.
What does it give the Buffalo Bills?
This year the Bills have turned themselves into playoff contenders by focusing on stifling defense and a run-first offense. That said, adding a star-level go-to receiver--especially after trading away highly-touted Sammy Watkins before the season started--is a must to balance out the attack. Enter Benjamin, who can provide a much-needed outlet option and end zone target for QB Tyrod Taylor. Expect Taylor's touchdown pass total to jump from the paltry eight he has over his first seven games.
What does it give the Carolina Panthers?
For several recent seasons the Panthers tried to succeed on offense with jumbo-sized receivers--including Benjamin, fellow wideout Devin Funchess, and star tight end Greg Olsen. When things didn't pan out as planned last season, the team began retooling instead with speed (drafting fast-first prospects Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel). With that in mind it's not surprising Benjamin, whose production has been spotty this season, was moved.
Fantasy Impact
For the still-contending Panthers this move seems to be about offensive style more than anything else, so expect McCaffrey and Samuel to see a big increase in targets moving forward; also look for former No. 2 target Devin Funchess to get a chance to step up as the new No. 1 for Carolina. On the Buffalo side of things, Benjamin should improve his fantasy value. He'll likely have less competition for targets than he did with the Panthers, and he should be motivated to prove Carolina wrong for trading him. Additionally, don't be surprised if receivers Zay Jones, Jordan Matthews, and Charles Clay (once he's healthy) all drop in opportunities and production with big Benjamin around (while Taylor gets a fantasy upgrade now that he has a true go-to receiver).
Player Focus

to Buffalo Bills

to Carolina Panthers
a 3rd-round draft pick in 2018
a 7th-round draft pick in 2018