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Trade Details
'BOYS BOOST WIDEOUT DEPTH WITH BUTLER Wednesday, September 16, 2015
The Dallas Cowboys acquired wide receiver Brice Butler and a conditional 6th-round draft pick in 2016 from the Oakland Raiders for a conditional 5th-round draft pick in 2016.
What does it give the Dallas Cowboys?
When top target Dez Bryant went down this week with a significant foot injury, the Cowboys were left without a clear-cut go-to wideout. Butler won't be that guy right away, but he certainly has the athletic tools to be a No. 1 eventually. His uncommon speed (in the 4.36 range for the 40-yard dash), great leaping ability (almost 40 inches), and size (6-foot-3) all add up to 'matchup nightmare.' He just needs to develop his confidence and skill level, so this is an intriguing, low-risk response by the 'Boys to a pressing need.
What does it give the Las Vegas Raiders?
This is a curious deal by the Raiders. The draft pick they get isn't much of an upgrade at all from the one they're sending one back to Dallas here (and it's conditional on Butler's performance with the Cowboys). This deal suggests Oakland is comfortable moving forward with a wideout rotation of Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Andre Holmes, and Rod Streater--and that's a solid group, although not elite. The Raiders may eventually regret giving up on the uber-athletic Butler.
Fantasy Impact
Despite his obvious improvement in fortunes here, Butler isn't a 'must-have' pickup in most fantasy formats. He becomes a sleeper in deep leagues, and a deep sleeper in more standard setups. Expect him to see limited looks over the next few weeks as Dallas figures out what he can do for the Cowboys, with the potential for him to become a breakout performer (especially since Tony Romo is throwing to him). That said, Terrence Williams is the clear No. 1 now with Bryant out, and the likes of Cole Beasley and Devin Street are in the mix ahead of Butler (for now). Of course, the opportunity is obvious here so if you have room on your fantasy roster for Butler he's a solid speculative add. This trade doesn't likely affect anyone on Oakland's roster.
Player Focus

to Dallas Cowboys

to Las Vegas Raiders
conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2016
Brice Butler
conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2016