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Dallas Cowboys NFC East
Trade Details
COWBOYS CORRAL CASSEL Tuesday, September 22, 2015
The Dallas Cowboys acquired quarterback Matt Cassel and a 7th-round draft pick in 2017 from the Buffalo Bills for a 5th-round draft pick in 2017.
What does it give the Dallas Cowboys?
The broken collarbone suffered recently by star quarterback Tony Romo brought about this move. With Romo likely out until late this season, Dallas has only the unproven Brandon Weeden under center. That makes adding a solid (if underwhelming) vet with Cassel's tools a necessity, and the price is obviously right for Dallas. Expect Cassel to back up Weeden early on and to take over as the starter if Weeden struggles much.
What does it give the Buffalo Bills?
This move helps Buffalo save a little money while preventing the possibility of any near-future quarterback controversies. Bills starting QB Tyrod Taylor enjoyed a breakout performance in Week 2 against the Patriots, and that outing probably gave the Bills the confidence they needed to jettison Cassel. Many expected Cassel to start for Buffalo this season, but he was ousted as starter by Taylor and was eventually cut (then re-signed for a bargain). This move also signals the Bills have enough confidence in EJ Manuel to see him as a potentially ready backup for Taylor.
Fantasy Impact
Cassel gets a small increase in fantasy sleeper value with this move, but he should be avoided in all but the deepest of leagues. There's a solid chance he gets a handful of starts for Dallas if Weeden falters, but Weeden played well enough this past week to keep the job for a little while. In Buffalo, Taylor's value continues to rise thanks to his play on the field, and this trade helps solidify his starter status. The deal also boosts Manuel's stock (again, in only the deepest of leagues), so Weeden may ultimately be the only fantasy loser in this transaction.
Player Focus

to Dallas Cowboys

to Buffalo Bills
a 7th-round draft pick in 2017
Matt Cassel
a 5th-round draft pick in 2017