As part of the Bradley Chubb trade to the Miami Dolphins, Chase Edmonds will move back in the other direction. Meanwhile, the Dolphins acquired Jeff Wilson Jr. from the San Francisco 49ers in a separate deal.
Let’s examine the fantasy football impact of Edmonds switching Miami for Denver, Wilson going from San Francisco for Miami, and what it means for the likes of Raheem Mostert, Latavius Murray, and Melvin Gordon III.
Fantasy Impact of the Chase Edmonds and Jeff Wilson Jr. Trades
From a Dolphins’ perspective, sending Edmonds to the Broncos as part of this deal appeared to be yet another vote of confidence in Mostert. The move appeared to cement him as the clear lead back, and nothing is going to change that.
With that said, it would have been a surprise if the Dolphins moved forward with just Mostert and, presumably, Myles Gaskin as the RB2. After all, the Dolphins made not one, not two, but three offseason RB acquisitions in an effort not to have to use Gaskin. That proved to be the case as a short time later, the Dolphins added Wilson in a separate trade.
The likelihood is that Mostert is still the lead back, with Wilson serving in a change-of-pace role. However, if you have Wilson on your fantasy roster, this somewhat means he still has at least some fantasy value. With Christian McCaffrey now in San Francisco and Elijah Mitchell on the way back, Wilson no longer had any role with the 49ers.
In Miami, Wilson is the clear handcuff to Mostert. That is a role that has value, with Mostert’s checkered injury history. Therefore, Wilson now goes from being an expendable player this week to being an intriguing stash who could even have Flex value in 16-team leagues on a weekly basis.
MORE: Fantasy Impact From the Chase Claypool Trade
From the Broncos’ side of things, Edmonds feels like Mike Boone’s replacement. The latter is currently on IR with no timetable for his return. Since Boone got hurt, the Broncos have been exclusively a two-man backfield with Gordon and Murray.
Edmonds was expendable for the Dolphins, as his role had been completely marginalized. He hasn’t missed a game this season but has just 42 carries for 120 yards and 10 receptions for 96 yards.
My guess is Edmonds will be involved right away in some capacity. I don’t foresee any scenario where he has fantasy value unless one of Gordon or Murray gets hurt. He will serve more to hinder each of their respective fantasy values than help his own. I would not advise fantasy managers to try and obtain Edmonds either via trade or the waiver wire, where he’s been dropped.
Edmonds is viewed as a pass-catching back. That is the role he’s played throughout his career. However, in Miami, he’s been downright dreadful, leading all running backs with a 23% drop rate. Edmonds averages just 0.97 yards per route run.
Nevertheless, I expect the Broncos to utilize him primarily in passing situations. While both Gordon and Murray are capable pass-catchers, neither is considered a pass-catching back.
This backfield likely goes from 100% of the snaps being disrupted between Gordon and Murray to something like a 50-40-10 split. It will make starting Gordon or Murray an even more touchdown-or-bust type move as each of their receiving upside takes a hit.