Over the last 24 or so hours, NFL teams have made a number of moves involving fairly high-profile players; but, when the dust all settles, it's surprising how little affect the changes are likely to have on the fantasy landscape this season.
Here are the key moves from the offensive side of the ball:
Matt Leinart was released by Arizona. No big surprise here, given the rumors swirling over the past couple of weeks. This makes Derek Anderson the unchallenged QB in the desert, which is probably better news for Fitz and Breaston than if they were waiting for check-downs from Leinart. But not much better.
Sam Bradford was named the Rams' Week 1 starter, in the least surprising announcement of the day. Why St. Louis doesn't give their franchise QB a real receiver like Vincent Jackson to throw to is beyond me. Laurent Robinson is the best wideout on the roster now, which is just asking for a 1-15 season.
The Vikings traded backup QB Sage Rosenfels to the Giants, where he will now be the #2 behind Eli. And knowing the Manning brothers, Rosenfels will never see the field.
No-longer-fast Willie Parker was released by the Redskins, as expected. I've told you all long that Larry Johnson is the tailback to own in Washington, and this move further supports that. Ryan Torrain was also cut, but the team hopes to re-sign him to the practice squad.
The Gmen released RB Andre Brown, which comes as a mild surprise. Danny Ware is now the understudy to Bradshaw and Jacobs. By the way, Bradshaw appears to be the new starter in New York, which is not sitting well with Jacobs. Again, this development was projected more than a month ago on this blog.
Derrick Ward, fresh off his release by Tampa Bay, was signed by Houston to backup Arian Foster and Steve Slaton.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh was cut outright by Seattle, when they couldn't find a willing trade partner. Mike Williams -- he of the 15 receptions since 2005 -- is now starting alongside Deion Branch. That is one sorry WR corps on paper. We'll soon find out what Pete Carroll sees in the first-round bust out of USC and the former Super Bowl MVP. Methinks V-Jax will be shopping for a home in the Seattle area very shortly. Housh is rumored to be heading for Minnesota, which further complicates that WR rotation.
Perhaps in anticipation of Housh's arrival -- or more likely the result of general suckiness -- the Vikes released Javon Walker.
Dallas traded Patrick Crayton to the Chargers on Friday, which is arguably the most interesting move of them all. Don't be surprised if he works his way into the starting lineup soon, as neither Malcom Floyd nor Legedu Naanee have proven anything during the NFL careers. Crayton is steady and reliable, if unspectacular. Rivers will like him.
Michael Clayton, who flamed out after an awesome rookie season a lifetime ago, was finally cut by Tampa Bay.
James Hardy was dumped by the Bills. Lots of other experts were high on him this season. Not the Fools.
You know Neil Rackers won the kicking competition in Houston. But Shayne Graham came up short in Baltimore (a mild shock), losing out to Billy Cundiff. And Mike Nugent prevailed in Cinci, over Dave Rayner.
Other familiar names now looking for work:
J.P. Losman, QB, Seahawks
Chris Simms, QB, Titans
Patrick Ramsey, QB, Saints
Pat White, QB, Dolphins
Troy Smith, QB, Ravens
Colt Brennan, QB, Raiders
Samkon Gado, RB, Titans
Ladell Betts, RB, Saints
Kolby Smith, RB, Jaguars
Chris Henry, RB, Texans
J.J. Arrington, RB, Eagles
Michael Robinson, RB, 49ers
Brandon Stokley, WR, Broncos
Matt Jones, WR, Bengals
Jason Hill, WR, 49ers
Josh Reed, WR, Chargers
Kelley Washington, WR, Eagles
Chase Coffman, TE, Bengals
Kris Brown, K, Texans
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Poor Colt Brennan. Keep hoping he'll get a break someday but it doesn't seem to come. Maybe he'd do better off playing north of the border for a few years and establishing a name there, then trying to get back.
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