Tony Gonzalez traded to the Atlanta Falcons – Fantasy Football Impact

Tony Gonzalez was traded to the Atlanta Falcons for a second round pick in 2010.  You don’t see a lot of trades this close to draft time involving just one pick for next year, so there must not have been too many teams chomping at the bit to get an aging 10 time pro bowl, future Hall of Fame tight end on their team.

I see in no way how this can possibly hurt Tony Gonzalez’s or Matt Ryan’s fantasy values.  Gonzalez goes to a team that surprisingly made the playoffs last year and has a young stud QB in the making that just needs more targets around him, there are only so many people Roddy White can beat.  Look for Gonzalez to get most of the end zone looks in passing situations and be the just the sure handed outlet that Matt Ryan needs in his second year to continue to develop and avoid the sophmore slump.

Matt Ryan probably benefits the most in this deal.  As mentioned above he gets a sure handed tight end, that can go down the field which will open up things for Roddy White as well making all the targets in Atlanta a little more open.

One beneficiary that might not be so obvious is Michael Turner.  After toting the rock more times then anyone else in the league last year Tony Gonzalez brings much needed help to the passing game, allowing Turner to not have to carry the entire franchise on his back and give his legs a much deserved rest with a lighter work load and bigger holes to run through.

Matt Cassel and Dwayne Bowe take a significant fantasy hit.  With no one else to take the pressure off Dwayne Bowe look for him to take a step backin his development as he is sure to be facing double teams all season long.  That leaves Matt Cassel looking for options and he will soon find he has none.  With no running game to speak of, as Larry Johnson is a shell of his former self, it is going to be a long season for Cassel and is sure to look like a one year wonder.