Over the last few weeks, we have had a lot of developments with quite a few big name players. Some traded to new teams, others moving through free agency, and even a few retirements. So the question becomes, what impact does this have on their potential hobby value? What about the guys who havent moved yet, but are likely on their way to a new team?
DeMarco Murray
As of last night, the Cowboys and Murray have been said to be in contact to work out a new deal. Let me reinforce that this is the BEST possible situation for Murray, not only because they are a highly collectible team, but because I think his success is more a reflection of the offensive line than the quality of his skills. If Murray leaves and goes to somewhere like Arizona, that will be a bigger hit than people think.
2011 Topps Chrome Demarco Murray Atomic Auto BGS 10
2011 Topps Demarco Murray Rookie Premiere Auto
2014 Flawless DeMarco Murray Jumbo Patch Auto
LeSean McCoy
Obviously the NFL is no longer a league that gives two shits about a running back, but McCoy moving to Buffalo is a big deal. Not only will he likely have to carry the offense behind a new QB, but he wont have the opportunity to get the kind of protection like he did in Philly. This is not going to be a good situation for him at all.
2009 SP Authentic LeSean McCoy Auto Patch RC
2009 Exquisite LeSean McCoy Auto Patch RC
Jimmy Graham
I was literally shocked when I saw that he was traded to Seattle. Although they got back a great player in Max Unger, Graham was easily one of the best TEs in the league behind maybe Rob Gronkowski. Now, in hobby terms, this is an upgrade, as the Seahawks are one of the more popular teams in the league. Playing with Lynch and Wilson is awesome, and it puts Seattle in a new position to be champs of the NFC west again by a mile.
2010 SP Authentic Jimmy Graham Auto RC
2010 National Treasures Jimmy Graham Auto RC
Sam Bradford / Nick Foles
Again a trade I was shocked to see, especially because I think Foles is MUCH better than Bradford coming off his second ACL. This could be fodder to move up in the draft to get someone else, but Philly basically gave away a serviceable starter. Foles will do well in St Louis, but his hobby value is not as high as it was in Philly.
2012 Topps Chrome NIck Foles Black Rerfractor Auto RC
2012 Contenders Nick Foles Auto Ticket RC
2010 National Treasures Sam Bradford Auto Patch Logo RC
Ndamukong Suh
Although he is the dirtiest player in the game by just about every standard, Suh going to Miami instantly makes the Dolphins a playoff team, as their 8-8 record will surely improve with one of the better DLines in the league.
2010 Contenders Ndamukong Suh Auto Ticket Lot
Jake Locker / Patrick Willis
Crazy to believe that Locker and Willis are retiring, as its clear that they are both very young and definitely not on the list of players I consider to be completely done. Locker was just drafted in 2011, but never really caught on in Tennessee. He has been injured for the majority of his career, but playing for the Titans will do that to you. Willis was among the better LBs in the league, and though injuries are forcing him out, this could become more of a trend than we could expect. Athletes just dont want to live the rest of their lives in pain.
Adrian Peterson
I am of the people who want to see Peterson in purple again this season, despite the despicable actions he was suspended for. He is a guy that makes the team better, and the Vikings dont have many options. There hasnt been a true understanding of what he is looking to do as of yet, but I expect that to come shortly. My guess is that he moves on and one of the RB hungry teams will pick him up. He still has a lot of hobby value because everyone thinks he is going to continue being a productive player.
2014 Immaculate Adrian Peterson Auto Patch
2014 Valor Adrian Peterson Dirty Patch Auto /25
This is only day one and its pretty cool to think this is only the beginning. Curious to see what happens over the next few days. Still a lot of guys out there to fall into place.