Fantasy Index

Factoid

DeSean Jackson

Can a star be transplanted into a new offense?

Who’s in for DeSean Jackson? Dude definitely has some playmaking skills. He scores long touchdowns. I consider the walkoff punt return touchdown at the Meadowlands to be in the mix for the greatest regular-season play in NFL history.

But on the flip side, he’s got to learn a new offense, he’s going to a 3-13 team, and they’ve got some other receivers – most notably Pierre Garcon.

In the last 20 years, by my count, 26 wide receivers have gone over 1,000 yards, then wound up with a new team the next year, be it by trade, free agency or whatever. Nine of those transplants have gone over 1,000 yards in year one with their new team.

Of the 26 receivers, only four put up better, improved overall numbers in their first year with their new team. That’s using the fantasy scoring system of 6 points for touchdowns and 1 for every 10 yards.

In reverse chronological order (and I’ve got the 1,000-yard guys in bold) …

TRANSPLANTED 1,000-YARD RECEIVERS
YearReceiverTeamNoYdsTDPoints
2013Wes WelkerDen.7377810137.8
2012Brandon MarshallChi.118150811216.8
2012Vincent JacksonT.B.7213848188.4
2010Anquan BoldinBalt.648377125.7
2010Brandon MarshallMia.8610143119.4
2010Santonio HolmesNYJ527466110.6
2009Terrell OwensBuff.558296118.9
2006Antonio BryantS.F.40733391.3
2005Derrick MasonBalt.8610733125.3
2005Muhsin MuhammadChi.64750499.0
2004Terrell OwensPhil.77120014204.0
2003Laveranues ColesWash.8212046156.4
2003Peerless PriceAtl.648383101.8
2002Keenan McCardellT.B.616706103.0
2002Qadry IsmailInd.44462364.2
2002Johnnie MortonK.C.29397145.7
2000Keyshawn JohnsonT.B.718748135.4
1999Rocket IsmailDall.8010977151.7
1999Tony MartinMia.6710375133.7
1998Derrick AlexanderK.C.549924123.2
1998Yancey ThigpenTenn.38493367.3
1996Jeff GrahamNYJ507886114.8
1996Quinn EarlyBuff.507984103.8
1995Rob MooreAriz.639075120.7
1995Andre RisonClev.47701388.1
1994Anthony MillerDen.6011075140.7

—Ian Allan

Fantasy Index