Braylon Edwards' tenure in Cleveland was losing hope.

He caught only three passes for 35 yards in his last two games despite the return of buddy Derek Anderson to the field, he was displaying poor effort (again), and he wasn't getting along with the coaching staff.

His subsequent trade to the Jets Wednesday morning doesn't guarantee Edwards will fulfill his talent level, but it provides a whole lot of hope for his fantasy owners long-term.

The price the Jets gave up for Edwards -- Chansi Stuckey, Jason Trusnick, and two mid-draft picks -- guarantees they see him as a true "number one" receiver. A large contract keeping Edwards in New York is likely to follow, and there should be an extended honeymoon period where Edwards' effort isn't remotely questioned.

Edwards' potential is more of a debate. This isn't Terrell Owens or Randy Moss in their primes. Edwards still struggles with drops, and isn't a full developed route runner now five years into his career.

Long-term, Edwards has a better chance to be a fantasy WR1 in New York with Mark Sanchez, but that isn't going to happen this year. He has to get integrated into the offense and Sanchez is still a rookie. Look for WR2/3 value from him, complete with a few monster games and stink bombs along the way.

Jerricho Cotchery's numbers are likely to suffer. There are only so many passing yards to go around this year, and Edwards will take more of them as the year wears on. Cotchery had a legitimate chance for his first top-ten season before, but now he looks like the traditional WR2 we expected all along.

Edwards will help Mark Sanchez, who can beat the odds for mid-level QB2 value as a rookie. And he gives Sanchez's excellent dynasty value a boost.

I happen to think Cleveland did very well to get as much as they did for Edwards with his contract running out, but this is still a trade that should make fantasy owners and Jets fans smile.

As a New York City resident, I'm excited for the Edwards era, which should be good for some ups and downs in the tabloids. Braylon got what he wanted: the big city's bright lights, and the promise of big money down the line.

Now it's on him to prove he's worth it.

Update: Many of you emailed about the value of those in Cleveland. In a nutshell ...