RADIO
Dynasty fantasy football trade advice, including 14 players or picks to buy or sell. Chris' top targets and avoids for dynasty leagues ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
A lot has changed in this space since early February, when we told you to sell Woody Marks before the Texans added competition and buy Isaiah Likely before he signed with a team that would prioritize him in its offense. Heck, back then, I also warned you that Omar Cooper Jr. was undervalued at his ADP in rookie drafts (2.10 overall at the time).
Less than two months after my last buy/sell dynasty article, a lot of player values have escalated or tanked since then. As we predicted, Likely’s stock went up after signing with the Giants, Marks’ stock dipped with the addition of David Montgomery, and Cooper is now projected to be a late first-round pick in rookie drafts.
With free agency changing so much and the NFL Draft about to throw another wrench into our world, now is a fine time to reacclimate and measure the players and picks you should be buying or selling in dynasty trades.
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Dynasty Fantasy Football Trade Targets
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Carolina Panthers
Jonathon Brooks was one of our buy-low picks back in February, and nothing in free agency changed that.
Carolina said goodbye to Rico Dowdle in free agency, which was an expected but helpful move to free up touches for Brooks and Chuba Hubbard. Even better, this NFL Draft class is weak at running back, with only Jeremiyah Love carrying a better prospect grade than Brooks had coming out of Texas.
Making matters even better for Brooks is the fact that Hubbard was ineffective last year, even before his injury, and that opened the door for Dowdle to steal touches in the first place. Hubbard was 53rd in yards after contact per attempt amongst RBs with at least 60 rush attempts last year, and he was dead last in designed runs of 15+ yards.
Concerns over Brooks’ injury history are real, which is why you can afford to buy low on a 22-year-old RB who was the top back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Brooks has a real shot at earning the starting job in Carolina someday soon, so it is worth trading a mid-to-late second-round pick in 2026 rookie drafts to secure his upside.
Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears
Colston Loveland closed the season with double-digit targets in four straight games, something only eight tight ends have done previously, and he is the consensus TE3 on most dynasty boards across the industry. He also has the best combination of coach and quarterback of any top dynasty tight end in the game, so his stock is already bullish.
However, the Michigan product’s average draft position (58th overall in Superflex TE Premium) remains considerably lower than his upside. Better yet, his position in our consensus RotoBaller Dynasty Rankings (44th overall) also suggests a bargain can still be had, despite the rookie’s recent ascension.
Consider that Loveland sits 60th on Matt Donnelly’s RotoBaller dynasty board, while he is 24th on mine. That means that I am 36 spots higher on Loveland than Donnelly. Thus, I should be able to offer Rome Odunze (34th on my board and 44th on Donnelly’s) for Loveland, and both of us would be getting a player we like significantly more than what we were trading away.
Still wondering how Colston Loveland turned this into a game-winning touchdown 😤 @Accenture pic.twitter.com/V9TWSNDzbR
— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2025
Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
As we noted in Jonathon Brooks’ space, this NFL Draft class is extremely weak at running back, making it highly unlikely teams with multiple needs will target a back early in this class. That goes double for a Jaguars team that has no first-round pick.
While Bhayshul Tuten is unquestionably the most valuable and attractive back in Jacksonville’s backfield, Rodriguez could actually offer the best trade value relative to his cost. The Kentucky product currently ranks 200th in our staff dynasty rankings right now, while he carries an 18th-round ADP in Superflex dynasty drafts on Sleeper.
Rodriguez has a history with Liam Coen, as they were at Kentucky together, and he ranked eighth in yards after contact per attempt last season (minimum 60 rush attempts). Rodriguez outpaced Tuten in that category last year, as well as in PFF’s overall run grade, and he has just one career fumble … which is noteworthy given Tuten’s struggles holding onto the ball.
Odds favor Tuten becoming the primary back for Jacksonville, given his athletic profile and pedigree versus others on the roster. However, Rodriguez has the potential to be the goal-line back for Jacksonville and potentially more, which means he is a bargain at his current cost of a late third-round rookie pick.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are currently in a standoff with Aiyuk, demanding some low level of compensation in a trade rather than cut him outright. However, all analysts and insiders agree that Aiyuk is done in San Francisco, and his next team is likely the Washington Commanders.
Aiyuk’s history with Jayden Daniels at Arizona State could lead to easy and early chemistry. This would be a welcome addition on a Commanders team in dire need of a second receiver across from Terry McLaurin. All reports on Aiyuk’s health are positive, and he is nearly two years removed from his knee injury, so the former Sun Devil can hit the ground running.
Consider that Aiyuk is currently ranked 124th overall in our dynasty rankings. He was also drafted 144th overall in our Staff Dynasty Superflex Mock. So, the cost of acquiring the former first-round pick should be low.
Start by offering a third-round pick for Aiyuk and be willing to go as high as a mid-second to get him. That is a worthwhile cost for a 28-year-old who is two years removed from a 1,342-yard season and about to join a talented passer with whom he has a history.
Dynasty Fantasy Football Assets to Sell
DJ Moore, WR, Buffalo Bills
There is a lot to like about Moore’s profile in Buffalo, as he is the most established top receiver that Josh Allen has had since Stefon Diggs. You can also sell your league mates on the fact that the last time Moore was a true lead receiver for his team, he finished as WR6 overall in both PPR and non-PPR scoring.
You can also sell fantasy fans on the fact that Allen is a better passer than any other quarterback Moore has played with, perhaps even Caleb Williams, and Allen is undoubtedly better than the QB who helped Moore to his WR6 finish in 2023 (Justin Fields). Throw in the buzz that new Bills head coach Joe Brady will throw more, and Moore is an attractive asset.
Of course, Moore is also entering his age-29 season and has been on a downward trajectory ever since his blistering 2023 season. Plus, Brady called the most rush attempts in the NFL last year, so there is no telling whether he will continue that run-heavy trend or change things up to favor Moore. Thus, there are reasons to sell the veteran while his stock is high.
Contenders should try packaging Moore with the 1.12 to move into the top five picks of this year’s rookie draft. Rebuilders should see if you can flip Moore to a contender for a 2027 first-round pick, even if you must throw in a 2026 third to get it done.
This angle makes DJ Moore look even worse.
He didn’t even give up on his route at a certain point, it was zero effort the entire route.
Really trying to rap my head around this one 🤔 https://t.co/D70uolTNfc pic.twitter.com/cwmkjY5HzL
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) January 19, 2026
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
As unpopular as this may seem, trading Lamar Jackson could end up being good business this offseason … even if he is coming off a disappointing season in which he dealt with injuries that dropped him to QB16 in fantasy points per game.
Although he will be 29 for the entire coming season, and the best quarterbacks often play deep into their 30s, passers who rely heavily on their rushing ability often age quickly. Injuries become a big problem for those who take a lot of hits, and Jackson does. That is why he’s missed time to injury every season, except for his 2023-24 stretch of unusual health.
Of course, Jackson’s upside is still immense, and his name carries a lot of weight. This is especially true in Superflex leagues where he remains a first-round startup pick. However, our non-Superflex staff rankings have Jackson ranked 30th overall, so the former MVP may fetch you premium trade assets even in the one-quarterback format.
Your minimum asking price for Jackson in Superflex should be multiple 2027 first-round picks. Meanwhile, you should be targeting a top-5 pick in this year’s rookie draft if you decide to unload him in non-Superflex.
Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Our staff dynasty rankings indicate there is still a healthy market for Travis Hunter in dynasty, which is the only reason we are advocating you reach out and test the waters for a trade.
Hunter currently sits 73rd in our staff dynasty rankings, but our resident dynasty expert Matt Donnelly is particularly high on him. Donnelly ranks the Heisman winner 57th overall in his non-Superflex rankings, putting him just five spots behind Makai Lemon (aka the 1.03 in non-Superflex rookie drafts) and three behind Jordyn Tyson (the presumptive 1.04 pick).
If Donnelly can remain that high on Hunter despite the risk of him focusing on defense, then others may as well.
If you can package Hunter and a third-round pick to get Lemon or Tyson, then you should do it to protect yourself from the fallout of Hunter potentially becoming a career defender. However, the potential of Hunter becoming a true WR1 at any point in his career is too enticing to trade him for anything less than a top-5 pick in this year’s rookie draft.
DK Metcalf, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
DK Metcalf’s first season as the unquestioned top target on his offense finally came after years of waiting … and it resulted in the worst fantasy season of his career.
Last year, Metcalf logged career lows in targets, receiving yards, drop rate, and receptions. It was also his third-worst season in yards per route run and yards per target. While these issues were aggravated by a suspension and an aging quarterback, that quarterback is expected to return in 2026, and he will have a new big wideout (Michael Pittman Jr.) to throw to.
Despite a decline in production and advancing age (28), Metcalf still ranks 67th overall in our staff dynasty rankings. That puts him ahead of Tucker Kraft, Denzel Boston, Kyle Pitts Sr., and Michael Wilson. Flipping Metcalf for any of those names, or a top-7 pick, would be a worthwhile maneuver for rebuilders and contenders alike.
Fantasy Football Rookie Picks to Target Before Rookie Drafts
Receiver-Hungry Teams Should Target … Picks 1.04 (non-Superflex) or 1.05 (Superflex)
There is a clear top tier of talent in this year’s rookie drafts, with a big drop-off after that tier.
In Superflex, that top tier includes Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiyah Love, Tyson, Lemon, and Carnell Tate. In non-Superflex drafts, that core does not include Mendoza, leaving just four elite talents worth trading up for… unless you are in TE Premium scoring, at which point Kenyon Sadiq is also a worthy candidate.
Those drafting in the back half of their rookie drafts should strongly consider moving into the top five picks, especially if you need a starting wide receiver. The gap in value between the receiver you will get at 1.05 (likely Jordyn Tyson) and what you may get with pick 1.12 (Chris Brazzell II) is significantly bigger than it was in 2025 or 2024.
For an example of what you should be willing to give up to get a top-5 pick, consider this real trade that went down between RotoBaller staffers just two weeks ago…
Team 1 Receives: Pick 1.04
Team 2 Receives: Pick 1.12, Romeo Doubs, and Dalton Kincaid
Tight-End-Hungry Teams Should Target … Pick 1.06
Eli Stowers put on an impressive show at the combine, and his receiving film is impressive for someone who went to college as a quarterback. He has good length, elite testing numbers, and ideal height for the position. However, his blocking skills are bad enough to take him off the field, and he is not yet the dynamic threat on tape that Sadiq is.
Despite the excitement that Stowers created in Indianapolis, no tight end in this class comes close to Sadiq. The Oregon product is a strong blocker; his elite testing speed shows up on tape, and he showed clear growth throughout 2025. In fact, he is a better physical specimen than any tight end in last year’s loaded TE class, though Loveland and Tyler Warren were far more polished.
For those whose only major problem is TE, Sadiq is your clear answer. You should be willing to give up a key veteran and your first-round pick to get the 1.06 pick, which ADP suggests will land you the former Duck in 90% of drafts.
Everyone Should … Stop Undervaluing Pick 2.01
As we previously stated, this class is strong up top, and then there is a steep decline after the first five or six rookie picks. However, there are a few clear tier breaks in this class where you should target a pick right before there is another steep drop in talent.
One of the key pivot/tier points to target is the 2.01 pick.
While you may not get Ty Simpson at the 2.01 in Superflex drafts, the drop from Tier 3 prospects in this class to Tier 4 players occurs around pick 2.05. By acquiring the 2.01, you position yourself for choices before that drop. ADP suggests that Mike Washington Jr., Eli Stowers, Chris Bell, and Chris Brazzell II should all be available, giving you flexibility.
Everyone Should Target … Pick 3.02
Ted Hurst is the top sleeper and third-round prospect in this class, yet his current ADP on Sleeper is 3.11 overall. Better yet, he ranks 220th overall in our staff dynasty rankings, and the buzz around him is still somewhat muted. So, his cost could remain low throughout the process … but there is always the risk a team like the 49ers takes him and elevates his stock.
To assure yourself of Hurst’s services, you should buy a very early third-round pick right now. That should position you to select the Georgia State product even if his stock rises from where it is right now.
Bonus Bargain Bin!
Jordan James, RB, San Francisco 49ers
James is practically free in dynasty startups and is available on some waiver wires, but all reports indicate he is the favorite to be the top backup behind Christian McCaffrey next year. This is the result we predicted last year when we warned you James’ patient running style and ability to get small in the hole was a better fit for Kyle Shanahan’s scheme than Isaac Guerendo.
Granted, the 49ers are a prime candidate to draft a running back to compete for touches this year, and James’ pedigree does not make him untouchable. However, the former Duck should not cost you more than a late third-round pick or early fourth this year, and he is better than most backs being drafted in that range of this year’s rookie drafts.
Malik Washington, WR, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins will likely draft multiple wide receivers in this year’s NFL Draft, but Washington is currently the top pass-catcher in Miami. That role counts for something, as does the fact that Washington has proved a capable slot receiver in limited opportunities. Given his ADP in the 24th round of startups, Washington should be easy to acquire.
MALIK WASHINGTON'S FIRST NFL TD‼️#MIAvsLAR pic.twitter.com/Lkn2XetqAV
— ESPN (@espn) November 12, 2024
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