We spend all offseason obsessing over rookies, but some of the biggest value shifts often happen with the veterans. Role changes, injury narratives, and plain old boredom can cause managers to misread key indicators in the market. A dip in hype doesn’t always mean a dip in value, and sometimes, a quiet offseason is the loudest “trade away” signal of all. This list isn’t just about who’s good or bad. It’s about timing. Who still has upside worth holding? Who’s quietly losing steam? And who’s sitting at a value peak you can cash in on before the drop hits? Let’s break down the veterans to KEEP TRADE CUT in dynasty before the season kicks off.
Keep Trade Cut | Veteran Edition
Quarterbacks
Geno Smith | KEEP
The Raiders told you everything you need to know. They handed Geno Smith an extension, spent their top pick on the highest-drafted RB since Saquon Barkley, and followed it up by pounding WR and OL picks like they’re building around… well, a starter. Oh, and they brought in Pete Carroll, the coach who resurrected Smith’s career initially. This team is prepping for stability, not a QB carousel.
This is a locked-in QB16 with weekly QB1 upside if the offense gels. In SuperFlex, that’s gold, especially at Smith’s current price. Don’t be flipping him for a second or a couple dart throws. A contender can trade for Geno Smith as affordable QB insurance or tier-down piece to pick up an extra asset in the process. He’s worth more on your roster than in your trade block inbox, and with $58.5 million guaranteed through 2026, he’s not going anywhere (Over The Cap).
This is a savvy tier down move for a Competitor:
Or a Rebuilder:
But please don’t do this:
Justin Fields | TRADE
I wanted Justin Fields to be that next fantasy cheat code, the guy who wins weeks with three plays and breaks logic while doing it. But something isn’t clicking. And now he’s in New York—with the Jets. That’s not the place you go to get fixed. Yes, he’ll have moments that make you question selling him, but it’s the totality of the frustrations and the almost inevitable collapse of his long-term value that make this the right time to move.
If you’re rebuilding, toss in a 2026 3rd with Fields and turn him into a 1st. That’s a clean way to play the long game with a move that exists in many leagues. If you’re contending, he’s the perfect upgrade piece. Include Fields in a trade to turn Garrett Wilson into Jahmyr Gibbs, or to tier up into a more secure starter. Fields still carries that limitless ceiling in people’s minds, but that illusion disappears fast if he’s stuck in backup limbo or doesn’t land an extension. There’s a dreamer out there who believes. Find them, before they wake up.
Turning Fields into a 1st is how you lock in value:
Or upgrade to a premier player:
Sam Darnold | CUT
Yes, I’m cutting (in this exercise) the player who just finished as QB9 in 2024. Before this past season, Darnold had never cracked QB25, or started more than 13 games. His new contract looks solid on the surface, but let’s be honest—$37.5 million guaranteed is a “prove it” deal, especially compared to Geno’s $58.5M. It’s a one-year audition dressed up as a secure deal (Over The Cap). Now he’s switching systems, and with the Seahawks leaning hard back into the run game, a dip in passing volume and efficiency feels inevitable.
Seattle also drafted an exciting mystery box in Jalen Milroe, and if this team falls out of the playoff picture, they’ll be tempted to lift the lid sooner than later. When that happens? Poof*.* Darnold’s value goes from temporary floor to full vanishing act. He’s fine as a QB4 stash, but if you’re leaning on him as your QB2, you’re already playing from behind this season.
For a 2026 2nd, I’d rather buy into Geno’s contract and floor than Darnold’s one-year leash:
Running Backs
Kyren Williams | KEEP
There’s something brewing in L.A., and it smells like an extension. The Rams have around $75 million in cap space and a history of rewarding their guys (Over the Cap). A deal in the 3-year, $40 million range feels logical, secure enough for the player, flexible enough for the team. And here’s the key: once that contract hits, so does stability. You’re suddenly looking at a locked-in RB1 in a system we trust, with a coach (Sean McVay) who’s proven he can scheme fantasy gold for a featured back.
In a dynasty world built on 2–3 year windows, that kind of value floor lets you sleep at night. Contenders get a reliable weekly base with top-8 upside. Rebuilders get time, because once the ink dries, the trade value spikes. That gives you leverage, not urgency. Kyren Williams is an asset with momentum. And those aren’t the ones you rush out the door.
This trade would leave me unsatisfied if his extension hits:
James Cook | TRADE AWAY
James Cook could easily land a contract similar, or even better, than Kyren Williams. But the role? That’s where things get murky. Ray Davis and Ty Johnson are a part of the rotation and Josh Allen will be stealing touches with scrambles and goal-line plunges. Even in a strong 2024 campaign, Cook averaged only 2 targets per game and handled less than 45% of the backfield snaps (Buffalo Bills 2024 Snap Counts | Pro-Football-Reference.com). That’s not exactly “featured back” usage.
To his credit, Cook was wildly efficient—nearly 5.0 yards per carry and 18 total touchdowns—16 on the ground. But here’s the problem: only 6 of those scores came from inside the 5-yard line, and he saw fewer than 40% of those premium touches. Top TD scorers usually dominate that area, 70%+ of inside-the-5 carries(2024 Red Zone Rushing Stats | Pro-Football-Reference.com). Unless Cook keeps breaking off long scores, that kind of touchdown production is going to be hard to repeat. This offense will stay efficient, sure, but this may be your peak window to sell before the regression kicks in.
I’m holding if I’m contending, but the market’s already getting nervous:
And 1sts are becoming tougher to come by:
Breece Hall | TRADE FOR
The Breece Hall ride since his surprising RB2 finish has been one long, slow descent. That breakout was buoyed by 76 catches and 9 touchdowns, but last season he only missed 1 game—though judging by some of those box scores, you might’ve wished he’d missed more. Then came the noise: contract year, coaching staff shakeup, and even some Ashton Jeanty rumors. Yet, Hall enters 2025 with a clean runway and a staff that wants to evaluate him.
Yes, it could be a make-or-break year, and yes, failure could mean relocation and more uncertainty and value decline. But here’s the thing: he’s just 23-years old. That’s younger than rookie RJ Harvey, and their market prices are nearly identical. I’ve seen Hall do it. He was a far superior prospect. And right now, the dynasty market is leaning into younger names while quietly ignoring the fact that Breece Hall is one. This is a calculated upside swing, and one I’m ready to take.
I’d prefer this deal:
Over this deal:
Travis Etienne | CUT
Truth be told, I’ve never been high on Travis Etienne, and his truthers made sure I heard about it when he finished as RB3 in 2023. But even then, it felt flimsy. That spike was volume-driven, propped up by Tank Bigsby’s rookie ineptitude and a lack of weapons. Fast-forward to 2024, and Bigsby found his footing—averaging nearly a yard more per carry than his teammate and pushed Etienne into more of a passing-down role. Etienne’s snap share dropped from 73% to under 48%, and the inefficiencies stayed (Pro Football Reference).
Now? A full coaching overhaul and two new running backs added to the room through the Draft. Etienne turns 26 this year, likely hits free agency in 2026, and we all know what that usually means for non-elite backs: purgatory. He’s no longer the centerpiece; he’s the sweetener in trades. The window to sell Travis Etienne for real value has closed. Get what you can now or watch the fade into irrelevance happen one quiet box score at a time.
A 2nd(ish) is about as good as it gets right now, and I’m taking it:
Wide Receivers
Zay Flowers | KEEP
I came in expecting to sell Zay Flowers as I’ve never been a full believer. But the market was surprising. I figured I’d see some solid 1st-plus offers, but outside of one shot at Brian Thomas Jr., it’s been mostly 2nd rounders and that’s not enough to move on. So, for now, I’m glad to hold. He’s the lead receiver in a Lamar Jackson-led offense. Flowers is dangerous after the catch, and Derrick Henry’s extension helps keep defenses focus a little longer. The tight ends command over a quarter of the targets, but Flowers’ ability to line up anywhere and create mismatches earned him a quarter of the team’s looks as well. That versatility keeps him firmly in the mix and the upside intact.
He earned 108 targets as a rookie and followed it up with 116 in Year 2. There’s no reason to expect a dip. Add in the possibility of a step forward in efficiency and a few more touchdowns, and he could break into that “next wave” WR tier. His role, talent, and opportunity are all locked in. This is a player you let mature—because selling low on a young WR1 in a strong offense is a mistake you’ll feel all season. Consider me a convert (especially at that market price).
I’m finally warming up to Flowers but if someone flashes Brian Thomas Jr., I’m ghosting this bandwagon:
But please, Don’t Do This:
Jordan Addison | TRADE AWAY
There’s a wide variance of opinion on Jordan Addison, and recent trades reflect it. He’s posted back-to-back WR2 finishes averaging over 100 targets in each of his first 2 seasons. But somehow, he’s considered a WR3 by most of the community. And maybe that’s the point—this might be his ceiling. If the market believes there’s room to grow, that creates real value you can capitalize on now.
Would I buy him for a 2nd? Without hesitation. But if the price is sitting in the 1st-plus range, I’m trading away. For contenders, Addison is a reliable weekly flex with splash-play upside. But if his value is peaking, this is the time to explore trades that upgrade you into a more consistent, higher-ceiling contributor. And if you’re rebuilding, this is a clean exit point. He’s a young WR, sure, but most young WRs aren’t locked into life behind Justin Jefferson.
I prefer packaging a player and picks to upgrade positions. It’s a balanced approach that creates win-win deals for both sides:
Get your 1st, plus:
Jayden Reed | TRADE FOR
I’m liking Jayden Reed more and more as the season approaches. This Packers offense is shaping up to be legit—built around a strong run game that forces defenses to play honest. Matthew Golden is a nice addition, but I’m not betting on him breaking out early. Christian Watson? Injured again, and it may take a while for him to get back (if at all). I expect Romeo Doubs to hold the WR2 role, with Dontayvion Wicks and Golden battling for scraps. But Reed? He’s the cheat code—getting the easy, high-percentage tosses that flip drives. He won’t need 100 targets to return meaningful value.
Yes, the lows last season were ugly, and that’s what most people remember. But that’s exactly where the value window opens. He’ll have some more down weeks, but if this offense takes another step forward, Reed is positioned to benefit in a big way. He’s flying under the radar in most leagues, making him a prime buy. A 2nd from a contender gets it done. Even a mid-to-late 2nd from a rebuilder could turn into a strong ROI if Love and company keep leveling up.
Jayden Reed for a 2nd, yes please:
Josh Downs | CUT
When I say “cut,” it doesn’t mean the player is bad—it means the window to sell has likely closed, and the value isn’t coming back. Downs is a solid NFL receiver, no doubt. But we play fantasy football, and in this game, stats matter. He’s averaged over 100 targets across his first 2 seasons, but the fantasy finishes? A top 48 WR and top 36 WR, that production isn’t moving the needle. Worse even, 66 of those 107 targets last year came during Joe Flacco’s 7-game stretch (Pro Football Reference). That’s not a sustainable lifeline.
In 2025, 100% of the passes will be coming from Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, and that’s the *best-*case scenario. Add in a high-profile weapon like Tyler Warren and the expected 2nd-year leap from Adonai Mitchell, and it’s hard to see where the volume comes from. The arrow is pointing down, fast. Downs probably needs a change of scenery, but those are Hail Mary plays. He’ll be on NFL rosters for years. I just don’t see a reason for him to be on mine.
These are the deals of Josh Down’s dynasty present, and the future is only getting bleaker:
Tight Ends
Isaiah Likely | KEEP
There’s a lot to appreciate about Isaiah Likely. He turned 25 and looks like the clear successor to Mark Andrews in Baltimore, and that opportunity may present itself sooner than later. He’s shown he can handle the role when called upon, flashing a diverse route tree, red-zone ability, and impressive run-after-catch skills. When Andrews missed time, Likely didn’t just fill in—he produced—and could be a difference maker.
This isn’t about hype, it’s about trajectory. Tight ends who can actually make a fantasy difference are rare, and Likely has already shown enough to bet on that upside. If the choice is between a handful of late picks or holding Likely, I’m holding. He’s not a flier anymore, he’s one of the few backup tight ends with a path to true relevance, and I’ve seen enough to believe it’s a real one.
Dalton Kincaid | TRADE FOR
The drop heard around Buffalo, magnified by the playoff heartbreak and another Josh Allen miracle wiped away, has stuck to Dalton Kincaid into the offseason. His fantasy stock has dipped, and many are ready to move on for whatever the market offers. That’s exactly when you lean in. In tight end premium formats especially, I’ve seen deals pop up that are too good to pass on. The sting of last season’s disappointment is real, but there are many reasons not to bail.
Kincaid remains raw, even after two NFL seasons. Remember when we used to give tight ends a few years to fully develop? He also played through significant injuries, a collarbone issue in Week 6 that didn’t sideline him but likely impacted his ability, and a knee injury later that took him out for a couple weeks and lingered beyond. It wasn’t the sophomore season we hoped for, but he saw consistent usage, often drawing 6 or more targets. Outside of Allen, Buffalo’s offense is tough to peg—but that’s also what makes Kincaid a sneaky buy at his current price. The upside is there, and this dip might be your best chance to grab it.
I received this during a rookie draft, was an easy decision
Cade Otton | CUT
I had a lot of Cade Otton waiver pickups turn into a nice value boost, but I’m not getting greedy—I think he’s hit his ceiling. That 3-game stretch with 25 catches on 31 targets was fun, and I used that window to cash out where I could. Coming into this offseason, there was a decent shot he’d land a long-term extension—and that’s still possible—which should stir up one last flash of hype.
But Tampa Bay added a 1st Round wide receiver to an already crowded pass-catching group, and Otton isn’t cracking the top five options in this offense. If there’s any meat on the bone, now’s the time to cut bait and collect those late dart throws off the back of any lingering buzz. Solid player, but for fantasy? I’m out.
I’d take this if I could:
Final Thought | Keep Trade Cut
You won’t be right 100% of the time—no one is. But in dynasty, inaction can be as costly as a bad trade. Letting fear of the unknown keep you on the sidelines leads to stale rosters and missed opportunities. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Stay active, stay intentional, and trust your process. Because the teams that win long-term aren’t the ones that always guess right, they’re the ones that keep evolving.
Other Keep Trade Cut Articles
Check back this Friday for our IDP Keep Trade Cut. In case you missed it, here is the rookie edition:
