Timing is everything in fantasy football, especially in dynasty leagues. Now is the time to move off assets that may depreciate due to NFL Free Agency. Conversely, you should be looking to acquire the names that could rise as a result of the veteran player movement.
Here are six players I recommend targeting before the negation period begins on March 13.
- Dynasty Trade Value Chart
- How to Prepare for Your Dynasty Rookie Draft
- 2023 Dynasty Rookie Rankings
- Latest Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft
Players to Acquire Before NFL Free Agency
Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NEP)
Damien Harris is a free agent, and New England will likely let Harris walk, leaving Rhamondre Stevenson as the primary back. Temper expectations because the Patriots traditionally use a committee and have two young backs – Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris – available to supplement Stevenson. But Stevenson is a proven asset with three-down back capabilities. If the Stevenson manager in your league is skeptical of the potential for a committee, snag Stevenson at a moderate value that could pay off if he sees the majority of snaps.
Mike Gesicki (TE – MIA)
Mike Gesicki’s value bottomed out this year as he finished as the PPR TE23. After 73 receptions on 112 targets and 780 yards in 2021, Gesicki’s production took a dramatic turn with just 32 receptions on 52 targets for 362 yards. This production dip had less to do with Gesicki’s capabilities and more with him simply being a poor fit for Mike McDaniel’s offense. Gesicki will likely exit in free agency to one of the many teams seeking a new tight end. He’s a cheap buy with a near guarantee to perform better in a new situation.
Chris Godwin (WR – TB)
Tampa Bay lost Tom Brady and has no quarterback on the roster capable of moving the team in a positive direction. However, that doesn’t mean they’re a lock for going into a rebuild. All major offensive contributors are under contract for Tampa Bay. It’s possible they could sign a veteran to lead such a strong roster. Godwin averaged 11.8 PPR points per game in Weeks 1 through 9 and averaged 17.5 in Weeks 10 through 18, as he continued to return to form post-ACL injury. With the right veteran, Godwin should carry his back-half production into 2023.
James Cook (RB – BUF)
With Devin Singletary potentially exiting in free agency, James Cook could be the lead back in Buffalo. However, the Bills may use the draft to find an early-down back. The 2023 draft class is rich in big, bruising running backs, so this acquisition does come with risk, and you should not overpay for Cook. But Cook excelled on the ground in 2022, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Cook should maintain a strong presence in the Bills backfield with high upside in PPR formats.
Tony Pollard (RB – DAL)
Despite sharing the backfield with Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard finished as RB8 in PPR in both PPR and standard scoring, averaging 15.6 points per game in PPR. Pollard suffered a fractured fibula in the Cowboys’ loss divisional playoff loss to the 49ers. While Pollard’s injury was severe, he should be ready for the 2023 season and is still a valuable asset to any team. That team could still be the Cowboys. With Elliott declining in performance, the Cowboys could franchise tag Pollard. He would remain in a split backfield but should continue to thrive as the more productive back. Buy Pollard as franchise tag rumors continue to swirl, and reap the benefits when he surpasses Elliott as the Cowboys’ RB1 and hits the 2024 free agency market as one of the league’s top backs.
Marquise Brown (WR – ARI)
Marquise Brown is an excellent buy-low option, with the Cardinals entering a potential rebuild. Several factors are knocking down Brown’s value, including the change in coaching staff and Kyler Murray‘s injury timeline. But there is some potential upside. The Cardinals are likely to trade DeAndre Hopkins, and his absence would leave Brown as the unquestioned WR1 for the Cardinals. Brown will likely be inconsistent while Murray is out, but he is worth the long-term investment. In the first six games of the 2022 season, Brown averaged 18.3 PPR points per game and was the WR6. He is a potential WR1, priced as a low-end WR2.
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