As we put 2024 in the rearview mirror and turn our attention to next year, we have to start looking at targets we can acquire for cheap to help our team accrue value. Here are eight players I’m actively targeting in my dynasty leagues and the logic behind each acquisition. Hopefully, you can find some nuggets to help your team get better for 2025.

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8 Dynasty Players to Acquire Before Free Agency

Justin Herbert (QB – LAC)

I think a lot of dynasty managers are considering Justin Herbert as a sell candidate thanks to offensive coordinator Greg Roman. In Roman’s 10 NFL seasons, he’s finished in the bottom five in terms of pass attempts nine times. Read that again. Nine out of 10 years. Roman’s offense has passed the fewer less than almost every team. That isn’t great news for a quarterback you want throwing the ball a lot.

While I understand this may be scary for Herbert and his potential output, I’m buying Herbert right now. I think the Chargers are going to add weapons around him, either through free agency or the draft. I’m not sure I want to go into the 2025 season with Herbert as my QB1, but between now and the start of the season, I wouldn’t be shocked if his value gets a bump. Buy now and wait until they sign someone flashy before flipping him for a profit.

D’Andre Swift (RB – CHI)

Another big coaching change occurred in Chicago with the addition of the best offensive mind of this coaching cycle. Ben Johnson moved from offensive coordinator of the Lions to head coach of the division-rival Bears.

As soon as I was thinking of players for this article, D’Andre Swift was the obvious choice. Johnson loved using his running backs in Detroit, specifically Jahmyr Gibbs, which bodes very well for Swift. With all their more glaring needs, I don’t see Chicago adding another back, which would leave Swift as the No. 1 RB or the top back of a committee, at a minimum. Much like Herbert, buy now and hold on for a profit later.

Jerome Ford (RB – CLE)

Jerome Ford makes this list because he’s likely going to be the only back left on a team with a lot of holes. There are a lot of rumors of the Browns drafting a quarterback this year and finally moving on from Deshaun Watson. Defensive end Myles Garrett has requested a trade and Nick Chubb is a shell of his former self (and he’s also a free agent).

There’s a world where Ford quietly puts up RB10 numbers and is a solid depth piece for a contending dynasty team team to acquire now. The Browns are a mess today, but fantasy points don’t care how pretty NFL teams are. Ford could be a league winner this year. His price is dirt cheap as we head into rookie drafts. Use our dynasty trade calculator to gauge his value.

Jaylen Waddle (WR – MIA)

Jaylen Waddle’s teammate Tyreek Hill seems to have worn out his welcome in Miami, potentially forcing Waddle into the No. 1 WR role. I’m not sure if Waddle can handle it, or if he’ll need to, but I’m trying to add him now before the dust settles.

I prefer buying risky players with a lot of upside. Even if the Dolphins add someone in free agency to compete with Waddle for targets, Waddle should get his. Adding him now just seems like the best time to buy low.

Rome Odunze (WR – CHI)

Much like D’Andre Swift, I’m expecting a good sophomore season for Rome Odunze thanks to the addition of Ben Johnson as head coach. Caleb Williams didn’t look all that bad when he was given the time to perform, but if I were taking over the Bears, the offensive line would be the first place I’d address.

Johnson knows how important time is to a quarterback’s rhythm. He’ll get it done and help protect Williams. This should allow him to get the ball to all of his weapons, which includes Odunze. I’m excited to see how he steps up after a solid rookie campaign.

Deebo Samuel (WR – SF)

It feels like everyone has an opinion on Deebo Samuel. Mine is simple: If he does get traded, and the price is right, I want him on my dynasty team. Some managers are all out on him now that he’s asked out of San Francisco.

Samuel didn’t look great last year and is currently the WR29 in dynasty expert consensus rankings (ECR). That’s WR3 territory, which means his price should be pretty cheap, even in PPR leagues. If he stays on the Niners, my outlook won’t be as high, as the team seems willing to move on. If he doesn’t get traded I fear he becomes a Calvin Ridley-type with a low floor but a high ceiling. That’s too risky for.

T.J. Hockenson (TE – MIN)

Perhaps I’m the only one left on this island, but I’m buying T.J. Hockenson wherever I can. He struggled last year in 10 games on a very successful team. They didn’t need Hockenson to do what they did.

However, a healthy Hockenson coming back to this team is still worth keeping. I doubt the Vikings sign or add another tight end in the draft. Whether Sam Darnold comes back or not, I’m expecting Hockenson to bounce back to his 2023 self. Even if he’s just a little off, I think the team will use him more, which means he should be worth more than last year.

Cade Otton (TE – TB)

Further down the list of tight ends, I’m buying Cade Otton. He’s currently ranked as the dynasty TE20. He finished 2024 as the TE14 overall and TE11 in PPR points per game while missing three games. I highly doubt Tampa will add another tight end of note in free agency or the draft with how well Otton performed.

Dynasty managers are writing his output off as a fluke. I’m not so sure. Baker Mayfield sure seemed to have a connection with Otton, helping him average six targets per game. I think that keeps up or even gets better, so I’m snatching him up whenever I can if his current manager is willing to move on.

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Andrew Hall is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Andrew, check out his profile and follow him @AndrewHallFF.