Trade Targets To Act On NOW

Trade Targets for Contenders

Obviously, you shouldn’t target old guys just because they’re old. (This is fantasy football, not The Expendables.) But while you’re in a prime position to nab that championship, it’s OK to dip into a redraft-esque mindset.

That’s why I’m going after George Kittle. And you should, too.

Kittle is 31 years old but signed a massive 4-year contract with the 49ers this offseason that makes him the league’s highest-paid tight end.

San Francisco’s skill position unit has a whole bunch of question marks hovering over it—mostly injury concerns and/or relative inexperience—so it’s not unreasonable to expect Kittle to lead the team in targets.

Dwain McFarland is all over drafting Kittle this season. Here’s what he had to say:

“...The veteran tight end demonstrated considerable target-earning upside in consolidated offenses early in his career.

• 2018: 24% targets, 26% targets per route run (TPRR), 16.0 PPG

• 2019: 25% targets, 31% TPRR, 15.9 PPG

• 2020: 22% targets, 28% TPRR, 15.6 PPG

“During that time period, Kittle's yards per route run (YPRR) looked more like Julio Jones than a tight end with marks 2.82, 3.12, and 2.84. Last season, he notched a juicy 2.62 YPRR. If Kittle approaches a 23 to 24% target share with Brock Purdy, we could get a massive spike season. While we love Brock Bowers and Trey McBride, Kittle has the skillset to attack more layers of the field and is a yards-after-the-catch machine.”

Other targets for contenders: Alvin Kamara, Courtland Sutton

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Trade Targets for Rebuilders

As a rebuilding team, two types of players should have you drooling like you’re in a chicken wing commercial before the chicken wings show up: 

1. Those with tremendous long-term potential but little chance of scoring fantasy points in your lineup now, thus helping secure last place and the 1.01 rookie pick next year. 

2. Those with an obvious “path to hype.” Guys you don’t necessarily believe in long-term, but are most likely to benefit from coachspeak or training camp highlights. Guys you can then flip to another team.

Sam Wallace assembled a list of deep dynasty stashes that fit the former, but I’d like to single out Jarquez Hunter.

It may seem counterintuitive to trade for a running back, since that’s the last position you should worry about as a rebuilder. But a backup who’s one injury away from a 300-touch ceiling and can be had for relative pennies is exactly the type of asset to go after.

Here’s a reminder of the Rams backfield:

• Kyren Williams, a fifth-round draft pick in 2022.

• Blake Corum, a third-round draft pick in 2024.

• Jarquez Hunter, a fourth-round draft pick in 2025.

None of these guys are guaranteed roles because of draft capital.

More from Sam:

“The appeal for Hunter is I'm pegging him as someone to target TWO years from now. Let's assume Williams gets his deal … now fast-forward two years. He's two years into his contract, and maybe there's an opt-out built in for the team. Maybe an injury pops up somewhere over his next 600+ touches.”

Other targets for rebuilders: Rome Odunze, Brenton Strange

Trade Targets for Tweeners

In a lot of my dynasty leagues, managers in this situation seem almost giddy to pick up their hammer and start the rebuild process. They’d rather craft the trophy case than go after the actual trophy.

But not me. Life’s too short to throw yourself into a rebuild unless the wheels are completely coming off. 

So let’s do this carefully. Your first move shouldn’t be to trade for Derrick Henry. The goal is to get young-ish players that you expect to hit big this year, but who won’t “break the bank” if they don’t. Players who should still deliver in the long run.

Unless you already have an elite quarterback, let’s float some trade offers for Drake Maye, who Rob Waziak pegged as a 2025 breakout. 

From Waz:

“This year, Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels took over as HC and OC, respectively, replacing Jerod Mayo and Alex Van Pelt. Vrabel’s run-first grit, like the 2019 Titans with Ryan Tannehill’s play-action punch, pairs with McDaniels’ Brady-era route smarts to sharpen Maye’s 6-foot-4 frame, big arm, and legs into a dual-threat force.”

Other targets for tweeners: George Pickens, Zay Flowers

Trivia Time: Dynamic Duos

If in yesterday’s newsletter you guessed Jahmyr Gibbs, Derrick Henry, and James Cook, you’re cookin’ with trivia! Today we’re making it tougher on you. No multiple choice. You have to guess them (and no peaking at another window on your web browser):

Before 2024, no NFL squad had ever had two players with at least 12 rushing touchdowns in the same season. However, three different teams accomplished that feat last year. Can you name them?

In the meantime, Sam Wallace has some RB committees for you to consider for the coming season and beyond, from a dynasty perspective. Check them out. 👇🏼

Around the Watercooler

The latest NFL news and fantasy football analysis from our merry band of football nerds:

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⚡️ Mom, wake up. The internet’s arguing about Justin Herbert again.

⛳️ Super Smash Bros., beer pong, golf? Fore! Plenty ways to decide your league’s draft order.

🐴 Should Bo Nix be treated like Patrick Mahomes in fantasy? The boys break down expectations for the Broncos.

🤔 Draft or Pass? Adam and Kendall run through a gauntlet of player questions.

🚫 Matthew Freedman will NOT draft Amon-Ra St. Brown. So please stop asking him.

🐠 Live Scott Fish Bowl drafters in Australia, Lithuania, Mexico City, Brazil, London, LA, Minnesota, Charlotte, Houston, and Orlando, take our tool with you.