Dynasty Trade Values: NFL Free Agency Edition

With NFL free agency well underway, we’ve seen several notable signings that should drastically change the dynasty landscape. If you missed the article by @force_fantasy covering the biggest winners and losers from free agency, you can check that out here. In this article, I’ll cover where I believe these player values now lie in terms of rookie picks. I’ll run through all fantasy-relevant players who have signed with new teams and base my values on a Superflex, PPR, TEP format in dynasty. 

Sam Darnold – Seattle Seahawks

Sam Darnold’s breakout year in 2024 earned him a multi-year deal as an NFL starting quarterback. Unfortunately for Darnold, the Vikings grabbed J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, so he was never likely to stick around in Minnesota. Only Jaxon Smith-Njigba remains on the Seahawks’ receiving corps, so his situation is clearly worse. However, being a starter means stock up for Darnold. 

Dynasty Value: 2025 late 1st (1.10-1.11)

Justin Fields – New York Jets

Fields signed a 2-year, $40M deal with New York, suggesting he’ll be the starter for 2025 but will have a short leash. He’ll link back up with his old college teammate, Garrett Wilson. This is a slight stock down for Wilson but a major stock up for Fields. He may not be a good real-life talent, but Fields has QB1 upside in fantasy when he sees the field. 

Dynasty Value: 2025 late 1st/early 2nd (1.12 – 2.02)

Daniel Jones – Indianapolis Colts

I doubt Colts fans are thrilled about this one, but I like the landing spot for Danny Dimes. He signed a 1-year, $14M deal to challenge Anthony Richardson for the QB1 spot. If he can earn a starting role anywhere, I guess it would be here. 

Dynasty Value: 2025 late 3rd or random 2026 3rd

Najee Harris – Los Angeles Chargers

Najee is alive and well, landing in arguably the most fortuitous spot this offseason under HC Jim Harbaugh. This doesn’t necessarily mean J.K. Dobbins is gone, but Najee should be the starter. He’s a good contending target if the price is right. Remember: this is just a 1-year deal. 

Dynasty value: 2025 mid 2nd

Rico Dowdle – Carolina Panthers

Dallas elected to sign Javonte Williams to a 1-year, $3M deal, resulting in Rico signing with Carolina to be Chuba Hubbard‘s backup. Slight stock down for Chuba, as last year he had zero competition and saw basically every touch. It might be closer to a 65/35 split now. I don’t love this for Rico, but he has a contingent upside. 

Dynasty Value: Any future 3rd

Javonte Williams – Dallas Cowboys

As mentioned above, Javonte is now a Cowboy, but don’t get too excited. Dallas is taking an RB in the draft, maybe as early as Round 1. Javonte got backup money. The dream may be over, but like Rico, he has contingent upside. 

Dynasty Value: Any future 3rd

Elijah Mitchell – Kansas City Chiefs

Some dynasty folks on X were pretty excited about this one, and understandably so. As a rookie in 2021, Mitchell showed a lot of promise as a rusher. Unfortunately, his injury history is longer than Diddy’s rap sheet. He signed for 1-year, $2.5M. He’ll be the RB2 at best and probably the RB3, assuming KC grabs a running back in the draft. 

Dynasty Value: 2025 early 4th

Davante Adams – Los Angeles Rams

Davante signing with LA, followed by former Triple Crown winner Cooper Kupp being released, will push Adams up the dynasty ranks a bit. While I consider Matthew Stafford a better real-life quarterback than Aaron Rodgers at this point in their careers, I’m not sure Adams is in a better situation. He was getting peppered with targets in New York, seeing over 10 per game. But since Rodgers was leaving regardless, this is a good consolation spot for Adams. 

Dynasty Value: 2025 late 2nd or random 2026 2nd

Josh Palmer – Buffalo Bills

Again, I saw some excitement around Palmer signing with the Bills, as Josh Allen may now have someone who can separate deep. He may prove me wrong, but Palmer is mostly off my radar. He’s coming off a season where he earned just a 15% target share and 1.49 yards per route run. This was on a Chargers team with no real competition outside of Ladd McConkey. The contract is nice, but I’m worried he’ll be a non-factor.

Dynasty Value: 2025 late 3rd

Evan Engram – Denver Broncos

HC Sean Payton got his Joker, signing Evan Engram to a 2-year, $23M deal. In the short term, Engram is the clear TE1 for Denver and arguably the top pass catcher for Bo Nix in 2025. In the long term, I’d be hesitant to invest too heavily in a 30-year-old tight end entering Year 9. But depending on the premium placed on TE receptions, he may be worth paying up for on a strong contending team. 

Dynasty Value: 2025 early/mid 2nd (1.0 TEP), 2025 late 2d (less than 1.0 TEP)

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and I hope you got some valuable information you can use for your fantasy team! If you’d like additional insight into Dynasty Football news and analysis, please follow me on Twitter at @jim_DFF. Until next time, keep grinding out there, DFF family! #DFFArmy #AlwaysBeBuilding