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This is a period of anxious inactivity for dynasty fantasy football players everywhere, yet I still see a lot of action going on in my Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC) leagues. The rookie drafts are not approaching yet, and we can only watch and wait for free agent moves in the NFL.
So many dynasty leaguers are trying to make things happen, as they are always looking to improve their teams during the offseason. Some make trades to fill clear needs, and others do so because they see it as a fun and necessary exercise when the offseason is “too quiet.”
If you are looking to improve your roster with the right moves, rather than just trading for the sake of trading, here are some dynasty targets that you should deal for right now. Several of them could see their values rebound in 2022.
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Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
Many fantasy players are down on Elliott and are foreseeing a near future in which he gives way to Tony Pollard more often. But Elliott reportedly played through a torn PCL since Week 4 of the 2021 season, which can explain why he did not play at his expected levels. He is also going to be 27 years old when the next season starts, which likely gives him another good two to three years of performing at a high level if he stays healthy. I am not quite ready to signal the end of his prime just yet. If your dynasty team appears to be on the verge of winning in the next year or two, buying on Elliott now could be a move that propels your team to the top in 2022 and/or 2023.
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
The 2021 season was another one of frustration for those who took a chance on Barkley, as he was injured again and never regained his ideal form. Now there are trade rumors surrounding Barkley, but he will not be rehabbing from a major injury this offseason and there are still good potential campaigns ahead of him in what may be his final year with the Giants. Whether it’s with the Giants or not, Barkley could still be headed to a bounce-back season in a contract year, and you should take the gamble that he does.
It's possible for Saquon Barkley to surpass expectations in 2022, compared to his average draft position.
I don't care what they say, I'm drafting him without hesitation. pic.twitter.com/jx5cGLZejl
— Moody (@EricNMoody) February 26, 2022
David Montgomery, Chicago Bears
He missed some time with a knee sprain this past season, but he still averaged over 20 touches per game. The outlook for the Chicago offense can only improve in 2022, as Justin Fields will get better and the RPO offense should start to emerge as a more effective attack. Montgomery can also finish off more scoring drives with TD runs next season. We may have not seen Montgomery’s best fantasy season yet. New offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will certainly know that Montgomery can operate as a significant focal point of the Bears game plans.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
After Mitchell’s terrific rookie season, there are still many non-believers out there. Kyle Shanahan has a history of utilizing RBs in timeshares or committees, and there is still widespread dynasty faith in the future of Trey Sermon because of where he was drafted initially by San Francisco. There are also concerns about Deebo Samuel continuing to cut into the upside of the 49ers' RBs. Someone in my FFPC dynasty league offered me Mitchell for a first-round pick, which I turned down because I don’t have the need for a third RB to the point where I would surrender a first-rounder. But for a lesser price in a trade, I would certainly take a chance that Mitchell will continue to be the most productive RB on the 49ers roster.
Elijah Moore, New York Jets
Savvy dynasty leaguers know that Moore could be on the verge of a breakout, but acquiring him might be all about how you package or sell it. Moore may be able to be landed as part of a two or three-player deal, especially if you downplay the outlook of the Jets offense and the quarterback situation. Play the “I don’t really want him but I will take him as part of our deal” angle and get Moore on your roster before he truly busts out in his second pro season.
Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons
The time to strike on Ridley is now, before the Falcons likely deal him away. There is a significant air of uncertainty around Ridley, but when he returns, we have little doubt about what he can contribute. The person who currently rosters Ridley in your league may be more inclined to move him now while there is little active news about him, while he will be much harder to trade for by the summer.
Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos
The appeal on Jeudy is low after he missed seven games in 2021, and never found the end zone. Denver is hoping to improve its quarterback situation, and Jeudy would get an obvious boost if the Aaron Rodgers fantasy becomes a reality. But there is a good possibility that Denver will not make a significant upgrade at the position. If and when it becomes clear that Rodgers is not leaving Green Bay, move on Jeudy. There is still talent and upside to merit taking the shot on him. He will be just 23 years old when the new season starts and there should be much better days and years ahead.
Kadarius Toney, New York Giants
Injuries just about fully ruined Toney’s rookie season, and it may not take much to get him in a deal. He does remind me of Percy Harvin, because Toney can be incredibly explosive if he stays healthy. Hopefully, he proves to be ultimately more durable than Harvin in the seasons ahead. Yes, the Giants QB situation certainly does not look good, but if Toney can stay on the field next season, he will start demonstrating that he can be a versatile playmaker who will threaten defenses a lot when he gets the ball in his hands.
Kadarius Toney is so shifty. Put the ball in his hands. pic.twitter.com/ZE5cjk4Pi2
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 10, 2021
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
He is not really “old” for a quarterback at 33. Smart dynasty players realize that you should not always look five to 10 years in the future and view the window of success in somewhat shorter increments. Wilson is coming off the first season of his career in which he dealt with injuries, and he will be determined to bounce back in 2022 while still giving fantasy players another two to three good years beyond next season. If your dynasty team needs an upgrade at QB and is also on the verge of contending for a title, trading for Wilson could be a nifty move to set yourself up at the position for the next few seasons.
Irv Smith Jr., Minnesota Vikings
A torn meniscus caused Smith to miss the 2021 regular season. Review the depth chart of the team that is rostering Smith, and if they have another respectable option, then a trade may be possible. Smith should emerge as a more significant part of the Minnesota offense in 2022, and while some other dynasty players in your league may be well aware of a possible breakout, he will be easier to acquire now than when he starts generating more preseason buzz in the summer.
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