In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by Hims:

A massive conversation is brewing over on Dynasty Reddit (yes, that’s a thing!) about which previous trades dynasty managers most regret making in their leagues.

The top comment in that thread—as of the time of this writing—comes from Reddit user CowboysSchmeatRider:

 

Ouch, SchmeatRider. Very ouch. 

The overall logic absolutely makes sense, though. How often does a Puka Nacua type—Day 3 draft pick with a bonafide stud receiver ahead of him on the depth chart—actually stick? (Though part of me thinks this trade was done simply to drop the portmanteau “Fluka Nacua” in the league chat, but I digress.)

Knowing when to go all in or when to throw the hot potato at your leaguemate’s face is a tricky thing. And I’d like to help! So let’s take this fine Saturday to run through some trade exercises, so you know how to handle them in your own leagues ...

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Trade Exercise #1 – NFL Trade Alert

Oh look, the worst NFL GM you know just made a good trade! (Maybe.) A few days ago, the Cowboys traded for George Pickens, and as you can imagine, the internet is divided about who this actually benefits.

Ian Hartitz broke down the fantasy ramifications for redraft, which was also covered in Thursday’s newsletter, but let’s look at this through a dynasty lens: 

In the long term, Pickens’ value depends on whether Jerry Jones is willing to play ball with his contract. But the talent is obvious, and a better chance to prove himself this year should help get him paid somewhere, even if it’s not in Dallas.

This changes little for CeeDee Lamb’s value in the short and long term, but having Pickens’ skillset on the field could improve his efficiency and help keep him healthy.

The Steelers already showed their hand when they brought in DK Metcalf and paid him a ton of money. (And in dynasty, we always follow the money.) So this shouldn’t have been that big of a surprise. Metcalf should dominate the target share for years to come now that he doesn’t have to enter every huddle doing the Spider Man finger-pointing meme.

Dak Prescott gets a much-needed perimeter weapon to help re-establish himself as a fringe QB1, while “whoever” plays QB for the Steelers no longer has to deal with his two best wide receivers fighting between snaps. Win-win.

So I’d send trade offers for Pickens (banking on the talent and a forthcoming contract), Lamb (if the manager thinks Pickens hurts his value), and Prescott (who’s been nearly written off in the dynasty community).

Metcalf should be traded if a manager in your league now values him as a top-12 receiver, otherwise, he’s a hold.

RANKINGS TO IMPROVE YOUR TRADE OFFERS

Trade Exercise #2 – The Hype Man Cometh

Nothing drives fantasy football markets into a tizzy like random hype. Preseason highlights, quotes from a coach taken out of context, heck, sometimes just a googly eyes emoji on a social media post can send people into a tailspin.

And I’d like to say the dynasty community is impervious to such things, because our focus is so much broader. But sometimes …

 

I’d be livid at myself, too, Yogurt. 

This trade is basically the reverse-Puka from earlier. A couple of preseason passes had this (surely very nice and decent) dynasty manager questioning a year’s worth of mediocre QB play from Kenny Pickett.

When you feel overwhelmed by this kind of hype, just ask yourself this: Does the play on the field (or the stats in the spreadsheets) actually back it up?

And yes, I know C.J. Stroud disappointed in his second season, but he’s nowhere near Pickett levels of #done. Speaking of which, see where Sam Wallace ranks Stroud among other recently drafted QBs below.

COULD STROUD STILL BE ELITE?

Trade Exercise #3 – Rookie Picks (Or Not To Pick? That Is the Question)

Every year, dynasty managers find themselves on the clock in a rookie draft with their heads swimming, trying to decide who to take. Our own “Pistol” Pete Overzet (shown above) was in this very situation, paralyzed by whom to take at the 2.02.

But to Pete (and you) I say: Why choose? This isn’t redraft. And it sure as shootin’ ain’t best ball. There’s no rule saying you have to make that pick. In fact, the best time to get top value for your rookie picks is during your rookie drafts.

So if you have multiple viable options on the board with little to no preference between them, maybe trade back a few spots. Then pick whoever’s left and pocket the extra coin your leaguemate gave to move up the board. (This is why I love using Dwain’s tiers in addition to rookie rankings, by the way.)

Or if you don’t like any of the options on the board, trade that pick away entirely. Look ahead to the 2026 draft class and trade this year’s pick for a future pick. Or trade it for an established player you already feel confident in. Just don’t lock yourself into a rookie pick.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2026 DRAFT CLASS

Around the Watercooler

The latest fantasy nuggets, silliness, and NFL gossip from our merry band of football nerds.

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👨‍⚖️ Hot takes should be defended in the court of law. Enter the PPR’s Court.

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🚀 Could Marvin Mims build off his strong end to last season? He just might …

💨 If you ain’t first, you’re last. Ricky Bobby logic applies to breakouts, too.

🥲 How can you not romanticize these memories? The good ol’ days.