One of the easiest ways to predict future fantasy football performance is to look at past performance. Guys who have had a lot of success in fantasy football are likely to continue having success. There are exceptions (see Brian Thomas, Jr.) and new players burst onto the scene every year (see Matthew Golden this season), but the past is a reliable indicator of the future. With trade deadlines fast approaching, I want to look at why you would want to trade for a former (and in some cases current) fantasy star and why you might want to trade that same player away.
There is something to be said about name value. Most managers would prefer to look at their roster and see DK Metcalf in their flex instead of Malik Washington because they know Metcalf has done it before. Washington is outscoring Metcalf by a point and a half per game this season, but it feels safer to play Metcalf because of his past.
This name brand quality also applies to trades. When you trade for a known commodity, you are likely going to have to pay a premium. That player’s reputation carries weight. That added cost also helps your return if you are selling a well-known player with a productive past.
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Dynasty Trade Watch for NFL Week 9
Lamar Jackson, Ravens QB
Jackson is on IR and likely done for the year due to a thumb injury he suffered on the first play of last week’s loss to the Bills. His dynasty value has taken a hit, but he’s still worth trading for or away because of his pedigree. Jackson has been the number one quarterback in fantasy twice in his career (’19, ’24).
Why would you trade for him:
If you want to kickstart your rebuild and contend next season. Perhaps you have a young core that you think is ready to make a run for the title in 2027. Jackson could be the piece that puts your team over the top.
Why would you trade him away now:
If you have a reasonable shot at the title and need a competent replacement. If you can get someone to help the rest of this season and some future upside, it might be worth selling right now even at a discounted price. You might also be in a position where you thought you would contend this season, but you’ve fallen out of the playoff race and want to rebuild.
Suggested trade offers for Jackson:
- Jared Goff and Zach Charbonnet
- CJ Stroud and DK Metcalf
- Fernando Mendoza and a 2027 2nd-round pick
Christian McCaffrey, 49ers RB
McCaffrey, like Jackson, is a first-ballot fantasy football hall of famer. He has thrice led all running backs in points (’19, ’23, ’25) and each time it was by a wide margin. He’s in his 10th year in the league and has a lot of miles on his body, but there’s still some tread left.
Why would you trade for him:
If you want to get your contending team over the line. CMC is a top four running back in points per game so far this season. When healthy, he can carry your team to wins when the rest of your roster disappoints.
Why would you trade him away now:
If you thought you were going to contend this year, but the season hasn’t gone your way. McCaffrey is 30 years old. He had more than 400 touches in 2025. This might be your last chance to sell him for a significant return.
Suggested trade offers for McCaffrey:
- Cam Skattebo and a 2027 2nd-round pick
- Breece Hall and a 2027 3rd-round pick
- Colston Loveland
Jonathan Taylor, Colts RB
Taylor has been a dominant fantasy running back since he came into the league in 2020. He finished as the RB1 in 2021 and the RB2 in 2025. He’s the biggest name being bandied about ahead of the NFL trade deadline, which leaves his future as an elite fantasy running back in jeopardy.
Why would you trade for him:
Running backs are currency in fantasy football. Taylor is currently RB5 in points scored this season. If he stays in Indianapolis, he’ll be the best player on the offense and get a ton of volume. If he’s traded to a team looking to contend, he’ll be on a better team and have more touchdown upside.
Why would you trade him away now:
He turns 28 in January and will likely decline going forward. Selling now, especially if he gets traded to a good team, will maximize your return and help build your dynasty team for the future.
Suggested trade offers for Taylor:
- Jonah Coleman and a 2028 1st-round pick (unless he gets traded to Denver, of course)
- Quinshon Judkins, a 2027 2nd-round pick, and a 2028 3rd-round pick
- TreVeyon Henderson and a 2027 1st-round pick
Stefon Diggs, Commanders WR
Diggs had six straight 1000+ seasons during his prime in Minnesota and Buffalo. During that time, he finished as the WR3 in fantasy in 2020 and as the WR4 in 2022. Since then, he has continued to produce. He was on pace to have another 1000+ season with the Texans in 2024 before he tore his ACL. Then, he eclipsed the 1000-yard mark as a member of the Patriots in 2025. Now, with Terry McLaurin out, he is the first option for Jayden Daniels and the Commanders.
Why would you trade for him now:
Diggs will instantly raise the floor of your flex and improve your WR room for the stretch run this season. He is a relatively cheap option that will get a lot of targets as the de facto WR1 in Washington.
Why would you trade him away now:
If you don’t think you have a legitimate chance to win your league this season, you should maximize your future flexibility and trade Diggs for picks or young players. Diggs turns 33 later this month. He isn’t going to help your rebuilding roster.
Suggested trade offers for Diggs:
- 2027 3rd-round pick
- Eli Stowers
- Ricky Pearsall
Justin Jefferson, Vikings WR
In Jefferson’s first five NFL seasons, he averaged 99 catches, 1486 yards, and 8 touchdowns. And that includes a season in which he only played 10 games due to injury.  He was the WR1 in 2022 and the WR2 in 2024. Last season, he was the WR27. A lot of that decline has been attributed to bad quarterback play. This season, with Kyler Murray at the helm, Jefferson is WR18 in fantasy points per game.
Why would you trade for him now:
Jefferson could be viewed as a buy-low candidate. He is still an elite receiver, but he’s trapped in a struggling offense. Plus, he’s only 27 years old, so if you can get him at a mild discount, he could pay off for the next 3-4 years.
Why would you trade him away now:
Maybe you think Jefferson will never return to the elite WR he was during his first five seasons. If you are out of the title race this year, it might be smart to sell a huge name at an inflated price to accelerate your rebuild.
Suggested trade offers for Jefferson:
Carnell Tate and a 2027 3rd-round pick
KC Concepcion and a 2027 2nd-round pick
DeVonta Smith and Brian Thomas, Jr.
Check out all of our Week 9 Rankings: Flex Rankings | QB Rankings | RB Rankings | WR Rankings | TE Rankings | MOP Rankings
George Kittle, 49ers TE
Kittle is a beast. He has finished as a Top 5 fantasy tight end six different times in his career, including as recently as 2024. Right now, he’s the TE4 in fantasy points per game. The 49ers have lost a handful of wide receivers to injury this season, but it hasn’t mattered because they still have George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey to carry the passing game.
Why would you trade for him now:
Kittle is the TE4 in fantasy points per game and can shore up your tight end spot as you look to make a run at your league’s championship. Plus, this guy is tough as nails. He tore his Achilles in January and played in Week 1 just nine months later. Would you bet against him being a top 5 tight end next year?
Why would you trade him away now:
It is hard to rationalize having a 33-year-old tight end on a rebuilding roster in dynasty. With your league’s trade deadline approaching and teams jostling to add pieces to make a run, now is the best time to get as much as you can for him.
Suggested trade offers for Kittle:
- Eli Raridon and a 2027 3rd-round pick
- TreVeyon Henderson
- 2027 2nd-round pick and a 2027 4th-round pick
Make sure to check out all of our Week 9 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!
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