These are real dynasty trades from real leagues we can learn valuable strategic and value questions. These trades are Superflex dynasty trades unless otherwise noted.
Michael Gallup for Darren Waller (2PPR for Tight End)
This is a trade of two players at the low arcs of their careers. Gallup has only played 23 games in the past two seasons and has been slow to recover from the torn ACL he suffered in 2021. Gallup had only 74 targets, 424 receiving yards, and four touchdowns in 2022, the worst season of his career. Waller was likewise limited in 2022. He was limited to only nine games and was targeted 43 times for 388 and three touchdowns. Waller signed a near-top-of-the-position contract extension before the 2022 season but could be cut with limited dead money after this upcoming season.
Both players are at a low, but Waller is the one who can make a difference at a premium position. In 2PPR scoring, tight ends are valuable in the flex and would be significantly better than an average option in the flex than Gallup. Overall, when trading between two players that you have significant questions about, select the one who plays the premium position.
Ken Walker, Treylon Burks, Danny Gray for Tyler Allgeier, Brandon Aiyuk, and Chris Godwin
Ken Walker is the clear best asset in the deal. He is a top-six running back in dynasty valuation at present and is far more insulated than Tyler Allgeier. Chris Godwin has the highest ADP of the wide receivers in the deal, followed by Treylon Burks and Brandon Aiyuk, before a large dropoff to Danny Gray. Given the uncertainty in Tampa Bay, it is not impossible to think Treylon Burks could be more valuable than Godwin at a point in the offseason. Additionally, Aiyuk is in a tough volume situation. He was targeted on 21% of his routes and a top-25 performer in per-route production, but he ran the 30th most routes among wide receivers. Aiyuk could be the subject of trade rumors this offseason before he receives a contract extension, so he could conceivably grow in value.
Walker is the best player in the deal, with the other side of the deal stuck in uncertainty. At this point in the calendar, it is best to bank the security of Walker, with the ability to pivot later in the offseason.
Ken Walker and Brandin Cooks for A.J. Brown
If you are worried about holding a high price running back, this is the proper way to make a pivot. At the top of the positions, it is generally better to prioritize wide receiver over running back because of the stability of the wide receiver position and the roster construction that stability allows. Dependable and durable wide receiver profiles allow dynasty GMs to optimize their roster with limited depth options at wide receiver and more depth running backs who can recreate the Walker production in the aggregate. Brown is a top 5% efficiency wide receiver in his prime and is a fair price for a Walker and Brandin Cooks consolidation trade.
Matt Corral, Sam Darnold, and DeVonta Smith for Dak Prescott and Michael Gallup
This is a clear buy-low opportunity for Dak Prescott in Superflex formats. Prescott is experiencing some negative criticism which is creating some dynasty buying opportunities, but overall, he has a highly durable quarterback profile. Prescott has led an offense to the top of the league in total offense, and he has multiple top-six seasonal finishes on his resume. Prescott is a solution at the quarterback position, particularly when you do not have to give one up in a dynasty trade. Matt Corral and Sam Darnold are complete dart throws at quarterback on the other side of this deal. Wide receiver is a position you can replicate the production at a much cheaper price if you are willing to use wide receivers with much less trade value. One of the reasons you select and roster wide receivers at the top of the board is the market value they offer. This is a classic example of how you cash in the value by upgrading a premium position.
Tony Pollard and Rachaad White for Drake London
This is an excellent trade for a wide receiver. Tony Pollard is a pending free agent who has never shown the ability to play a season-long lead role in the offense. Pollard is a good player, but unlikely to be the 1A option on the field. Rachaad White has the profile, but the offense is going to go through a transformation after Tom Brady’s retirement and Leonard Fournette is still on the roster. On the flip side, London had elite efficiency in 2022 and is being held down in fantasy value because of Atlanta’s run-heavy approach. London was targeted on 27% of routes in 2022, a top 1% career performance, and has top-five dynasty wide receiver in his range of outcomes. He is a major breakout candidate in 2023.