The 2023 NFL Free Agency is right around the corner, which means that plenty of players are going to see their fantasy football situations drastically change - for better or for worse.
Each stage of the NFL offseason presents Dynasty managers with an opportunity to make shrewd roster moves to better their team. A player's Dynasty stock may skyrocket because of the upcoming movement, but not every manager in your league is anticipating that event. This creates a window where smart managers can swoop in and acquire a player for a lot less than what their value will be in just a few weeks' time.
With that in mind, let's look at five wide receivers that could be wise choices to go and acquire for cheap right now before NFL Free Agency.
wide receivers to buy now in dynasty leagues
5. K.J. Osborn, Minnesota Vikings
Osborn had his moments of relevancy this past season. While there were many lackluster performances in there from a fantasy perspective, fantasy managers got to see what Osborn could do when he's given a larger opportunity. There's the potential that Osborn gets that chance as early as 2023 with the uncertainty surrounding Adam Thielen. The veteran WR is now 32 years old, he's been banged up throughout the course of his NFL career, and he appears as though he could be nearing retirement. This opens the door for Osborn to step forward as the No. 2 WR in this offense behind Justin Jefferson.
Yes, Jefferson's going to dominate the target share in 2023, and T.J. Hockenson figures to be a big part of this offense as well, but there's still room for Osborn to see enough volume to be in the WR3 conversation week in and week out. Are Dynasty managers really viewing him that way, though? It's not a matter of talent or ability. We've seen what he can do when he's actually a part of the offense, but there have simply been too many mouths to feed. Osborn can be acquired for dirt cheap right now as potentially even a throw-in option on a larger deal. As a WR5 or WR6 on a Dynasty roster, he's a solid option to add.
Ideal Acquisition Cost: Late-3rd-Round Rookie Pick
4. Brandin Cooks, Houston Texans
We may not know much when it comes to the NFL, but we do know that Cooks wants the hell out of Houston. Who can blame him, right? At his age, he doesn't want to be a part of a complete rebuild and wants to compete for a Super Bowl title. He wasn't able to be shipped off at the NFL trade deadline this past year, but his contract becomes a bit easier to move as we move further into the 2023 offseason, and I would not be shocked at all to see him head to a much better NFL offense. We know he can still play at a high level, but he's just been in such a bad offense the past three years that the production hasn't been there.
He's 29 years old now, so this isn't a move that reloading Dynasty rosters should make. If you're looking to push for a championship next year, though, Cooks is a sneaky offseason addition that could be a key part of delivering that to you.
Ideal Acquisition Cost: Early-3rd-Round Rookie Pick
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