Dynasty News, July 29, 2024

Photo: USA Today Sports

This summer, we will examine the dynasty news through the lens of the three key aspects for dynasty managers: talent, value, and opportunity.

Identifying the correct talent level is the first order of business. Understanding the appropriate level of talent determines whether it is pursuing a correct valuation and comprehension of the opportunity.

It takes success in all three areas to be a successful dynasty manager. In today's Dynasty News, we will examine the wide receivers who either were traded or changed teams via free agency and their impact on dynasty teams.

Dynasty Movement: WR Stefon Diggs to Houston

History has not been kind to receivers who wear out their welcome, causing multiple trades in just a few years. There is a reason why a receiver-needy team like Buffalo traded away a star to Houston for just a 2025 second-round pick. Make no mistake, he played at a high level in his four Buffalo seasons. Soon after the trade, Diggs was pining for a new contract. Finally, the Texans revised his deal to be just a one-year contract worth $22.52 million. Houston has salary cap flexibility with quarterback C.J. Stroud still playing on his rookie contract. Diggs joins a crowded receiving corps with Nico Collins and Tank Dell playing at an elite level in 2023 when healthy. For dynasty managers, this represents an intriguing opportunity to either acquire or steer far away.  Price is the determining factor, as Diggs is still just 30 but could be playing on a new team in 2025, his fourth organization in seven seasons. He is not worth a first-round rookie pick in dynasty leagues. To his credit, Diggs has topped 1,000 receiving yards every year since 2018, a rare feat in today's NFL. For 2024, we expect him to be a solid WR2 starting receiver in dynasty leagues, so a recommendation to buy in dynasty leagues would be very team- and league-dependent.

Dynasty Movement: WR Diontae Johnson to Carolina

The Steelers traded Johnson to the Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson and a late pick swap. He is in the last year of his contract and will want a new deal sooner than later. The upside for dynasty managers is Johnson will be the alpha receiver in Carolina, a great addition for Bryce Young. In dynasty leagues, Johnson has been traded on the cheap since the trade, as dynasty managers are fearful of the Panthers offense. A new coach and a second-year quarterback should give hope, as Johnson is likely to top 100 targets fairly easily and is an easy pick to be a WR2 in dynasty leagues. The touchdowns may be sparse as the offense learns the new system, but Johnson will be a target hog and could land in a much better situation for 2025. He is still just 28 years of age. The potential of a bad Carolina offense has depressed Johnson's price to the point where he is a solid buy in dynasty leagues.

Dynasty Movement: WR Keenan Allen to Chicago

The 32-year-old receiver was traded to the Bears for the 110 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after a lengthy career with the Chargers. Allen is in the last year of his contract and could be playing elsewhere in 2025. The trade was a solid one for Chicago to add a solid receiver for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. At this point in his career, Allen does not have much dynasty value but makes a great acquisition target if cheap. He may only have a year or two left in the NFL, so dynasty managers should know the end is coming … possibly quickly.

Dynasty Movement: WR Jerry Jeudy to Cleveland

Denver coach Sean Payton was determined to trade Jeudy soon after arriving. Rumors of a potential trade echoed for many months. Earlier this year, the Broncos sent Jeudy to the Browns for just a pair of late picks in the 2024 draft, a fifth- and a sixth-round pick. Soon after the trade, Cleveland inked Jeudy to a three-year contract extension. Jeidy pairs with Amari Cooper to give quarterback Deshaun Watson a viable receiving corps, so it is up to Watson to prove that he is worthy of the massive price Cleveland paid to acquire and sign him. For dynasty, the low-volume Browns passing offense will mean that at least one of the pass catchers will disappoint. Jeudy is a sell for us in dynasty leagues. This is a big year for Cleveland and the current regime.