NFL Draft 2026: Veterans Who Could Lose Fantasy Football Value After the NFL Draft

Every year, NFL Draft coverage focuses on rookies who will gain value. But for fantasy football, the more important story is often the veterans who lose value when teams add new players.

Earlier this week, Bob Harris and Dave Kluge discussed established NFL players whose roles, target shares, and fantasy football value could change dramatically after the 2026 NFL Draft. Check out the full episode here, or read the summary below!

Rashee Rice Fantasy Outlook: Risk From Chiefs Draft Picks

Rashee Rice is one of the most important fantasy football veterans to monitor entering the NFL Draft. The Kansas City Chiefs hold multiple first-round picks and have limited proven depth behind Rice at wide receiver.

The concern is simple. If the Chiefs draft a wide receiver early, could Rashee Rice lose his role?

His role isn't expected to completely evaporate under any circumstance, but his fantasy football value could still drop due to perception and added competition. Rice produced a 28.7 percent target share in games he played last season and a 46.2 percent red zone target share. That type of usage shows he is a central piece of the offense. He also benefits from short-area targets and yards after the catch opportunities.

However, fear is part of the fantasy football market, and even perceived competition can push down draft value.

One specific draft outcome that would raise concern is Kansas City selecting wide receiver Makai Lemon from USC, who has a similar skill set. Other wide receiver additions, such as Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate, Chris Brazzell II, or Denzel Boston, would more likely signal complementary additions rather than a direct replacement.

Actionable takeaway for fantasy football: Rice is more likely to be a buy if his price drops due to the Chiefs' receiver selection. However, a selection of Lemon could imply that they're willing to move on from Rice.

Chris Olave Fantasy Football Value and Saints Draft Risk

Chris Olave is coming off a strong fantasy football season, finishing as the WR6 overall and ranking fourth in total targets. Despite that production, the New Orleans Saints are being linked to early-round wide receiver selections in the NFL Draft.

Just like the Chiefs, names often mentioned include Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Makai Lemon. And like the Chiefs and Rice, levels of concern depend heavily on the player drafted. A first-round wide receiver would create more direct competition for Olave's target share than a later-round receiver would.

Olave has already shown elite fantasy upside, including a 36.8-point outing in Week 16. However, the Saints' offense still lacks reliable secondary receiving options, which Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough would certainly like.

The key fantasy football takeaway is that Olave remains a strong player, but his ceiling depends on how aggressively New Orleans approaches the draft.

Garrett Wilson Fantasy Football Outlook: Stable Even With Competition

Garrett Wilson remains one of the most talented wide receivers in the NFL. Even with inconsistent quarterback play, Wilson has consistently earned elite target share numbers, including a 34.3 percent target share last year, second-highest in the league.

The Jets could draft a wide receiver in the first round, but the expectation is that Wilson's role would remain stable. He is already the clear top receiver on the roster, is being paid accordingly, and has shown the ability to produce alongside Davante Adams.

Geno Smith should also be viewed as a positive development for his fantasy football production, as the veteran quarterback has proven capable of providing elite fantasy production for his weapons.

Wilson is currently being drafted around WR15 in early best ball formats, which is a strong value. Even if the Jets add competition, the likely outcome is suppressed draft cost rather than reduced production.

A.J. Brown Trade Rumors and DeVonta Smith Fantasy Football Impact

A.J. Brown's future with the Philadelphia Eagles is increasingly uncertain heading into the NFL Draft. There is a growing belief that Brown could be traded, and many analysts are operating under the assumption that a trade is all but done. If Philadelphia drafts a wide receiver early, it could reinforce the expectation of change at the position.

However, the more immediate fantasy football impact may be on DeVonta Smith.

If Brown is moved, Smith could step into a clear role as the unquestioned top receiver, bumping his target share. Smith was originally drafted as a top NFL prospect and Heisman winner, with expectations of becoming a lead receiver at the professional level.

His fantasy football value would rise significantly in a higher-volume passing offense. The concern in Philadelphia remains passing volume and offensive consistency in a Jalen Hurts offense. That doesn't change, but the size of Smith's slice of the pie could.

A shift in offensive philosophy under Sean Mannion could impact projections, but increased volume following a Brown trade would benefit Smith the most, even if the Eagles draft another receiver.

Malik Willis Fantasy Football Value in Miami