Vox Talks: Trade Targets for Rebuilders
Welcome back to another edition of Vox Talks; the series that peels back the curtain on the private DLF writer Voxer chat.
Last week our writers discussed trade targets for contenders. This week I asked them the same question but with reloading or rebuilding teams in mind. As we enter week seven of the 2017 NFL season, we are also now in the asset acquisition window for teams looking to the future. Whether you are punting this season or were an early favorite now buried by the corpses of fantasy superstars, now is the time to start hunting for targets that will help you in 2018. Deadlines spur action and the closer we get to trade deadlines, the more contenders will be looking to add depth or a piece that could put them over the top.
One popular opinion is that the best deals for rebuilders during the season come the week of or the week before the deadline. The problem with waiting too long is that as the season progresses, fewer and fewer teams feel they have a strong enough team to go the distance. This potentially decreases the number of trade partners while increasing the number of owners playing for the future. With more owners looking ahead, there will be more overlap on trade targets for those teams, resulting in higher prices for all rebuilders. For these reasons, I feel the best time to make deals like these is in the Week 7-10 range before we get to those last couple of weeks before the playoffs.
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Senior writer and editor James Simpson is a proponent of one of my favorite strategies, which is to buy currently injured studs. “If I’m not contending this season, I’m buying all the great injured players and spending all my picks and short-term performers to do it. I’d give up all my current production and rookie “potential” to build a team of Aaron Rodgers, Dalvin Cook, David Johnson, Odell Beckham, Allen Robinson etc. Last season players like Keenan Allen and Rob Gronkowski could have been had cheaply.”
It’s true. I personally I personally bought both Allen and Gronk for late firsts in multiple leagues last season and am reaping the rewards in 2017. As contending owners get closer and closer to the playoffs they become more and more likely to move injured elite assets for production that can help them achieve the ultimate goal: winning a championship.
Let’s take a look at some other players our writers are trying to acquire on teams that won’t be playing for a championship in 2017.
I’d say Aaron Jones. You might be able to pick him up relatively cheap if his owner isn’t a believer. I think he keeps that job into next year and they’ll run more in 2017 without Aaron Rodgers. I’d try to get him for a third but I’d be willing to pay a mid-late second.
Zay Jones. I know he hasn’t shown well thus far but you can likely get him from a disappointed owner looking to cash out for a second, or a second plus a little. Jordan Matthews is a free agent at the end of the 2017 season so Zay has the chance to develop into the Bills’ future WR1.
Sterling Shepard is another guy I’ve been looking at. He had an underrated rookie season and in 2017 produced with a healthy Marshall and Engram on the field. He is clearly going to be a big part of the Giants offense going forward and can likely be had for a late first.
Even though he hasn’t had great production, Tyrell Williams is worth what it will cost to acquire him. I don’t think the Chargers retain him next season if Mike Williams shows anything. Williams would be a great UFA to get in on now. His athletic profile is jaw-dropping and I’d pay any second for him in a heartbeat.
Donte Moncrief – he’s finally priced where he should have been. I dealt Matt Breida and J.J. Nelson for him in one league. A second-round pick plus some flex level player seems fair to me.
Adam Thielen, Tyrell Williams,and Cam Meredith. People are always waiting for the bottom to drop out on UDFAs. It won’t on Thielen. (Matt’s thoughts: A late first should get it done for each these receivers and all are well worth that price. A generous or desperate owner may give them up for an early second.)
Corey Davis, in case impatience, is wearing on owners. (Matt’s thoughts: I’m not sure how cheaply you can get Davis, but in the right spot it’s possible to get a small discount. I think it would take a mid first to even start the conversation.)
David Johnson. if we’re truly just aiming for next season, may as well try for the consensus top running back at the end of 2016. (Matt’s thoughts: I’ve seen deals where the Johnson owner has given DJ up for one from that next tier. I’ve seen him sent for Melvin Gordon straight up and Devonta Freeman straight up.)
Now is the time to strike for non-contending teams. I’d start targeting injured and disappointing players now. Who are you looking to acquire on your teams that are rebuilding or reloading for 2018?
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Creator and Co-host of Dynasty Game night, the fantasy football game show.
Creator and host of the Zookeeper Stories podcast.
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