Four Wide Receivers to Buy, Sell, or Hold in Dynasty Leagues

As free agency brought many pieces of news, everything we knew is slowly changing. Information is constantly changing and the dynasty values will move in lock-step with it. This series will focus on that market pulse by highlighting players at each spot. Here are four wide receivers to watch after NFL free agency:

Brandin Cooks, DAL – Sell

The Dallas Cowboys announced they acquired Cooks from the Texans in a similar move that saw them trade away Amari Cooper last year. Ultimately, the positive move for the veteran receiver puts him in the spotlight again as a trade asset other managers in your league will covet. His selling price may not have increased but the idea of striking while the news iron is hot makes Cooks a sell candidate. Take advantage of the window.

The Move – Cooks checks in at WR57 in the latest superflex ADP which puts his price around the 2.11 in a superflex draft. This data was compiled prior to the trade to the Cowboys and now, selling for any leverage deal where I obtain a second-round pick and a throw-in piece is a great move. Consider adding a running back such as Samaje Perine or D’Onta Foreman in a trade along with a pick to move Cooks.

Chase Claypool, CHI – Buy

Following the trade of DJ Moore to the Bears, Claypool has seen his value plummet to WR70 in the latest superflex ADP, behind rookies such as Kayshon Boutte, Marvin Mims and Rashee Rice. In 2022, Claypool posted a respectable 18 percent target share and if you are betting on the Bears offense getting more efficient, bet on Claypool at this price. For instance, his career numbers (and 2022 stats) look nearly identical to Mike Williams, who checks in at WR40.

The Move – Nobody is touting Claypool as a superstar but he is a clearly undervalued threshold wide receiver at a price point in the third-round range. If I can buy more exposure to him at this price in leagues where I can start at least five wide receivers, sign me up.

David Bell, CLE – Drop

The Cleveland Browns added Elijah Moore in a trade with the Jets and indicated he would play the primary slot role. This is bad news for Bell who managed only a seven percent market share in over 500 snaps last season, along with finishing second-to-last in yards per route run and last in targets per route run and air yards share (among qualifying wide receivers). Quite frankly, Bell may have been the worst starting wide receiver in the NFL and this move signifies a clear indication to upgrade.

The Move – Ultimately, try and trade Bell for anything before cutting him. Attempt to get a third-round pick, and when that does not work, settle for a fourth-round pick or even FAAB dollars. This move puts Bell in roster-clogger range and the time to move on has come.

Courtesy of Sports Illustrated

Allen Robinson, LAR – Hold

News surfaced before free agency that the Rams have given Robinson permission to seek a trade. The soon-to-be 30-year-old is trying to start fresh after a miserable first year in Los Angeles where he finished outside of the top 50 in market share, yards per route run, targets per route run and air yards percentage. Frankly, Robinson was a major disappointment and signs point to him being close to finished. His value checks in at WR90, which makes him untradeable, and at this point, hoping for a similar move as Brandin Cooks gives justification to hold him until there is any market at all.

The Move – The name Allen Robinson is difficult to drop. You can choose to sell for a third-round pick if you want out of this business entirely. Best case scenario, you obtain multiple third-round picks or possibly a second-round pick if he goes to a desirable situation.

Conclusion – The WR market continues to expand relative to the other positions as market demand remains high, offensive situations start to come together and we welcome a new crop of young receivers into the dynasty landscape. Examine your roster construction and how many wide receivers you need before looking for deals.