Dynasty Fantasy Football Player News
Former Falcons and Colts quarterback Matt Ryan is retiring from the NFL.
Dynasty Analysis
Ryan spent 14 of his 15 seasons with the Falcons and was extremely effective in his time there, both in reality and fantasy. Ryan had ten straight years with at least 4,000 passing yards and could be penciled in for between 25 and 35 touchdown passes every season. A likely future Hall of Famer, Ryan ended his season with a forgettable year in Indianapolis but will be remembered as being a solid and consistent QB1 for more than a decade. He can be safely dropped from dynasty rosters if he somehow wasn't already.
(Source: ESPN)Zach Wilson traded to Denver
FollowQuarterback Zach Wilson has been traded to Denver along with a seventh round pick in exchange for a sixth round pick.
Dynasty Analysis
The Jets and Broncos will reportedly split the $5.5 million Wilson is due this season. The former #2 overall pick is acquired for what amounts to a 53 spot draft slot-swap in the final rounds of this year's draft. It's a precipitous fall for a player who was once thought of as the savior of the franchise in New York. Denver is an interesting landing spot on paper and reports indicate they've been trying to get Wilson for weeks. The Broncos sit at #12 overall in the draft and that likely won't be high enough for Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels or even JJ McCarthy. If they stand pat and can't secure a quarterback, the room will include Wilson, Ben DiNucci and Jarrett Stidham. Could they really go into a season like this? At this point, Wilson has a little life in his dynasty value but that's subject to change later this week.
(Source: ESPN)Darren Waller still undecided
FollowGiants tight end Darren Waller is still mulling retirement.
Dynasty Analysis
Waller has dealt with a lot of injuries over his career and it seems as if he's really considering calling it quits. The Giants are reportedly giving him a lot of time to consider his options and not forcing a decision, though it's quite certain they'd like to know prior to next week's NFL Draft as his loss could actually make Brock Bowers a consideration with their pick in the top ten. Regardless, it looks like Waller is certainly towards the end of his career and dynasty managers need to start making plans to be without him in the near future, possibly as soon as this year.
(Source: NBC Sports)Zay Flowers will not be charged
FollowRavens wide receiver Zay Flowers will not be charged.
Dynasty Analysis
Flowers was under investigation for domestic violence but it seems there was insufficient evidence to charge him. While dynasty owners can file this away and move forward, there should also be some caution in having Flowers on your roster, just in case this isn't an isolated incident. Regardless, Flowers will enter next season with a relatively high upside and his ADP won't change at this point.
(Source: ESPN)JK Dobbins signs with Chargers
FollowThe Chargers are signing running back JK Dobbins to a one-year deal.
Dynasty Analysis
Once one of the most coveted running backs in all dynasty leagues, Dobbins' career has been shattered by injuries, including a torn Achilles that happened in week one last season. When healthy, Dobbins has been one of the most effective runners in the league. However, since being drafted in 2020, he has been able to suit up in only 24 career games. He'll conceivably pair up with Gus Edwards and could have some dynasty value again should Los Angeles fail to add to the depth chart through the upcoming NFL Draft.
(Source: CBS Sports)Royce Freeman signs with Dallas
FollowThe Cowboys have signed free agent running back Royce Freeman.
Dynasty Analysis
The well-traveled Freeman joins Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and Snoop Conner in a makeshift backfield for the Cowboys at the moment. While the signing is a little intriguing on paper since Freeman has proven to be capable before, it seems highly likely Dallas takes a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft. At this point, he simply needs to be added to dynasty watch lists in case the Cowboys really do punt on the position and employ some kind of committee with this group,
(Source: PFT)Jaylen Waddle has option exercised
FollowDolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle is having his fifth-year option exercised.
Dynasty Analysis
Waddle has strung together three straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, so this is hardly a surprise. While his 72/1,014/4 year was a bit of a disappointment in 2023, Waddle has still shown a lot of ability and could be a player who excels later in his career when Tyreek Hill moves on. While not in the elite level of receivers, Waddle still makes for a solid WR2 target in dynasty leagues and this move ensures we'll have at least two more seasons of him in Miami.
(Source: NBC Sports)Justin Jefferson not at workouts
FollowVikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is not attending voluntary workouts.
Dynasty Analysis
Jefferson is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is in line to possibly be the highest paid receiver of all-time. Minnesota has Jordan Addison as well but Jefferson is clearly one of the biggest difference makers in the league so it would be shocking to see him hit free agency. Regardless, Jefferson is playing it safe here and dynasty managers don't need to be too concerned at this point in the off-season. He remains our WR1 at this point in time.
(Source: Yahoo!)Davante Adams wants to stay
FollowLas Vegas wide receiver Davante Adams has recently indicated he wants to stay with the Raiders.
Dynasty Analysis
Adams is coming off a decent 103-1,144-8 season but also one that saw his production come in peaks and valleys. As the article indicates, Adams is basically saying he'd already be gone if he wanted to be. The Jets have reportedly made some overtures but those were quickly extinguished. At this point, it would be a surprise to see Adams anywhere other than Vegas next season. However, finding a decent quarterback to keep his stats where they should be is another challenge altogether. Adams has dropped to our WR26 but is still a solid trade target for a contending team.
(Source: ESPN)DeVonta Smith gets extended
FollowThe Eagles and wide receiver DeVonta Smith have agreed to a $75 million contract extension.
Dynasty Analysis
Smith is now under team control through the 2028 season and Smth gets $51 million in guaranteed money as part of the deal. It's a hefty price to pay for a WR2 but Smith is clearly one of the best receivers in the game and is coming off back-to-back seasons featuring more than 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in each year. While AJ Brown gets a lot of the attention, Smith could hold more true value as our WR13.
(Source: ESPN)