In dynasty fantasy football, managing your roster is one of the most exciting and strategic parts of the season. A key component is knowing when to keep, trade, or cut players from your team. Each decision directly impacts your chances of winning, and making the right calls at the right time can separate a league champion from the rest. In this article, we will dive into some polarizing fantasy players and decide whether we should keep trade cut them from our fantasy rosters.
Quarterback | Keep Trade Cut
Trevor Lawrence | Quarterback | KEEP
Fantasy managers have been waiting for Trevor Lawrence to ascend into the generational talent that he was touted as. His 2024 season was statistically Lawrence’s worst after he was limited to 10 games. He finished the season with a career-low 11 touchdowns, and his 15.2 fantasy points per game (FPPG) was the second lowest of his career.
As the above graph illustrates, Lawrence’ dynasty value is at an all-time low. Jacksonville has moved on from Doug Pederson, and Liam Coen is now taking over as Jacksonville’s head coach. As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator, Liam Coen helped Baker Mayfield produce career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. At only 25-years old, Lawrence is still in the prime of his career, has shown glimpses of greatness, and has an elite receiving option to throw to in Brian Thomas Jr.
Coen’s approach to the offense will be designed around Trevor Lawrence. Coen likes to use screens, short throws, and intermediate throws to open up the passing game. Per Jacksonville.com, Lawrence ranked 21st out of 34 qualifying QBs in drop-back expected points added (EPA) and 18th in success rate. I anticipate Lawrence’ floor in 2025 to be a high-end QB2 with a low-QB1 upside.
Anthony Richardson | Quarterback | KEEP/TRADE
Let me clarify my Keep/Trade advice. Anthony Richardson’s fantasy value is extremely low currently. In our overall consensus ranks, Richardson is QB24. The Indianapolis Colts have confirmed that they plan to bring in competition for Richardson. I would keep Richardson currently, and I hope that, like the Colts, that brings out the best in Richardson.
When Anthony Richardson is at his best, he is a fantastic fantasy quarterback. Unfortunately, it’s tough to trust Richardson to stay consistent. For every 20-fantasy point game Richardson has, he could produce a single-digit game the following week. You don’t want that type of volatility on your fantasy roster. If Richardson gets off to a hot start or gets a vote of confidence from his head coach, the hype train will re-emerge, and I would use that time to maximize the trade value for Richardson.
Deshaun Watson | Quarterback | CUT
In Bobby Bishop’s most recent mock draft, he has the Cleveland Browns selecting quarterback Cam Ward as the second overall selection. The writing has been on the wall for months that Deshaun Watson’s time in Cleveland is ending. Watson will miss the entire 2025 NFL season with a ruptured Achilles, which helped Cleveland restructure his deal and will allow for Watson’s departure from the team to be less drastic on their salary cap.
Watson’s career in Cleveland has been terrible, to say the least. In his three seasons with the Browns, Watson has thrown for 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Browns are 9-10 in games that Watson started. Cleveland and your fantasy team are ready to move on from Deshaun Watson.
Wide Receiver | Keep Trade Cut
Jameson Williams | Wide Receiver | KEEP
It was a 2024 breakout season for Jameson Williams. Williams caught 58 passes for 1,001 yards and 8 total touchdowns. Williams finished as the WR26. Williams is currently the WR31 in our consensus ranks behind players like Jordan Addison, Tyreek Hill, Jayden Reed, and George Pickens. I prefer Williams in dynasty over all of those players. While there was some doubt about Williams’ playing status in 2025, the NFL announced Williams wouldn’t face league discipline for carrying an unlicensed firearm after avoiding criminal charges.
If I did not have Williams on my fantasy roster, I would be attempting to acquire him, as his fantasy trade value has not matched his NFL production. With the NFL Draft approaching, your dynasty rookie picks are beginning to increase in value. I would start my negotiations for Jameson Williams with an early 2025 2nd round pick, but I would be comfortable moving him for a late 1st round pick as well.
George Pickens | Wide Receiver | TRADE
Many expected George Pickens to take the next step in his progression as a wide receiver in 2024. Unfortunately, Pickens had an underwhelming season and finished the year with career lows in receptions (56) and receiving yards (900). However, the fantasy value does not match the production, and Pickens is currently WR25 in overall consensus ranks. Pickens’ highest fantasy finish is WR29.
Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and I do not expect Pittsburgh to resign him due to inconsistency and off-field issues. Pittsburgh will be active in the offseason to add a wide receiver whether that occurs through the NFL Draft or free agency. There are also trade rumors circulating with Pickens and Pittsburgh. Regardless of the outcome, Pickens’ time in black and yellow appears to be ending. Some assets to acquire in exchange for Pickens would be a mid-to-late 1st round rookie pick. I would look at the Xavier Worthy, Josh Downs, and Ricky Pearsall managers and see if they would add something to those players in exchange for Pickens.
Tight End | Keep Trade Cut
Isaiah Likely | Tight End | KEEP
Isaiah Likely reached career highs in all major statistical categories in 2024, which has fantasy managers excited for his 2025 season and beyond. Likely will be entering a contract year with the Baltimore Ravens, and at only 25-years old, he will be in line for a massive payday. The Baltimore Ravens have a decision to make if they regard Likely as the replacement for Mark Andrews. If Likely hits the free agent market, he will easily be the top tight end free agent available. If Likely resigns with Baltimore, he will be in a fantasy-friendly offense for the tight end position.
I would keep Likely on my dynasty roster. If I did not roster Likely, I would aggressively make trade offers. I would start my offers at a mid-2nd rounder for Likely and feel comfortable adding another 2nd rounder, if needed, to make the deal happen.
Ian Thomas | Tight End | CUT
Ian Thomas was once a popular “stash” candidate among the dynasty community. Unfortunately, Thomas was never able to become a reliable option at tight end. Over his 7 NFL seasons, Thomas failed to reach 200-receiving yards in any season. Thomas was buried on the Carolina Panthers depth chart and will now be a free agent. While Thomas may get an opportunity on another NFL team, you should consider him out of opportunities for your fantasy roster.
Check out the latest in Dynasty Trade Secrets!
In our Dynasty Trade Secrets, we will dive into different aspects of the trade to help you dominate your league. Don’t miss the most recent installment as Step 3 will be releasing soon!
