Missing the playoffs is always frustrating, but it’s an opportunity to shift your focus from 2023 to 2024. It’s one of the best parts of dynasty. You can start dropping players who aren’t in the picture for your team in 2024 and grab guys whose situation might be better next year. Guys like Jake Ferguson and Dax Hill didn’t do much in 2022 but are doing big things in 2023. Not everyone on this list will be available in every league, but this is the time to drop a fringe player from a volatile position like DB or DL for a flyer with upside and a better situation in 2024.
Quarterback
Jaren Hall-Vikings: The plan was to go with Hall as the starter before an injury took him out of the lineup, and the Vikings eventually went with Josh Dobbs. If the playoffs started today, the Vikings would be in. After two losses, they posted a 3-0 win against the Raiders this week. With Dobbs struggling, they are turning to Nick Mullens. Hall could get a chance to see what he can do at the end of the year, regardless of where the Vikings are in the playoff hunt.
Tyler Huntley-Ravens: Huntley will be unrestricted this year. He could get a chance with so many teams in need of a quarterback next year. Huntley is a few years removed from the season where we all took notice, but he will only be 26 at the start of next season.
Running Back
DeWayne McBride-Vikings: I loved McBride’s balance and ability to sneak through cracks. Alexander Mattison has struggled, but he basically has a guaranteed contract for next year. Neither Cam Akers nor Tyson Chandler have run away with the position. As a group, they have just three rushing touchdowns this year. McBride faces an uphill climb off the Vikings practice squad, but I’m a believer.
Tight End
Colby Parkinson-Seahawks: Parkinson is getting snaps, but he isn’t a focal point in an offense that includes three great receivers and Noah Fant. He’s flashing ability, with 25 catches last year and 16 this year, but he hasn’t been the lead tight end. Fant is also a free agent, so it could happen in Seattle or elsewhere or not at all. No matter how he is being used (53% blocking this season), he came in as a receiving tight end that could stretch the seem. A tight end hungry team could use him that way again. Plus, he has amazing hair.
Jeremy Ruckert-Jets: Ruckert was starting to take over the number two tight end role even before CJ Uzomah landed on IR. The Jets can save almost 6 million by releasing CJ this offseason. They can save 5 million by releasing starter Tyler Conklin. It’s unlikely that’s the case, but Conklin’s contract will be done after 2024, and then the position might be all Ruckert’s at that point.
Wide Receiver
Jake Bobo-Seahawks: There were rumors that the Seahawks would try to bulk Bobo up for a move to tight end. If that happened, Bobo would skyrocket. He has great hands and decent size already. The Seahawks don’t have a path to a WR spot without something changing with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Jason Brownlee-Jets: Brownlee was the talk of the preseason but has just two catches on the year. Allen Lazard has been a major disappointment in New York. Brownlee might get a chance as the year comes to a close.
Britain Covey-Eagles: Covey is locked in as the punt returner for Philadelphia. Their slot receiver, Olamide Zaccheaus, will be a free agent next year. It isn’t out of the question he sees much more time on offense.
Danny Gray-49ers: Gray is a former third-round pick for the 49ers who ran a 4.33 40 at the 2022 combine. You can see how he could fit Shanahan’s offense easily. He’s healthy but hasn’t been pulled off IR yet. Jauan Jennings will be a free agent next year, which could open snaps. Gray is a guy who you can move to IR if you have an open position without sacrificing a spot on your main roster.
Rakim Jarrett-Buccaneers: Jarrett didn’t do much this year before landing on IR with a quadriceps injury. He flashed in his last game with a 41-yard catch. Mike Evans is headed to free agency, and he and the team were reportedly far apart before the season started. If you have an IR spot available, this is a free flyer for next season.
Justin Shorter-Bills: Gabriel Davis is a free agent, and there isn’t an obvious replacement on the roster. Shorter went on injured reserve early in the year due to a hamstring but just started practicing. He was a fifth-rounder last season who had six catches for 66 yards and a score in the preseason.
Tre Tucker-Raiders: The Raiders seem to be testing the waters for what they have in Tucker. He has 19 targets with eight catches and seven carries this year. While still raw, he is a potential big-play guy, having run a 4.4 forty. There were plenty of rumors Hunter Renfrow was on his way out at the trading deadline. If he leaves, that will open the slot spot for Tucker.
Linebacker
Akeem Davis-Gaither-Bengals: Davis-Gaither was all set to take over the starting LB job for the Bengals, but Germaine Pratt surprisingly returned. He’ll look to start somewhere next year and could have a decent market as a three-down LB.
Sirvocea Dennis-Bucs: Devon White and Lavonte David are both free agents. If just one exits, Dennis is likely to get a chance to start on the inside. He replaced David in Week 12 and had five tackles and a pass defensed.
DeMarvion Overshown-Cowboys: Overshown looked great in the preseason, but his season ended before it could get started due to a torn ACL.
Owen Pappoe-Cardinals: Pappoe has just four tackles in his rookie year but has athletic upside, having run a 4.39 40 at the combine. Josh Woods and Krys Barnes are both free agents at the ILB position.
Safety
Sydney Brown-Eagles: The Eagles have Byard and Blankenship for another year. Brown will likely take over one of the spots the year after. He played well in place of an injured Blankenship in Week 14.
Antonio Johnson-Jaguars: Johnson saw his highest snap total in the last two weeks for the Jaguars. He’s been playing primarily in the slot, and that spot might be open next year with Tre Herndon, a free agent.
Jartavius Martin-Commanders: Martin has played cornerback and safety. Kamren Curl is set to become a free agent this offseason, potentially opening a spot. He can also play the slot, so he’s likely to get more snaps no matter what.
Delarrin Turner-Yell-Broncos: PJ Locke and Kareem Jackson are free agents paving the way for a potential starting role for Turner-Yell. However, he hasn’t been able to win the starting role for the last two years.
