Fantasy Football’s Biggest Trade Candidates This Summer

Trades are a bigger part of the NFL than they used to be. But they still aren’t as prevalent as in basketball, baseball or even hockey.

Fantasy football, however, is another story altogether—especially in dynasty formats.

One of the big selling points of dynos is all the wheeling and dealing—the constant swapping of players for players. Players for rookie draft picks. Players for a bag on Funyuns and four Slim Jims.

I’m not sure that last one has happened. But I can’t swear it hasn’t.

For teams at the bottom of the standings, it can be one of the best ways to jump-start a rebuild. Send veteran players packing for picks that can help a team become both younger and better. For contenders, one of those veterans could be the final piece. The guy who turns a playoff team into a champion.

Whether your fantasy squad is a buyer or seller in 2025, there are players it makes more sense to put on the market than others.

And right now, this octet (double word score!) make as much sense as anyone.

TRADE FOR: Justin Fields, QB, New York Jets

AP Photo/Noah K. Murray

Finding the right trade target in fantasy football often involves locating a player whose value appears lower than it actually is.

Such is the case with Justin Fields of the New York Jets. Yes, Fields is getting a third chance to be an NFL starter with Gang Green. But his second opportunity (with the Pittsburgh Steelers) lasted all of six games. Fields is just 14-30 as a starting quarterback and has never come close to passing for even 3,000 yards in a season.

For his part, offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand told reporters Fields is putting his best foot forward with his new team.

“The biggest takeaway I would say is that this guy is just a workaholic. He comes in early, he’s here late, and he’s trying to digest everything and download all the information and do things the right way. He’s trying to do things that we’re asking, and I think he’s really put the next foot forward every day, just trying to stack days, and it’s been really good.”

Fields may not have posted huge passing numbers over his career, but he’s been quite the threat with his legs—including 1,143 rushing yards with the Bears in 2022. That year, Fields was a top-10 fantasy quarterback, and he was actually sixth in fantasy points among signal-callers over his six-game stint with the Steelers in 2024.

Fields may be something of a “win now” acquisition, as he’s signed for just two years. But his rushing upside offers a solid fantasy floor, and Fields should be especially costly—a third-round rookie pick (or late second) is a reasonable offer.

TRADE AWAY: C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

As recently as one year ago, C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans was going to be fantasy’s next big thing under center. As a rookie, Stroud threw for over 4,100 yards, tossed 23 touchdowns against just five interceptions and won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

However, Stroud’s second-season wasn’t a coming-out party. His numbers dropped across the board. Stroud threw over twice as many interceptions. And he finished outside the top-25 in fantasy points per game among quarterbacks.

Marc Ross of NFL.com believes bigger and better things are in store for Stroud in 2025.

“Stroud was not as strong in 2024 after claiming the Offensive Rookie of the Year award the year prior, throwing for more than twice as many INTs and taking 52 sacks last season. Even so, the Texans still won 10 games, the AFC South title and a playoff game. That's the gravity of having a quarterback as talented as Stroud. Yes, he's dealing with shoulder soreness--not ideal--but Stroud heads into his third campaign with perhaps the best supporting cast he's had to date. General manager Nick Caserio has rebuilt the front five to better protect the franchise quarterback following Houston's finish last season as PFF's 29th-ranked offensive line.”

If another manager in your league feels the same way and makes a reasonable offer for Stroud that helps fill a hole at another position, it should be seriously considered. There’s no guarantee that Houston’s new-look offensive line will be markedly better than a year ago, and given Stroud’s relative lack of mobility that’s a problem.

Use the optimism surrounding the changes in Houston to your advantage—because that optimism may be misplaced.

TRADE FOR: Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

You know, it admittedly seems odd to recommend trading for multiple Jets players given the team’s offensive struggles in recent years. But you go where the value is.

This year, fantasy managers are seemingly looking for any reason they can not to acquire Jets running back Breece Hall. Hall has never gained 1,000 rushing yards in a season. He has missed time in two of three years. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has made it clear he intends to utilize a committee approach in the backfield.

But where many fantasy managers see red flags, ESPN’s Eric Moody sees a potential trade value.

“This is an excellent opportunity for managers to acquire Hall. At just 24 years old, Hall is still one of the league's most dangerous dual-threat backs and is fully healthy entering a contract year. Despite a down 2024 season, Hall still ranked in the top 5 among RBs in routes run, targets, receptions and receiving yards. His fantasy ceiling is back in focus with quarterback Justin Fields under center and a new offensive scheme from coordinator Tanner Engstrand. Even though the Jets backfield will most likely operate as a committee between Hall, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, Hall is projected to lead the group in touches.”

Per Fantasy Calc, Hall was recently traded for Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb and a second-round rookie pick. And for rookie picks in Round 2 and Round 3.

At that price, even if you think that Hall’s a risk, he’s one worth taking.

TRADE AWAY: Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Saquon Barkley had quite the 2024 season—over 2,000 rushing yards, Offensive Player of the Year honors and an RB1 finish in PPR points per game. Counting the postseason, Barkley was the first player ever to rush for 2,500 yards in a season.

The 28-year-old’s fantasy value will never be higher. And that’s why Barkley is absolutely a “sell.”

Because that value has nowhere to go but down.

I have already written ad nauseum about all the potential problems for Barkley in 2025. His ridiculous workload a season ago. The fact that every other back to ever rush for 2,000 yards regressed in a big way the following year. The historical trends for players who lead the league in rushing. And I’m not alone—Michael Fabiano of Sports Illustrated fears that Barkley may fall out of the top-10 at the position altogether.

“I have written multiple articles about why Barkley is likely to see regression after his monumental 2024 season, so don’t be surprised if it comes to fruition. Whether it’s his heavy workload from a year ago, natural statistical regression or one of the “curses” that are going against him, there’s at least some cause for concern. Don’t be shocked if he falls out of the top 10 running backs.”

Despite all of the warning signs, there will be no shortage of fantasy managers willing to talk themselves into Barkley having another big season this year. Barkley is bringing some hefty returns in recent trades.

Use Barkley’s massive 2024 season to your advantage—because it’s as good as things are ever going to get.

TRADE FOR: Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Sometimes, getting over the top in dynasty fantasy football leagues means making a “win now” move or two. Sacrificing draft capital to obtain a veteran who can help the team right away—preferably on the cheap.

Right now, the asking price for Tennessee Titans is minimal. He’s a throw-in in trades more often than a focal point. On some level that’s understandable—Ridley is a 30-year-old receiver playing for a team with one of the most uncertain passing attacks in the NFL.

But as Seth Diewold wrote for Player Profiler, There’s reason for optimism that things could improve for Ridley in his second year in Nashville.

“It is undeniable that Ridley suffered through some of the worst quarterback play of any wide receiver in football. Ridley ranked No. 94 amongst wide receivers in catchable target rate. Some other metrics would point to the fact that Ridley should have had a much better 2024 season. Number one is, Ridley ranked No. 1 amongst wide receivers in air yards. As you might guess, Ridley also ranked No. 1 amongst wide receivers in Unrealized Air Yards in 2024. These two stats suggest there could have been a lot more production for Calvin Ridley if he saw more catchable targets down the field.”

Is there any guarantee that rookie Cam Ward will be a superstar under center? Nope. But it’s safe bet he won’t be any worse than Will “Wormburner” Levis.

And Ridley is probably going to lead a Titans team that will be trailing with regularity in targets in 2025.

TRADE AWAY: Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Terry McLaurin has long been a reliable and productive wide receiver—the 29-year-old has logged five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. In 2024, however, McLaurin took things next-level—a whopping 13 touchdowns and a WR7 finish in PPR points.

A huge spike in touchdowns is great for fantasy managers while it’s happening, but it’s a huge red flag for the following season. And per Dan Fornek of PFSN, those touchdowns aren’t the only reason to expect regression from McLaurin in the season to come.

“Betting on players to repeat a significant jump in touchdown production is a dangerous game, especially when they are entering their age-30 season. Yet, that is what early fantasy drafters are doing. It will be difficult for McLaurin to maintain the 15.8% TD rate he enjoyed in 2025, especially since the Washington Commanders added Deebo Samuel Sr. as a secondary weapon in the passing attack. Samuel is a significant upgrade over McLaurin’s competition in 2024 (Olamide Zaccheaus and Noah Brown) and will take designed touches, especially in the red zone. There’s a real chance that 2024 was the best season we’ll see out of McLaurin.”

McLaurin’s 13 touchdowns in 2024 were just one fewer than he had in the three seasons before that combined. In two of those seasons, he finished inside WR3 territory in PPR points. Expecting borderline WR2/3 numbers from McClaurin in 2025 is more realistic than hoping he’ll crack the top-10 again.

And with McLaurin returning a first-round rookie pick in some trades, now could be the ideal time to cash out.

TRADE FOR: Evan Engram, TE, Denver Broncos

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

If Evan Engram doesn’t have a big year in 2025, you can call this analyst Omelet Man—because my face will be nothing but egg.

Last year was an injury-marred mess for Engram, but as recently as two years ago, the 30-year-old racked up 114 catches and led all AFC tight ends in PPR points.

That’s right—Engram had more points than Travis Kelce.

Now, Engram finds himself the new “Joker” in Sean Payton’s offense in Denver. As Dave Richard wrote for CBS Sports, Engram has landed in a favorable situation—and with a favorable fantasy schedule to boot.

“We're not drafting Engram because he's a generational talent, but he is a receiver in a tight end's body, and he'll play in a mismatch role in Sean Payton's offense in Denver. There's a real chance he finishes second on the team in targets, catches, yards and touchdowns. He also will have the seventh-easiest projected schedule and the second-easiest schedule through Week 4 (the Titans are first up, then the Colts). He's a value pick this year and should easily go for more than the 575.5 receiving yards Caesars Sportsbooks has set for his over/under.”

Engram is an ideal “win now” target for contending teams with a void at tight end. There’s a legitimate path to top-five fantasy numbers this year, and he can be had in some instances for a third-round rookie pick.

For that modest cost, Engram is well worth the risk. If he hits expectations, he could be the final piece in a championship puzzle.

TRADE AWAY: Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore

AP Photo/Nick Wass

The circumstances surrounding a fantasy team are always important when considering a trade. If a squad had a real path to the playoffs and Mark Andrews of the Ravens is the best tight end on the roster, shipping the veteran out would be a tough pill to swallow.

But if a team is rebuilding or has depth at tight end, now could be the time to move on—especially since some fantasy managers are reportedly happily overpaying for Andrews’ name value.

Yes, Andrews was sixth in PPR points among tight ends last year. But as Joey Pollizze pointed out at RotoBaller, the odds that the eighth-year veteran repeats that performance aren’t good at all—even in a contract year.

“He had the second-lowest target share of his career (15.3%) in 2024, and we could expect some touchdown regression from the veteran. The soon-to-be 30-year-old had an astonishing 17.7% touchdown rate last year after catching 11 touchdown passes on 55 receptions. That simply won't happen again. Andrews was extremely touchdown-dependent and caught four passes or fewer in 13 of 17 games. With Isaiah Likely also entering the final year of his rookie contract, the Ravens could decide to give him more opportunities in the passing game to see what his full potential could look like.”

Andrews was completely invisible over the first month of the 2024 season—nine catches for 65 yards total over four games, with a pair of goose-eggs. It was Week 6 before he found the end zone.

That could be a sign of things to come.

Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow Gary on X at @IDPGodfather.