Deep Dynasty Waiver Stashes Who Could Become Trade Chips

You can't treat your dynasty waiver wire the same way you do in your redraft leagues.

Rarely will you find an immediate fill-in available when an injury or bye week hits. Instead, you should focus on dart throws who may increase in value.

If that waiver add accumulates value after you roster him, then you can trade him for a rookie draft pick or a more useful player.

Turning Waiver Fliers Into Rookie Picks is a Winning Dynasty Strategy

In Week 1 of 2020, WR Travis Fulgham came out of nowhere for the Eagles, posting 57 yards and a TD on 2 catches.

Savvy dynasty managers scooped up the 2019 sixth-rounder. Over the next four weeks, Fulgham averaged 6.75 catches, 94.5 yards, and 0.75 TDs. Those managers who sold high --  flipping him for a future second-round rookie pick, for example -- banked value and left someone else holding the empty bag.

Fulgham’s career after that run: 10 catches, 104 yards, 0 TDs.

Flipping for Profit

Film study on the following players shows they’re underrated talents.

But talent alone doesn’t score fantasy points. Even promising young players rarely grow into long-term starters for your fantasy lineup.

Where others see a lottery ticket, you can flip for an immediate profit, even if it’s only a third- or fourth-round rookie pick. Those picks build value over time and can sweeten a deal for a stretch-run player or help you move up in next year’s rookie draft.

Here are a few Week 1 performers with the skills to spark trade buzz.

Dohnte Meyers, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Meyers was a hot name in the preseason, so it's possible that a team already stashed him in case of a potential breakout.

Meyers played his college ball at Presbyterian and Delta State. Coming from small schools while measuring in at 5'9 with a 4.54 40 time meant the NFL wasn't interested. He went into the NFL Draft, but obviously went undrafted. 

He was actually my 158th ranked WR in that draft class. I certainly didn't expect Meyers to become a future NFL player.

He had a tryout with the Falcons, but would ultimately move to Canada and sign with the Saskatchewan Roughriders He flashed in his first season with the Roughriders but became a CFL star, helping the team win a championship.

The Bengals would take a chance on Meyers with a future contract, and he wouldn't let the opportunity go to waste. Meyers impressed in the preseason and stuck on the roster. He was active for Week 1 and backed up Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas.

Meyers caught his only target for 18 yards. He looked explosive off the line and had a nice cushion on his catch from QB Joe Burrow.

If one of the top WRs gets injured, Meyers should be the next one up on a high-powered offense. That makes him worth stashing in case the underdog story convinces someone in your league to give up a pick for Meyers.

Will Shipley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Shipley was drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 draft after a successful college career at Clemson. He was an All-ACC produced in his second season, eventually declaring for the NFL after his third year.

The Eagles took Shipley, but he never really paid off on the offensive side of the ball. Instead, Shipley has become one of the premiere returners in the league. But the Eagles appear ready to give Shipley a little more offensive work yet again.

In Week 1, Shipley had three touches (two rushes and a catch) compared to only one by back-up Tank Bigsby. Of course Saquon Barkley did most of the work, but it was interesting that Shipley got some receiving work and snaps int he game against the Commanders.

He still looked shifty and elusive in the open field. That could continue giving Shipley a role. If Barkley misses time, Shipley having a long TD catch could put him back on the dynasty radar.

That makes him a stash as a possible trade chip later.

Raheim Sanders, RB, Cleveland Browns

Sanders was a dynasty stash last year at this time when Quinshon Judkins was away from the team. He comes back as an option with Dylan Sampson moving to IR with a knee injury. 

Sanders’ NFL profile remains intriguing, though. Once a highly touted devy prospect (similar to Shipley) at Arkansas, he showed early rushing success before a knee injury and torn labrum derailed his 2023 season. Sanders transferred to South Carolina with mixed results, but his 4.46 speed suggested late-round draft appeal. Instead, he went undrafted.

Sanders worked as the clear No. 3 RB behind Dylan Sampson and Quinshon Judkins in Week 1. He logged just one carry for a yard, but still showcased good athleticism and power.

Sanders did the job well, staying low and balanced through the line for a short yardage gain.

He might not stick once Sampson rejoins the roster, but the size and short-yardage skill could land Sanders elsewhere. A TD or two could make him tradeable for a late pick.

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