In deep dynasty leagues, every roster spot is an investment. The waiver wire is usually empty, rookie picks become premium assets, and the players you stash today could be the ones winning you matchups a year from now. That’s why blindly holding onto “roster cloggers” can be just as damaging as cutting a young player one season too early.
Whether you’re chasing a championship or rebuilding for the future, the goal is the same: maximize every roster spot and stay one step ahead of your league. In this article, I’m breaking down the players you should keep, trade, and cut at each position from your dynasty rosters. Disclaimer: the players we will be discussing are ranked outside of the top 125 overall players in our Dynasty Nerds ranking system. Please note that all roster percentages are based on 12-team SFTEP leagues on Sleeper.
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Who To Keep
Michael Penix Jr. | Quarterback | Atlanta Falcons
Tua Tagovailoa’s debut with the Atlanta Falcons was a shaky one. He fumbled the ball on the second play from scrimmage and seemed to be out of sync. This does not bode well for Tagovailoa as the Falcons starting quarterback, with Michael Penix practicing but not yet participating in 11-on-11 drills while recovering from a torn ACL. If Tua continues to struggle, it will be an easy choice for Head Coach Kevin Stefanski to switch to Penix once he is healthy.
Samaje Perine | Running Back | Cincinnati Bengals
Samaje Perine played with the Bengals’ first-team offense during the opening two series of Cincinnati’s preseason game against the Lions. Cincinnati treated Perine as the primary veteran complement to Chase Brown, reinforcing the view that he’s Brown’s top backup entering the season. Check your leagues for Perine’s availability, only 31% rostered for a clear handcuff is a travesty.
Courtland Sutton | Wide Receiver | Denver Broncos
While most of the training camp hype in Denver has been going to Pat Bryant, Courtland Sutton was the star of the show for Denver wide receivers in his limited action against the Atlanta Falcons. With Jaylen Waddle sitting out, Sutton played two drives, making 3 receptions for 60 yards, including a spectacular one-handed catch for a first down. Just because Waddle is in town does not mean fantasy managers should give up on Sutton.
Mason Taylor | Tight End | New York Jets
Many thought that Mason Taylor was left for dead on the Jets after the team drafted tight end Kenyon Sadiq. However, with a recent setback in Sadiq’s hernia recovery, Taylor has gotten a chance to shine playing with the Jets starters in their preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Taylor played on the opening drive, catching 2 passes for 17 yards while also having a very strong camp. Taylor needs to continue to make the most out of his extended playing time while Sadiq recovers. Do not forget that this regime spent a second-round pick on Taylor just a year ago; fantasy managers don’t need to quit on Taylor just yet.
Who To Trade
Anthony Richardson | Quarterback | Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson started in Indianapolis’ preseason opener against New England. Richardson played the entire first half, throwing for 145 passing yards, rushing for 53 yards, and adding a rushing touchdown. However, the stat line may be a little deceiving, as Richardson threw an interception on his third pass of the game and he fumbled in the second quarter. It is clear that Richardson’s time in Indianapolis is numbered, but this game did showcase his rushing ability, which could spark trade interest among your leaguemates.
Kimani Vidal | Running Back | Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers released their first unofficial depth chart of 2026 ahead of their preseason opener. What was interesting about that release was that they listed Keaton Mitchell or Kimani Vidal as the backup running back. Now, I know these depth charts are sometimes released by whoever is near a computer when they need to be released. However, in the game, Mitchell did not play while Vidal rushed five times for eight yards and stayed in for two drives. If someone is thinking that Vidal is the handcuff to roster behind Hampton, use this depth chart to your advantage.
Marvin Mims | Wide Receiver | Denver Broncos
If you can find another fantasy manager who still believes in Marvin Mims, smash that accept button. Mims was unable to play in the preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, which does not help his chances of carving out a role in the Denver offense. Already behind Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton, being unable to play gives Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin a leg up in the wide receiver room. A fresh start could be good for Mims and your fantasy rosters.
Darren Waller | Tight End | Carolina Panthers
Darren Waller returned from retirement to play for the Miami Dolphins last season. In 9 games with Miami, Waller performed well, posting 24 catches, 283 receiving yards, and 6 touchdowns before a groin injury ended his season. After signing last week with the Carolina Panthers, Waller once again has some trade value. If you haven’t parted with him on your roster, you have a second chance to cash in on Waller’s value spike.
Who To Cut
Mason Rudolph | Quarterback | Pittsburgh Steelers | 11% Rostership
The Steelers’ backup quarterback battle behind Aaron Rodgers is a very competitive battle between veteran Mason Rudolph, second-year pro Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar. All three quarterbacks saw action in Pittsburgh’s preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. Allar was the star of the night while Howard also produced solid numbers. Rudolph started the game and was efficient. However, his performance relative to that of the two young signal-callers makes the next several weeks much more interesting for the Steelers. I see Rudolph being the odd man out in Pittsburgh.
Rasheen Ali | Running Back | Baltimore Ravens | 11% Rostership
Rasheen Ali enters his third NFL season on the roster bubble. Ali was already in troubled territory behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill, but had a chance to carve out a role with the departure of Keaton Mitchell to the Los Angeles Chargers. Unfortunately, Ali was unable to play in the Ravens’ preseason opener against Philadelphia, allowing fifth-round rookie Adam Randall to showcase his talents. Randall rushed for 46 yards on 12 carries while also finding the end zone. Ali still has the chance to make the roster on special teams, but as far as fantasy goes, Ali looks to be a safe cut.
Cedric Tillman | Wide Receiver | Cleveland Browns | 36% Rostership
The Cleveland Browns selected Cedric Tillman in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Tillman was expected to be a key part of the Browns offense, but entering his fourth NFL season, that has yet to happen. Tillman has failed to surpass 350 receiving yards in a season and missed the Browns’ preseason opener due to injury. With the additions of KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston to the wide receiver room, Tillman could be the one to let go in Cleveland.
Cade Stover | Tight End | Houston Texans | 15% Rostership
Cade Stover is currently being cross-trained as a fullback, which does not bode well for his long-term fantasy success. Houston spent a second-round draft pick on Marlin Klein, who was praised by Head Coach DeMeco Ryans. The tight end room already includes Dalton Schultz, Foster Moreau, and Brevin Jordan. The former fourth-round pick in 2024 has a tough road to navigate for fantasy success and can be safely removed from your rosters if you need to make room.
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