Quick take: Senior Trade Analyst Mychal Warno previews the 2026 Free Agency class in his Week 13 Fantasy Football Trade Advice. This first installment focuses on quarterbacks and running backs who may be changing teams this offseason and could see a boost in dynasty fantasy football value.
With dynasty leagues, winning isn’t just about the following Sunday—it’s about seeing two or three seasons ahead. Whether it’s a young star potentially escaping a crowded depth chart, a veteran heading toward one last big contract, or a system-dependent player who could thrive in a new offense, free agency in 2026 could drastically reshape dynasty values overnight.
Savvy dynasty players know that tracking future free agents years in advance isn’t just speculation. It’s preparation. Contract years often bring career-best performances, and offseason team changes can unlock production that was previously capped by scheme or situation. By identifying these 2026 free agents early, you can make smarter trades, stash the right breakout candidates, and position your roster ahead of your league competition before the hype hits.
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2026 Free Agent Quarterbacks | Week 13 Fantasy Football Trade Advice
Daniel Jones | Colts | Week 13 Fantasy Trade Advice
I fully anticipate Daniel Jones returning to the Colts, whether that be through a contract extension or a franchise tag. Jones appears to be the long-term solution at quarterback for Indianapolis and has thrived under head coach Shane Steichen. On the Dynasty Nerds App, Jones’ value is all over the place, but I would be comfortable sending a late-2026 1st and a player like Khalil Shakir or Jerry Jeudy in return for Jones.
Aaron Rodgers | Steelers | Week 13 Fantasy Trade Advice
Aaron Rodgers will turn 42 in December, and his future is uncertain. While he has expressed interest in returning to the Steelers, he has not ruled out retirement when asked. If I were a betting man, I would lean toward this being Rodgers’ final year and would not actively try to trade for him.
Malik Willis | Packers | Week 13 Fantasy Trade Advice
Malik Willis is in the final year of his rookie contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. At 26-years old, Willis should be a very enticing option for a team looking for a bridge quarterback or for a potential starter to take a flyer on. Check your waiver wire to see if Willis is available, or casually throw in him into your trade offers for other players, just for the potential of landing a starting quarterback in 2026.
2026 Notable NFL Free Agent Quarterbacks
Other notable free agent quarterbacks that I feel will return as backups in 2026 include: Joe Flacco, Jimmy Garoppolo, Sam Howell, Trey Lance, Marcus Mariota, Gardner Minshew, Kenny Pickett, Tyrod Taylor, Mitch Trubisky, Carson Wentz, Russell Wilson, and Zach Wilson.
2026 Free Agent Running Backs | Week 13 Fantasy Football Trade Advice
The running back landscape could change dramatically in 2026. With a weaker draft class, teams could be looking to solidify their backfields through free agency.
Breece Hall | Jets | Week 13 Fantasy Trade Advice
The marquee free agent among the running back class will be Breece Hall. Hall and the New York Jets have a relationship that is damaged beyond repair. It was well known that at the trade deadline, the Kansas City Chiefs offered a 4th Round pick for Hall, but a deal could not be reached because the Jets wanted a third-round pick instead. Kansas City’s interest in Hall makes me very hesitant to trade away Hall if I am a rebuilder. Your best trade value in Hall will be once he signs as a free agent. If he goes to Kansas City, his trade value will skyrocket as he is still only 24 years old.
Tyler Allgeier | Falcons | Week 13 Fantasy Trade Advice
Tyler Allgeier is an interesting name to watch as he enters free agency. Let us not forget that in his rookie year, Allgeier rushed for over 1,000 yards before the Atlanta Falcons drafted Bijan Robinson. Allgeier is still only 25-years old and will be an interesting name to monitor during free agency. Start sending out 3rd Round picks now for Allgeier now in hopes of him landing in a favorable new role.
Kenneth Walker | Seahawks | Week 13 Fantasy Trade Advice
Much like Breece Hall, a change of scenery is much needed for Kenneth Walker. I am not as high on Walker as others are, and if Walker leaves Seattle, it would benefit Zach Charbonnet more than Walker. I am not actively looking to acquire Kenneth Walker, but if he does not return to Seattle, I would be interested in acquiring Charbonnet.
Travis Etienne | Jaguars | Week 13 Fantasy Trade Advice
In my Week 12 Trade Article, I highlighted Bhayshul Tuten as a trade target for rebuilders. I believe Jacksonville will go into 2026 with a Tuten and LeQuint Allen backfield, allowing Travis Etienne to walk in free agency. Etienne will be one of the most coveted free agents amongst the running backs and should get a decent contract. I would be comfortable trading a late 2026 1st for Etienne and receiving a 2026 or 2027 2nd in return.
J.K. Dobbins | Broncos | Week 13 Fantasy Trade Advice
I have always been a J.K. Dobbins fan, and in my home league, I have been very loyal to him, as he has been on my team since I drafted him as a rookie. That said, Dobbins has been consistently injured and will turn 27 in December. Dobbins is a hard player to trust to stay healthy, and I would have a hard time trading for him. On the Dynasty Nerds podcast, Matt and Rich said they would be comfortable trading a late 2nd Round pick to acquire Dobbins. I am closer to Garret, who would acquire Dobbins for two 2026 3rds.
Rico Dowdle | Panthers | Week 13 Fantasy Trade Advice
One of the running back names that will probably get overlooked in free agency is Rico Dowdle. Carolina has the option to get out of their contract with Chuba Hubbard, leaving the door open for Dowdle to re-sign with Carolina. Any fantasy manager can feel comfortable as a contender or rebuilder in sending a 2026 2nd for Dowdle.
Keaton Mitchell | Ravens | Week 13 Fantasy Trade Advice
Keaton Mitchell is a sneaky name to acquire now in hopes for an increased workload in the future. At only 23-years old, Mitchell is an explosive player who is stuck behind a living legend in Derrick Henry. If Mitchell gets an opportunity for increased touches, he may just run away with the job (pun intended). Send out those 4th or 5th round picks for Mitchell or also check your waiver wire for him as well.
Javonte Williams | Cowboys | Week 13 Fantasy Trade Advice
For Javonte Williams, his best landing spot scenario would be to return to the Dallas Cowboys. Williams has had a career resurgence with Dallas. If Williams lands outside of Dallas, I am less interested in acquiring him. Javonte Williams is someone I am waiting to see where he lands before I send out offers, unless I am a contender.
2026 Notable NFL Free Agent Running Backs
Other notable free agent running backs that I feel will return as backups in 2026 include: Austin Ekeler, Kenneth Gainwell, Najee Harris, Kareem Hunt, Isiah Pacheco, Brian Robinson, Sean Tucker, and Rachaad White.
Thank you, Nerds! Be sure to check out next week’s article, where I will dive into the wide receiver and tight end free agents. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving and God Bless!
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🧠 FAQ | Week 13 Fantasy Football Trade Advice
Q1: Should I trade for Daniel Jones in dynasty leagues before he gets a new contract?
A: Jones has thrived under Shane Steichen and is likely to return to the Colts. His value could climb once a long-term deal or franchise tag is confirmed. A late 2026 first plus a depth player is a fair price for contenders.
Q2: Is Malik Willis a legitimate dynasty stash ahead of 2026 free agency?
A: He is. Willis will hit the market at 26 years old and could land a bridge quarterback or competition role. Dynasty managers should check waivers or include him as a throw-in trade piece now.
Q3: Should fantasy managers buy or avoid Aaron Rodgers at this point in the season?
A: Rodgers is difficult to value long term. His retirement risk makes him a short-term rental only. Dynasty managers should avoid trading significant assets unless they are desperate for a final playoff push.
Q4: Is Breece Hall a hold or trade asset heading into 2026 free agency?
A: Hall is a hold for rebuilders. His value has room to rise once he leaves the Jets and signs with a more functional offense. If he lands in Kansas City, his dynasty value could spike.
Q5: Is Tyler Allgeier worth a trade before free agency reshapes his opportunity?
A: Allgeier is an affordable speculative buy. He has produced before and could secure a meaningful role in a new backfield. A 2026 third-round pick is a reasonable offer.
Q6: Should dynasty managers buy Kenneth Walker or pivot to Zach Charbonnet?
A: Walker is a wait-and-see player. If he leaves Seattle, Charbonnet benefits more from the change. Managers who want exposure to the Seahawks backfield should focus on Charbonnet instead.
Q7: Is Travis Etienne a good trade target before he hits free agency?
A: Etienne carries strong value for contenders and rebuilders. If he lands a starting role outside Jacksonville, he becomes a premium RB asset. A late 2026 first with a second coming back is a fair structure.
Q8: Is Keaton Mitchell a smart dynasty stash while he sits behind Derrick Henry?
A: Mitchell is an explosive, underrated stash. If his role grows in 2026, he could break out quickly. He is worth a 2026 fourth or fifth-round pick or a speculative waiver pickup.
