Welcome to the inaugural edition of Grade the Trade, where we break down real dynasty deals submitted by Dynasty Nerd managers via Reddit. Whether you’re flipping aging vets, making a title push, or somehow stuck holding onto Derek Carr, these trades offer a look at the current dynasty market.
We’ll break down the PROs and CONs for both sides, then deliver a clear verdict and value assessment for each deal. Scroll to the bottom to learn how to get featured for the next edition!
TRADE #1 | B+ | Grade the Trade
Ashton Jeanty & Ladd McConkey for Justin Jefferson
Agitated_Umpire_4289 asked, “Which side you taking?”
Justin Jefferson has been entrenched as a top-2 dynasty WR for years, and he’s not going anywhere, anytime soon. On the other side, Ashton Jeanty is the new hotness, locked in as the consensus 1.01 in rookie drafts and already earning top-15 startup value. Ladd McConkey delivered a WR1 fantasy season as a rookie, showing elite separation and instant chemistry with his franchise QB.
Team A | Ashton Jeanty & Ladd McConkey
PROS
- Jeanty has youth and RB1 upside—a beautiful combination.
- McConkey was WR12 as a rookie, and showed instant chemistry with Herbert.
- Immediate upgrade to RB room with added long-term roster flexibility.
CONS
- LA Chargers added a RB and a WR with their first two Draft picks, creating more competition for McConkey’s volume.
- Jeanty has yet to take a real NFL snap.
- Breaking a cardinal dynasty rule: never give up the best player in the deal unless it’s an obvious win.
Team B | Justin Jefferson
PROS
- Still just 26 years old and a top-tier Dynasty player.
- A set-it-and-forget-it cornerstone of the Vikings’ offense for years.
- Featured in Kevin O’Connell’s scheme.
CONS
- Massive price tag for a single position in a 2-for-1 deal
- Noteworthy: The league format is important.
Verdict: Team A is the clear winner.
This isn’t just a quantity over quality move; it’s two high-upside, young starters who collectively give you more net value and flexibility than Jefferson alone. If Jeanty delivers, this becomes a homerun as his value could supplant Jefferson in the next 2 years. And if McConkey continues to be Herbert’s guy? Now they’re playing with house money.
Grade the Trade | Dynasty Values:
Grade the Trade | Contender Values:
TRADE #2 | B | Grade The Trade
Jaxon Smith-Njigba for Zay Flowers & 2026 1st
Major_Kaput wants to know: Dynasty Nerds’ thoughts?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba hauled in 100 receptions last season and finished as the WR10 overall, now creeping into the 3rd round of startup drafts. Seattle parted ways with D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, leaving the runway clear for JSN to take over, even with Cooper Kupp arriving as a short-term complement. Zay Flowers is a 6th round startup pick and the Ravens’ WR1, despite Rashod Bateman signing a second extension.
Team A | Jaxon Smith-Njigba
PROS
- JSN has a clear path to target-hog status in Seattle.
- He showed true WR1 ceiling in the second half of 2024.
- His age insulation makes him a premium dynasty asset.
CONS
- The Seattle offense is still a question under a new offensive philosophy.
- Managers are banking on a one-year sample of elite output.
Team B | Zay Flowers & 2026 1st
PROS
- Flowers offers weekly boom potential (only ~2 points/game behind JSN).
- The 2026 1st is a flexible asset.
- This move spreads risk across two assets.
CONS
- Flowers is stuck in a low-volume pass game that leans on the run game to ice wins.
- Draft picks are delayed value, unless traded before the Draft.
Verdict: Team A is the slight winner.
Paying a future 1st to upgrade from a good WR2 to a WR1 alpha is an easy button if you’re chasing a title. The 2-point weekly gap understates JSN’s ceiling—he could be a top-10 difference maker. Rebuilders might prefer the Flowers + pick package, but if my window is open, I’m upgrading to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Grade the Trade | Dynasty Values:
Grade the Trade | Contender Values:
TRADE #3 | A- | Grade The Trade
Garrett Wilson + 2025 1.03 + 2026 1st + 2027 2nd for Ja’Marr Chase
Cheesecard75 wants to know what Dynasty Nerds think of this one.
Ja’Marr Chase finally delivered that season, capturing the triple crown and leading all flex players in fantasy scoring. He’s a locked-in dynasty cornerstone and arguably the most valuable non-QB in the game. On the other side, Garrett Wilson just posted a WR11 finish and now reunites with his college QB, Justin Fields. The volume should remain high, but will the targets be catchable? The 2025 1.03 projects to land Travis Hunter, Tetairoa McMillan, or TreVeyon Henderson, while the 2026 and 2027 picks give the team additional leverage.
Team A | Garrett Wilson + 1.03, 26 1st, 27 2nd
PROS
- Wilson is 24-years old with 140+ target upside if QB play stabilizes.
- The 1.03 provides an immediate rookie starter (WR3/RB2 floor).
- The 2026 1st & 2027 2nd keep picks stocked for future moves.
- This move diversifies risk across separate appreciating assets.
CONS
- No single piece in the deal matches Chase’s week-winning ceiling.
- Wilson’s value is currently tied to a shaky QB in Fields.
- Draft picks—when made—are question marks at best.
Team B | Ja’Marr Chase
PROS
- Chase is a top-2 dynasty WR tethered to Joe Burrow through his prime years.
- His sky-high ceiling shifts weekly matchups single handedly.
- This move is an immediate WR upgrade.
CONS
- This deal results in a one-asset portfolio.
- The cost depletes future draft capital.
Verdict: Team B is a slight winner.
If you’re sitting on a playoff-ready core, paying a premium rookie + two future picks feels steep—but defensible. Chase’s combination of age, talent, and QB is unmatched, and his value is insulated. However, for a team lacking championship aspirations this year, the Wilson-plus-picks package is the smarter bet. Team A keeps a young top-15 WR, a top 3 prospect in the 2025 class, and 2 future picks.
Grade the Trade | Dynasty Values:
Grade the Trade | Contender Values:
TRADE #4 | C | Grade The Trade
A.J. Brown & George Pickens for Terry McLaurin, 2026 1st, and 2027 2nd
dbprescott15 wants Dynasty Nerds to “Pick a side.”
A.J. Brown brings WR1 firepower every week and remains one of the most physically dominant receivers in the game. George Pickens, fresh off back-to-back 100+ target seasons, now shifts from an alpha role to a complementary one alongside CeeDee Lamb in Dallas. On the other side, Terry McLaurin just posted the best season of his career at age 29 but seems frustrated over the lack of a contract extension.
Team A | A.J. Brown & George Pickens
PROS
- AJB is an elite producer in his prime.
- Pickens has big-play weekly upside.
- This move consolidates value into known production.
CONS
- Pickens’ usage and overall future remain questionable.
- Spending future draft capital at a low point.
Team B | McLaurin, 2026 1st, 2027 2nd
PROS
- McLaurin is coming off a strong season and has a WR1 ceiling with Jayden Daniels.
- The 2026 1st and 2027 2nd allows flexibility for future moves or rebuilding.
CONS
- McLaurin is turning 30—a known value cliff is approaching.
- No elite player in the resulting trade.
Verdict: Team A is a strong winner.
McLaurin can give you another good year or two, but you’re betting on delayed draft picks and missing the elite upside A.J. Brown offers right now. Pickens adds youth and explosive potential. I’ll take the combination of elite talent and young, talented upside over the capped-upside and questionable draft capital.
Grade the Trade | Dynasty Values:
Grade the Trade | Contender Values:
TRADE #5 | C+ | Grade The Trade
George Kittle, Kyler Murray, Tyjae Spears & 2026 2nd for Dalton Kincaid, Michael Penix Jr. & 2026 1st
Chance-belt-6485 asks, “Thoughts?” on this one.
George Kittle could lead the 49ers in targets this season, giving him a real shot at finishing as the overall TE1. Kyler Murray brings a strong rushing floor and throws to elite weapons in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride. On the other side, Dalton Kincaid and Michael Penix Jr. are intriguing long-term plays, but neither has shown elite traits just yet.
Team A | Kittle, Kyler, Spears, 2026 2nd
PROS
- Kittle is an elite difference-maker at a shallow position
- Kyler’s rushing gives top 5 fantasy QB ceiling when healthy
- Spears is a sneaky depth piece with standalone value if things break right
- Immediate upgrades at both QB and TE positions
CONS
- Kittle and Kyler carry injury histories
- Spears may never be more than a committee back
- Aging players, declining values
Team B | Kincaid, Penix, 2026 1st
PROS
- Kincaid could be the next breakout TE1 with clear runway in Buffalo
- Penix adds a long-term QB (or a quick flip if value spikes)
- 2026 1st gives flexibility and future firepower
CONS
- Short-term downgrade at both positions
- Neither Penix nor Kincaid has shown enough to bank on any future production
Verdict: Team A is the Clear Winner
Paying a 2026 1st to upgrade your weekly starters at both QB and TE is a move I’ll make all day if I’m gunning for a title. Kincaid and Penix are long-term plays, but the point swing Kittle and Kyler provide justifies the move.
Grade the Trade | Dynasty Values:
Grade the Trade | Contender Values:
TRADE #6 | B+ | Grade The Trade
Breece Hall, Kyren Williams, Jack Bech for Jahmyr Gibbs & Travis Hunter
RefridgeratorEven8445 wants to know, “Who wins?”
Breece Hall’s 2024 season raised some concerns, and Jets coaches have hinted at more of a committee. Kyren Williams continues to defy the doubters, racking up touches in McVay’s offense. Jack Bech is a longshot flier with solid 2nd Round capital. On the other side, Gibbs is just getting warmed up as Detroit’s electric RB1, and Travis Hunter enters the league with top-2 Draft capital and a sky-high ceiling.
Team A | Breece Hall, Kyren Williams, Jack Bech
PROS
- Breece Hall is still a top-tier talent and elite playmaker
- Kyren has earned every touch, and a contract looks to be on the horizon
- High-end RB depth
- Jack Bech is a low-cost sleeper
CONS
- Hall’s role is shaky and trending downward
- You’re giving away the player with the most perceived dynasty value in Gibbs, and a hyped rookie in Hunter
Team B | Jahmyr Gibbs & Travis Hunter
PROS
- Gibbs is still ascending, the consensus top 2 RB in the dynasty
- Travis Hunter has the potential to be a fantasy game-changer
CONS
- Less RB depth
- Hunter hasn’t played an NFL snap; offense and defense splits are a mystery
- Gibbs splits touches with Montgomery
Verdict: Team B is a Slight Winner
Gibbs looks like the next PPR cheat code, and Travis Hunter, if he hits, could be a top-15 WR by 2026. Hall and Kyren give strong starting RB-level production today. I love a trade that lets a manager move value into younger, higher-ceiling players. This is an upside swing worth taking.
Grade the Trade | Dynasty Values:
Grade the Trade | Contender Values:
Got a trade you want reviewed?
Drop it in the Dynasty Nerds subreddit with a quick “Grade the Trade” tag, and it might be selected as the next breakdown. Whether it’s a blockbuster league shaker or a sneaky stash swap, John is here to break it down. Keep the deals coming #NerdHerd!
