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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.

Casey Washington, WR, Atlanta Falcons

Darnell Mooney’s Week 1 absence opened the door for this second-year receiver. Washington led Falcons WRs in snaps at a 95% rate, thanks in part to Drake London leaving with a shoulder injury.

A sixth-round pick in 2023, Washington ran a 4.46-second 40 time at his Illinois pro day. As a rookie on the Falcons, he carved out a role as a sure-handed WR and special teamer. Drafted as depth, he showed more in Week 1 with six targets, three catches, and 32% of his snaps coming from the slot. Washington’s route running looked sharp, even without much separation.

On this route, Washington worked from the slot, rounded out in front of the CB, and showed smooth footwork, strong hands, and power after the catch. For a depth WR, it was impressive and could lead to more slot usage.

That bump could come within the next couple of weeks, if the shoulder injuries cost Mooney and/or London further time. His athleticism and reliable hands give him spike-week potential with enough volume.

He’s worth a spot at the end of a deep dynasty roster in case he builds value into a trade chip. 

Tip Reiman, TE, Arizona Cardinals

Reiman should already be rostered in deep dynasty leagues but often isn’t. His profile screams value.

He backs up Trey McBride in an offense that feeds TEs. If McBride misses time, Reiman would present top-12 upside.

Arizona spent a third-round pick on him in 2024 despite already rostering McBride. That investment plus Reiman’s athleticism make him an intriguing stash.

In Week 1, Reiman worked mainly as a blocker, running just 14 routes on 34 snaps. Blocking remains his strength, but his route running showed progress compared with last season’s film.

His lone catch came on a sharp stick route which he caught and turned upfield after making the catch.

The play mirrored how the Cardinals use McBride, underscoring how Reiman could step in if needed. His athleticism, draft capital, and role in a TE-friendly offense make Reiman an easy stash.

Raheim Sanders, RB, Cleveland Browns

Someone probably scooped up Rocket Sanders after your rookie draft,  then quickly dropped him after the Chargers cut him.

Sanders’ NFL profile remains intriguing, though. Once a highly touted devy prospect 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.

The Chargers surprisingly cut Sanders despite some camp hype. The Browns signed him as a placeholder for Quinshon Judkins.

Sanders worked as the clear No. 3 RB behind Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford in Week 1. He logged just three snaps, all short-yardage carries, including one at the goal line.

Sanders did the job well, staying low and balanced through the line to punch in a score.

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

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Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format, including redraft, dynasty, devy, C2C, IDP, CFF, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and a King's Classic Champion. Shane utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance. He led the industry in 2024 preseason Kicker Rankings and ranked second in preseason QB Rankings. He also ranked eighth in preseason IDP rankings.