The dynasty trade market tends to heat up a bit after the conclusion of the regular season because managers have to find a way to scratch the fantasy football itch during the NFL offseason.
The running back position is among the most volatile when determining year-over-year value in the dynasty format. Should dynasty managers consider trading talented players like De’Von Achane, Joe Mixon, and Zamir White while their value is at its peak after a strong finish to the 2023 season?
Should You Trade De’Von Achane in Dynasty Fantasy Football?
Achane looked like a league-winning type asset through the first five games of his rookie season, rattling off rushing performances of 203, 101, and 151 yards in three consecutive weeks while adding seven total touchdowns during that stretch.
Unfortunately, Achane sustained a knee injury that resulted in him being sent to injured reserve (IR), promptly halting his breakout year in its tracks.
His return from IR still definitely had some high moments where he still looked like a dynamic playmaker in one of the league’s most explosive offensive units, but his all-world efficiency did drop a bit once he returned to the lineup.
After averaging an absurd 12.1 yards per carry before being sent to IR, his ypc dropped to a still formidable 5.2. This isn’t meant to be an indictment on Achane, but it could bring into question one of the bigger question marks on his dynasty profile… durability.
Achane reaggravated the knee injury in his first game back from IR and consequently missed more time. He also picked up a toe injury during the back half of the season, which appeared to sap some of the game-breaking speed we saw earlier in the year.
It’s also unclear whether or not the Miami Dolphins see Achane as a feature back at this very moment. Raheem Mostert was heavily involved in 2023 — which is evident by his 21 total TDs last season. Plus, the Dolphins were also interested in both Dalvin Cook and Jonathan Taylor when both appeared available on the trade market heading into the year.
Mostert is still under contract for 2024 but will turn 32 in April, which could lead to an expanded role for Achane this upcoming year if the team decides to remain status quo at the position.
Ultimately, Achane showcased more than enough promise in his rookie season to warrant an aggressive outlook for his career in this Dolphins offense. However, if someone is willing to pay top dollar with a collection of picks and/or players to acquire Achane from my team, I would certainly be willing to consider cashing out on his insanely high fantasy ceiling.
Should You Trade Joe Mixon in Dynasty Fantasy Football?
Despite a disappointing year for the Cincinnati Bengals, Mixon still managed to register his third straight top-10 fantasy season at the RB position in PPR formats in 2023.
Mixon’s 1,410 total yards and 12 total TDs proved he still has plenty of juice as a five-tool back in the NFL at the age of 27.
Unfortunately, the age cliff is a thing at the RB position, and Chase Brown‘s emergence towards the final two months of the season does make Mixon’s days as an elite fantasy producer a bit numbered.
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Mixon restructured his deal ahead of the 2023 season and is still under contract for 2024, but the team could elect to part ways with him = to free up some room on the books. If he remains a Bengal for one more year, then he should still present low-end RB1 value in 2024. But past next season, Mixon’s value will likely drop significantly.
If Mixon doesn’t return to the Bengals for an eighth go-round, then his fantasy value could drop immensely hitting the market at this age in a loaded RB free agent class. Unless I have a loaded roster teed up to win a fantasy championship in 2024, then I would strongly consider testing the market for Mixon ahead of the offseason.
Mixon’s value about upcoming 2024 rookie drafts falls around the second round. If I could get an early second-round or late first-round rookie pick in the upcoming 2024 rookie draft, then I would probably take it.
Should You Trade Zamir White in Dynasty Fantasy Football?
White is a very interesting dynasty asset at the moment. His strong finish to the 2023 season — finishing as the RB9 overall in PPR formats over the final four games of the year — suggests he could be a capable fantasy producer if he manages to retain the leading role in the Las Vegas Raiders’ backfield.
On the flip side, Vegas could elect to sign another running back — potentially bringing back Josh Jacobs — this offseason or sink significant draft capital into another prospect in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
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Many would argue White looked the part of a leading back over the final month of the 2023 season. He rushed for over 100 yards in two of the final four games and even showcased some capability as a reliable pass catcher with nine receptions over that span.
The wiser thing to do with White would be to sell him at his current peak. If I could get a second-round pick for him at this time, then I would be happy cashing out. But if you’re a shareholder of White and want to roll the dice on his upside, then I can’t say I blame you.
