This dynasty trade was made in early November in a 12-team PPR league, start 1-2-3-1-2Flex. 30 man rosters with a 2-year taxi squad for all drafted rookies.
The Approach
After making a splash trade to acquire Julio Jones, this team is sitting at 4-5 and is one game out of a playoff spot. In a start-2RB league, depth was surprisingly not an issue with 6 weekly starters who could produce at RB2 level. My goal was to sell one of the running backs without a solidified job going into the 2017 NFL draft for a 2017 1st. Specifically targeting Jordan Howard as a player to sell, I sent offers to nearly every team in the league without getting any bites. Some offers I did not get a reply on and they timed out on the site. What made this deal possible was emailing the owners of the teams who did not accept or reject my offer. This started a dialogue and we quickly agreed on a deal.
The Trade
Gave Jordan Howard
Received 2017 1st
While I project the 2017 1st will be from a playoff team, the pick allows me to add a player with better draft pedigree and long term potential. Even with the crowded backfield in Chicago with Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey, it is likely the Bears will address the running back position in the 2017 draft. Howard is a longshot to be the undisputed starter come week 1 of the NFL season.
Post-Trade Roster Highlights
Jameis Winston, Kirk Cousins
LeVeon Bell, Tevin Coleman, Giovanni Bernard, Matt Jones, Kenneth Dixon, Orleans Darkwa, Jacquizz Rodgers, Tim Hightower
Mike Evans, Julio Jones, Brandin Cooks, DeVante Parker, Devin Funchess, Sammie Coates, Phillip Dorsett, Anquan Boldin, Eli Rodgers, Cobi Hamilton
Coby Fleener, Clive Walford, Dennis Pitta, Jack Doyle
2017 1,2,2,2,2,4,5
2018 1,1,2,3,4,5
Takeaways
When I drafted Jordan Howard at 2.06 in the 2016 rookie draft, I had targeted him as a flip player. I would wait for him to get some work and sell for a 2017 1st. When Howard broke out, I got greedy and was looking for more in return than just the 1st and was unable to make a deal. After poor showings in back to back weeks, I was regretting not selling while Howard was the hot name. His solid performance in week 8 gave me a chance to get out again.
Do not be greedy. When you evaluate a non-core asset as a short-term flip candidate, it is unlikely they will break the mold and become a core asset. While it is hard to let go of producing players like Howard, you must trust your evaluation.
