Most of us play in leagues that have some form of a maximum roster size. Whether that minimum roster quantity is 20, 25, 30, or even 40 we all have to make decisions within our depth charts. The singular point this article will focus on is how to convert potential or definite 2015 “cut candidates” into what we hope will become future draft picks (equity). For another great read on offseason roster management check out “Up Your Offseason Dynasty Game” by UTH’s own Eric Coleman.
Recognizing The Dangers
Its obviously impossible to predict the future of a players status with the team that they currently play for, however by using the information in front we will try to turn a future negative into a positive. The negative I am referring to is the impending scenario where you are forced to cut a player from your roster. There is literally only one thing worse than cutting a deep roster prospect and receiving zero in return for it, and that is retaining one that is eventually cut by his team or decides to retire under his own power. No owner wants to fall victim to any of these outcomes, and by attempting a few of the tactics in this article your chances of avoiding one will greatly increase.
Pro Football Rumors: Marshawn Lynch Considering Retirement? http://t.co/Red4ccAoaC
— FantasyLeagueGM (@JOBOOZOSO) June 13, 2014
Make A List
It is no secret that as dynasty owners we probably thinking about our rosters a little too often. We ponder the what if’s, regret the missed opportunities, and dream of the best case scenarios on a day to day basis. With this said it is probably already very apparent to owners which players on their roster are hovering in that fringe of “cut candidate”. For those of you who already know who they are you’re way ahead of the game, and for those of you who do not let us make a simple check list to help identify them. If any of the players on your roster meet one or more of these following options than it is safe to say they are worth the consideration of “cut candidate”.
- Are they set to be a 2015 free agent?
- Did they lose some or all their work to a rookie or younger talent
- What is their age? (are they older for their position, or bordering retirement?)
- Has it been 3-4 years in the NFL and they just have not put it together?
- Have they plummeted from a starting job to the 3rd or 4th option at their position?
*These are merely bullet points to use for reference, not all players that meet one or more of these criteria’s is a cut candidate.
Turning A Profit
Now that we have some form of understanding about who is on our list it is time to find a way to turn a profit on them before we let them go for free. Again it is hard to know for sure what a players role will be next year when we are this far out, but if you have to reduce your roster size than what better option then to flip these players for future picks? Its a great time to buy picks now because by the time we review the draft and examine the combine results the value of draft picks will skyrocket significantly. So go do diligence. Knock on other owners doors and begin conversations with them regarding their rosters and what type of picks they would be willing to part with for your assets. The likelihood of receiving a round one draft pick for a borderline roster “cutable” talent seems grim, but you never know how another owner views your players so it never hurts to ask.
In Closing
The reality is you very well may have to cut a player with nothing in return, however, if you start now you increase the chances of locating a return on your investments. Perhaps you do not find an owner willing to trade a round one pick for a back-end roster talent, but I am positive there are plenty of others league-mates out there that would potentially be willing to move a round two or round three pick for one of your piece if its appealing enough.
Only you can make yourself fantasy rich!
