8 Dynasty Stashes For 2026
Chew highlights 8 Dynasty stashes for those managers with no playoff hopes.
As we approach the fantasy football playoffs, those dynasty managers who are on the outside looking in are focused on the success of their rosters in 2026. There is less value in that middling veteran receiver than the young receiver/running back who could see an increase in opportunities. And for some players entering free agency, their situations could improve to offer dynasty managers more fantasy production or another trade chip in 2026. For each player, I have summarized their 2025 performance, reason for optimism in 2026, and dynasty trades I would make.
*2025 Performance is based on production through Week 11.
QB - WILL HOWARD
2025 Performance
Will Howard’s rookie season has not gone as planned, as a pinky injury in August has kept him off the active roster until recently (November 12th). Howard also entered the NFL with low expectations as a sixth-round selection. With Aaron Rodgers brought in to help the Steelers compete now (pending a wrist injury) and Mason Rudolph backing him up, there is no serious thought given to the idea of Howard getting any meaningful playing time in 2025. But enough about how wrong 2025 has gone, let’s take a look at an optimistic 2026.
2026 Optimism
As of the writing of this article, the Steelers are atop the AFC North, but it is far from a lock for the division title. For the Steelers, 2025 is a win-now season with the one-year deal for Aaron Rodgers signaling that this could be his final NFL season. And yes, it has been Rodgers’ “final season” for a few seasons now. But I firmly believe his age-42 season will be his last. The other quarterback, Mason Rudolph, was signed before the Rodgers signing and brought in for his familiarity with the team and to serve as the starter if needed. Rudolph will likely stick around, although he has little to no dead cap if released in 2026, depending on whether it is pre- or post-June 1st.
The Steelers are slated to have a middling first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, in what is currently viewed as a so-so quarterback class. So while the Steelers did not invest heavily in Howard, he will have another offseason to prove he should at least get a chance to compete for the starting spot in 2026. Given the makeup of the Steelers’ roster and investment in the defense, I would guess that outside of Rudolph, Howard’s competition could come in the form of another veteran on a short contract. The situation is primed for Howard to succeed, with a top-half offensive line and a few dependable offensive weapons already under contract. All of this to say, I am stashing Will Howard with eyes on 2026.
Trade #1: Will Howard ←→ ‘26 3rd
Trade #2: Will Howard ←→ Nick Chubb + ‘27 4th
Trade #3: Will Howard + ‘26 3rd ←→ Harold Fannin
QB - DAVIS MILLS
2025 Performance
Davis Mills has stepped up in a major way while C.J. Stroud has been out with a concussion in Weeks 10 and 11. Over the two week period, Mills combined for 566 passing yards, four total touchdowns (one rushing), and one interception. At most, Mills could earn a third start with the Texans on a short week against the Bills, but the starting gig should soon shift back to Stroud. Mills has shown enough to warrant consideration as a top-half backup quarterback in the NFL, and that has value. As a Texan, Mills is blocked by Stroud, but the former offers a trade chip for a quarterback-needy team looking ahead to 2026.
2026 Optimism
I was high on Mills coming out of Stanford as an old-school, prototypical quarterback who has the requisite size, arm, and adequate athleticism to start in the NFL. Unfortunately, Mills was drafted by a Houston Texans offense that was not well-positioned for a rookie quarterback to succeed. As previously mentioned, Mills could be a trade chip for the Texans looking to add to their 2026 draft picks. Mills becomes a free agent following the 2026 season; however, there is a digestable dead cap figure if the Texans were looking to make room. With the prospect of Mills getting a change of scenery in 2026, he becomes a candidate to see his dynasty value increase throughout the offseason.
Trade #1: Davis Mills ←→ Kirk Cousins
Trade #2: Davis Mills ←→ ‘27 4th
Trade #3: Davis Mills + ‘26 3rd ←→ Jameis Winston
RB - MARSHAWN LLOYD
2025 Performance
MarShawn Lloyd has taken snaps in only one game since being drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Packers. Lloyd remains on the IR but recently started practicing, so it is unclear if it is the Packers’ intention to have him play this season. Josh Jacobs’ knee injury in Week 11 highlights the fragility of the running back position, with the remainder of the depth chart consisting of Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks. So as practices add up for Lloyd, hopefully, he can get snaps this season and showcase his homerun speed in his compact frame.
2026 Optimism
Josh Jacobs has been integral to the Packers’ offense, as he is top-10 in both rushing attempts and targets among all running backs. Despite the volume that Jacobs already accounts for, Lloyd offers a complementary skill set that does not necessarily require a high volume to make an impact on fantasy. A healthy Lloyd should have no trouble usurping both Wilson and Brooks for the RB-2 spot on the depth chart. This is the type of player that gets forgotten in dynasty, as a running back getting that “injury-prone” label early on. I am cautiously optimistic given Lloyd’s skill set, but he is also appealing considering his low cost.
Trade #1: MarShawn Lloyd ←→ ‘28 3rd
Trade #2: MarShawn Lloyd + ‘26 2nd ←→ Keenan Allen + T.J. Hockenson
Trade #3: MarShawn Lloyd + ‘27 2nd ←→ Jaylen Warren
RB - SEAN TUCKER
2025 Performance
Well, Sean Tucker is fresh off his annual 30-burger, which saw him churn out 140 scrimmage yards and three total touchdowns in Week 11 against the Bills. It was in Week 6 against the Saints last year, where Tucker racked up 192 scrimmage yards and two total touchdowns. Backfield leader Bucky Irving has been dealing with foot and shoulder injuries since Week 4, and within the past couple of weeks, the Buccaneers have shown a proclivity to shift more touches from Rachaad White to Tucker. Irving’s status is a complete question mark at this point, and outside of a tough matchup with the Rams in Week 12, the remainder of the Buccaneers’ season is fantasy-friendly for Tucker.
2026 Optimism
The presence of Irving hinders Tucker’s upside, but there are ample touches to make Tucker viable in 2026. The optimism stems from White’s pending free agency, with the back among the top-end of the 2026 free agent running backs. The cost-effective duo of Irving and Tucker is appealing to the high-powered offense as the Buccaneers look to stabilize their wide receiver room in 2026 around rookie sensation Emeka Egbuka. Without getting into the mind of the decision-makers of the Buccaneers organization, the most fiscally sound decision while still maintaining sufficient production is to let White walk and retain Tucker. So while Tucker may cost a little extra after his spike week, this is dynasty, and there is future value to be had.
Trade #1: Sean Tucker ←→ ‘27 2nd
Trade #2: Sean Tucker ←→ Keon Coleman
Trade #3: Sean Tucker + Christian Watson + ‘26 2nd ←→ Woody Marks + ‘28 4th
WR - DONT’E THORNTON
2025 Performance
Dont’e Thornton entered his rookie season with a buzz around the unreal combination of size and speed that he possesses. It is a tale as old as time, chasing the upside of the athletic marvel at receiver with minimal college production. Thus far in 2025, Thornton’s snaps and production have fluctuated significantly. The trading away of Jakobi Meyers and the acquisition of Tyler Lockett have not seemed to have much of an effect on Thornton’s role. The Raiders’ passing offense has been lackluster to say the least, and it appears the Geno Smith experiment has run its course. With no dead cap to release Smith after 2025, the hope is that Thornton hones his skills as much as possible with what is left in his rookie season.
2026 Optimism
There is always optimism around a big, fast wide receiver. Plain and simple. The hope is, however, that the offense improves in 2026. Thornton boasts a top-5 ADOT of 16.4 yards, but the overall opportunity and production do not yet wow for fantasy. Even for the better deep ball receivers, there is weekly volatility that is to be expected. But from a fantasy perspective, this is the depth receiver that can slide into your flex and could get you the win on any given week. Thornton needs to develop his skill set, but he provides a worthwhile dynasty stash in deeper leagues.
Trade #1: Dont’e Thornton + ‘28 3rd ←→ Cade Otton
Trade #2: Dont’e Thornton + Luke Musgrave ←→ Tony Pollard
Trade #3: Dont’e Thornton + ‘27 3rd + ‘28 3rd ←→ Romeo Doubs
WR - JAYLIN LANE
2025 Performance
The Commanders may have used all of their good luck last season, as 2025 has been one of injury and underperformance. This has opened up an opportunity for Jaylin Lane to get meaningful snaps after the speedster was taken in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. The fantasy points have been few in Lane’s rookie season, as only three games have resulted in more than one reception. But their record suggests the 2025 season was a forgotten one for the Commanders, and with the oldest roster in the NFL, there could be more opportunities for younger players.
2026 Optimism
Full disclosure, I am a Hokie and will always root for fellow VT alum. But it makes it better and more justified when the Hokie in question has earned it, and Lane has done just that. There could very well be just three receivers, including Lane, on the Commander’s roster before the 2026 offseason additions, depending on what becomes of Deebo Samuel. Those three receivers are Terry McLaurin, Jaylin Lane, and Luke McCaffrey. Names will be added to this receiver room in 2026, but Lane has earned valuable experience in 2025, and I look for that to carry over into his sophomore season.
Trade #1: Jaylin Lane ←→ ‘26 3rd
Trade #2: Jaylin Lane + ‘26 2nd ←→ Tyjae Spears + ‘28 4th
Trade #3: Jaylin Lane + ‘26 2nd ←→ Jauan Jennings
TE - A.J. BARNER
2025 Performance
For all that I get wrong, I came into the 2025 season optimistic about A.J. Barner despite the addition of uber-athletic Elijah Arroyo. For most of the season, Barner has dominated the tight end snap share in Seattle, doubling his fantasy points per game from 2024. Further, the tight end has provided Sam Darnold with a dependable target alongside superstar receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. In the ever-evolving tight end landscape, there is great value in a player like Barner that can stay on the field and earn a meaningful target share.
2026 Optimism
Arroyo has only eclipsed a 50% snap share once, highlighting the security that Barner will stay on the field due to his blocking ability. Considering the stability at the position, I do not expect the Seahawks to spend meaningful resources on tight end in 2026. Despite Darnold spewing four interceptions in Week 11, he and Barner have developed a connection that will continue to grow through 2025 and into the offseason. I trust that the Seahawks’ offense is headed in the right direction and there will be continuity with the coaching staff that clearly trusts Barner both as a blocker and a receiver.
Trade #1: A.J. Barner ←→ Brock Wright + ‘28 2nd
Trade #2: A.J. Barner + Kyle Williams ←→ Pat Bryant
Trade #3: A.J. Barner ←→ Chimere Dike + ‘26 3rd
TE - TERRANCE FERGUSON
2025 Performance
Heading into his rookie season, I tabbed Terrance Ferguson with the “Biggest Range of Outcomes” superlative. Ferguson offers tremendous athletic upside, but joined a Rams’ offense that had a stable of pass-catchers that are difficult to usurp. Even in the tight end room, Ferguson has lagged in getting the fourth-most snap share amongst the four tight ends. Fortunately for Ferguson, he has made the most of his five receptions, turning them into 138 yards. The dynasty investment in Ferguson will take some patience, but he is the heir apparent to the elder statesman, Tyler Higbee.
2026 Optimism
Tyler Higbee is an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season, which leaves Ferguson, Davis Allen, and Colby Parkinson under contract. There is reason to believe that the Rams’ trust in Ferguson grows over the remainder of 2025 and throughout the offseason to let Higbee walk. Parkinson and Allen serve more as blocking tight ends, despite getting valuable red zone targets here and there. This is a bet on Ferguson turning his athleticism into fantasy points, and I am here for it in dynasty.
Trade #1: Terrance Ferguson ←→ Evan Engram + ‘26 4th
Trade #2: Terrance Ferguson + Tucker Kraft ←→ Sam LaPorta
Trade #3: Terrance Ferguson + ‘27 3rd←→ Deebo Samuel
So you made it this far, and hopefully you enjoyed it (that’s what she said). If you wouldn’t mind sharing this in your group message with your fellow fantasy football degenerates, I would greatly appreciate it!
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This is brilliant. Thank you!