In dynasty fantasy football, we all have “our guys” — the ones we’ve had a soft spot for since before they even hit the NFL. We planted our flags early, and sometimes those player takes pay off in a big way. Other times, they don’t. We have our models and our processes, but neither is perfect. At the end of the day, we’re all human.
Those misses can be hard to swallow, especially if you invested heavily. But today, I’m giving you the go-ahead to move on. These four players have shown us who they are. It’s time to say goodbye to the roster cloggers and open up space for a fresh dart throw.
Just keep your league context in mind. If you’re in a start 12 with 20+ bench spots, there might not be anyone better available on the waiver wire. But in a start 10 with only 15 bench spots, every spot is valuable. Utilizing a spot on a player who has no hope of cracking your lineup is a waste of time.
With that, let’s jump into four dynasty players it’s time to give up on.
Dynasty Fantasy Football Players to Give Up On
Rashod Bateman (WR – BAL)
There was once a time the dynasty community was convinced “Shoddy B” was the next WR1 in Baltimore. The former round one selection out of Minnesota emerged in the second half of his rookie season, with four games of eight or more targets from Weeks 9-18. Rashod Bateman was expected to take a step forward in Year 2 as a true impact player, but this never materialized. His best season came in 2024, averaging 10.3 PPR points per game, but this was mostly the product of some touchdown luck.
Outside of the 2024 season, where Bateman finished as the WR45 from a per-game basis, he’s failed to hit nine PPR points per game in any season. Last season was the worst of his career, averaging just 4.3 PPR fantasy points per game. Bateman finished sixth on the team in receptions, even fewer than 33-year-old DeAndre Hopkins.
Add in the lengthy injury history for Bateman, which includes a prior Lisfranc injury, and the writing is pretty much on the wall. If you can sell Bateman for a random fourth, pull the trigger. If you don’t find any takers, don’t feel bad about cutting ties and sending him to the waiver wire.
Kendre Miller (RB – NO)
Oh man, what could have been. Kendre Miller was supposed to be the heir apparent to Alvin Kamara, but his career has been a series of never-ending injuries, preventing him from seeing the field. Since August of 2023, Miller has suffered the following injuries:
- patella sprain
- multiple hamstring sprains
- ankle injury
- concussion
- ACL tear
It felt like 2025 was finally going to be Miller’s year, as Kamara’s production and efficiency took a massive hit in his age-30 season. Unfortunately, an early-season ACL injury sidelined Miller for the remainder of the season, and it feels like this may have been his last opportunity. It’s unclear whether Miller will be ready for the start of the 2026 season or what version of Miller we’ll get when he returns.
Next season is a contract year for Miller, and it’s looking increasingly more likely that he won’t be earning a second NFL contract. Unless he makes a full recovery, earns the trust of this coaching staff and works his way up the depth chart, I’m not sure what team would be willing to dole out money to a prospect with his injury history. If you’re looking to make some space on your dynasty roster this offseason, Miller should be a candidate to cut loose.
Jonnu Smith (TE – PIT)
Jonnu Smith was a late bloomer; his true breakout season came in the eighth season of his NFL career. He posted an impressive 13.1 PPR points per game in 2024 for the Dolphins and was subsequently pushed up dynasty draft boards this past offseason.
Smith was traded to the Steelers before the 2025 season, reuniting with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, whom he played under at Tennessee and Atlanta. Unfortunately, he was relegated to a part-time role in the Pittsburgh offense, with just a 47.2% route participation rate. As a result, he saw a drop in fantasy production, posting five PPR points per game.
I don’t see much changing for Smith in 2026. He’ll still be in Pittsburgh and will be entering his age-31 season. This could be the end of the road for him, and even if it isn’t, in what scenario would you ever feel good about starting him in dynasty again? If you’re ever in that situation, you’re not a true contender. This is the definition of a roster clogger.
Cooper Kupp (WR – SEA)
It feels weird putting the former Triple Crown winner on this list, but Cooper Kupp’s time of fantasy relevance has long gone. Watching him play in 2025, it’s pretty apparent the savvy slot receiver has lost a step (or three), and lacks any kind of burst or short-area quickness to create separation. Kupp dropped from the WR19 to the WR58 in PPR points per game this season, turning into an asset you can’t feel safe starting in any format.
Kupp is already 32 years old, and the Seahawks could save $9 million by cutting him before the 2026 season. Seeing Kupp find the end zone against his old team in the NFC Conference Championship was incredible to see, but this moment doesn’t magically put him back on the map in fantasy. Feel free to say goodbye to Kupp on your dynasty team if you’re looking to open up some space this offseason. He simply doesn’t see the volume to be trusted anymore.
Thanks for taking the time to check out today’s article. If you have any dynasty, devy, or C2C-related questions, I can be reached on X @jim_DFF.
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