Summer might feel like a break, but for smart Dynasty managers, it’s prime time to prepare for a title run. While others are taking it easy, you should be breaking down your roster, not just checking who your starters are, but evaluating every position for depth, upside, and insurance. This is the time to spot weak spots, stockpile flex options, and stash future difference-makers before injuries strike or values shift. Think of it as your preseason war room session, setting the foundation for a championship season.

Your Dynasty GM Roster Walkthrough Checklist:

1. Quarterback Stability & Ceiling (Especially in Superflex/Tight SF)
   * Checklist Item:Do you have two reliable weekly starters? Is there a developmental QB3 with legitimate upside? How exposed are you to age cliff (Stafford, Rodgers) or unproven youth (Maye, Nix)?Reliable” doesn’t mean elite. Baker Mayfield (if still with a good offense) and Jared Goff proved in 2024 that stable pocket passers on good offenses provide immense value without the premium cost. If you lack a true elite tier (Allen, Jackson, **Jayden Daniels**, Hurts, Burrow), prioritize pairing a steady veteran (Goff, Mayfield – **assuming continued stability**) with a high-upside youngster and a cheap, functional veteran backup (Darnold).Trade Bait:Aging QB3s with name value (e.g., Kirk Cousins if fully healthy).
   Stash Target: Joe Milton III (DAL) – Elite physical tools, clear path if Prescott misses time.
2. Running Back: Contention vs. Rebuild & The “Rebuilding Back” Conundrum
   * Checklist Item:Are you a true contender? If YES, do you have at least one reliable high-floor RB (think Mixon, Conner, Kamara post-draft) and one high-upside piece? If NO (rebuilding), are you over-investedin aging or soon-to-decline RBs blocking your draft position? Is a top-tier rookie RB (Jeanty ’25, Hampton ’25) worth the rare “rebuild exception” based on draft capital (Top 15 NFL pick)?This is the most volatile position. Contenders MUST exploit “name fatigue” and acquire productive veterans cheaply after the NFL Draft dust settles. Rebuilders MUST ruthlessly sell RBs 26+ or coming off massive touch seasons (e.g., Saquon Barkley). Trade Bait (Sell): James Cook (BUF – TD regression risk, Davis lurking), Saquon Barkley (PHI – Age + Workload), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE – Henderson arrival).Trade Target (Buy Low): Alvin Kamara (NO – Still elite target share, cheap for contenders), James Conner (ARI – Always undervalued, perfect contender add).
   Stash Target: Keaton Mitchell (BAL – Explosive talent returning from injury), Ray Davis (BUF – Clear path if Cook falters/injured).
3. Wide Receiver: Depth, Youth, and QB Stability
   * Checklist Item:Beyond your WR1, do your WR2/3/4 offer consistent weekly upside or high-ceiling volatility? How many are tied to unstable QB situations? How old is your core? Do you have developmental stashes?Don’t overpay for “name value” WR2s when similar production exists cheaper (e.g., Jakobi Meyers vs. DK Metcalf production last year). Prioritize youth witha stable QB or elite talent that transcends QB (Garrett Wilson). Diversify your portfolio – have steady vets (Aiyuk, McLaurin, Godwin) and high-upside youth.Trade Target (Buy Low): Garrett Wilson (NYJ – Elite talent, QB-proof to an extent, undervalued post-Rodgers), Jaylen Waddle (MIA – Elite efficiency profile, prime bounce-back candidate).
   Stash Target: Malik Washington (MIA – Path opens if Hill traded/Waddle hurt), Kyle Williams (NE – Impressing camp, Drake Maye connection potential), Dont’e Thornton (LV – Starting X-receiver role).
4. Tight End: The Final Infinity Stone – Secure Your Anchor or Play the Matchup Game
   * Checklist Item:Do you have a set-and-forget TE1(LaPorta, McBride, Bowers, Kittle, Andrews)? If not, do you have multiple high-upside TE2s with paths to top-12 production? Are you waiting to see camp battles unfold?
   If you don’t have a top-tier guy, DO NOT overpay now. The position is deep with volatile talent (Pitts, Kincaid, Ferguson, Engram, Njoku, Freiermuth). Contenders can cheaply acquire 1-2 options later or even piecemeal weekly based on matchups. Rebuilders should target young, discounted talents with elite college profiles.Trade Target (Buy Low): Jake Ferguson (DAL – Contract extension, offense will flow through CeeDee/Pickens but solid role), Pat Freiermuth (PIT – Arthur Smith uses TEs, Fields upgrade).
   Stash Target: Brenton Strange (JAX – Engram gone, Lawrence connection growing), Colston Loveland (CHI – Reports glowing, passing Kmet quickly).
5. Flex Value Assessment: Maximizing Your Starting Lineup
   * Checklist Item:Looking at RB3, WR3, TE: Who offers the highest weekly floor? Who offers the boom potentialneeded to win weeks? Are they concentrated at one position? Is your flex spot often a weakness?Your flex spot wins championships. Target players with defined roles in good offenses, even if unsexy. Veterans like Adam Thielen or Jakobi Meyers provide incredible value as high-floor WR3/Flex options. Prioritize pass-catching RBs (Aaron Jones, Jaylen Warren) or target hogs in the slot for PPR floor. Ensure you have both reliable points and a few boom/bust options to exploit matchups.Trade Target (Buy Low): Jakobi Meyers (LV – Consistent producer, undervalued), Jaylen Warren (PIT – Always efficient, role secure).
6. Insurance Planning: Handcuffs & Developmental Stashes
   * Checklist Item:Do your key RBs have clear, affordable handcuffs? Do you have developmental players (WR, TE, QB) stashed who could see significant roles in 2026? Are you holding dead weight instead of lottery tickets?

True handcuffs are rare (e.g., Allgeier to Bijan, Warren to Najee last year). Focus on backups with standalone value orelite talent in great situations if the starter falls. Use the end of your bench for high-upside stashes, not middling veterans who won’t start for you.

1. Bijan Robinson → Tyler Allgeier (ATL): Allgeier isn’t just a fill-in—he averaged 4.4 YPC in 2024.

2. Najee Harris → Jaylen Warren (PIT): Warren’s 5.3 YPC and pass-catching chops make him more than a handcuff.

Stash Targets: Tyler Allgeier (ATL – Proven production if Bijan out), Trey Benson (ARI – Elite talent behind Conner), Jacob Cowing (SF – Big-play ability, Aiyuk health/Jennings role questions), Ben Sinnott (WAS – TE of the future, Ertz bridge).

1. Ben Sinnott (WAS, TE): Rookie blocker‐turned‐receiver with YAC upside in a Bill Callahan offense.
2. Bo Walker (UGA, RB): Early enrollee tearing up spring ball behind a deep, proven backfield.
3. Jacob Cowing (SF, WR): Electric deep threat in a Shanahan system that loves speed.

This checklist isn’t a one-time exercise. Revisit it after every major NFL news event, preseason game, and especially after your rookie draft. Dynasty success hinges on proactive management. Identify your weaknesses using this framework, aggressively pursue your trade targets and stashes, and cut the sentimentality holding back your roster. Now get back in the war room – your championship depth chart won’t build itself.

1. Cut: “One-and-done” veterans who haven’t moved the needle all spring.

2. Keep: Players showing at least 15% of offensive snaps in camp reports.

3. Rotate: Bench a mid-tier vet for one stash spot each month to test upside.

FAQ

Q1: When should I run this summer roster audit?
A1: As soon as major training camp battles break (late July) and again post-preseason games in August.

Q2: How many QBs do I need in a Superflex league?
A2: At least three—two weekly starters and one high-upside developmental QB3.

Q3: Should contenders draft rookie RBs in summer?
A3: Only if you hold a top-15 NFL pick and can wait 1–2 years for their upside.

Q4: What’s the best approach to tight ends?
A4: Secure a set-and-forget TE1 early or wait to add TE2 matchups later—don’t overpay on volatile mid-round TEs.

Q5: How often should I revisit this checklist?
A5: Quarterly—after camp news, preseason games, and your rookie/devy drafts.