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One year ago, we discussed the futures of Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and Aaron Jones as those free agents found new homes. This year's headliners are Najee Harris, Rico Dowdle, and Jordan Mason. Not quite the same.
Still, with every transaction come implications for dynasty fantasy football rosters across the globe.
Below, we discuss whether dynasty managers should buy or sell Harris, Dowdle, and Mason as they continue their careers in new cities.
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Najee Harris, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Here's a thought exercise: What was J.K. Dobbins' dynasty value before the 2024 season? He missed significant time in his first four professional seasons, was coming off a torn Achilles, and was signed by Los Angeles to back up Gus Edwards (it's easy to forget Edwards started Week 1). A fourth-round rookie pick? Unlikely.
But, if a manager waited until after his back-to-back 100-yard performances to start the season, Dobbins was suddenly worth something.
Fantasy managers believed they hit a home run after Najee Harris's RB3 rookie season. His finishes slipped in Year 2 (RB14) and Year 3 (RB23) before a slight rebound in Year 4 (RB20). Injuries aren't to blame. Harris hasn't missed a game in four years. Rather, he was outplayed by Jaylen Warren to the point where the Steelers were comfortable moving on.
The offseason optimism is here, though. Nearly 80 percent of the Chargers' running back attempts have been vacated. The current backups are 2024 sixth-round pick Kimani Vidal and perpetual depth piece Hassan Haskins. Harris will dominate touches if the depth chart remains the same in September. The marriage between him and the Chargers is perfect.
Najee Harris on the Steelers offense:
"We just didn't know anything on offense really. We didn't have any identity. We had a young guy coming in at QB. I really didn't have nobody to almost learn from on the offensive side."#steelers
🎥YT/ kcal News pic.twitter.com/DCqN6fQ33S
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) March 20, 2025
The divorce could come sooner rather than later. The contract was for one season, and we've already noted that the depth chart could use improvement. It would surprise nobody to see the Chargers add a rookie running back in the second or third round of the NFL Draft as their long-term solution at the position.
Dynasty managers could sell Harris before another piece is added to the Los Angeles backfield. He's due for a strong season, based on volume alone. His next endeavor may not be as fruitful. He could also return more value after a strong start to the season. Either way, selling Harris now or soon is the move.
Verdict: Sell
Rico Dowdle, RB, Carolina Panthers
The Dallas Cowboys let their 1,000-yard rusher walk away to sign Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. That duo combined for 718 rushing yards.
Despite Dowdle's success, it was a long shot he'd be given another starting opportunity. He's an undrafted 26-year-old who didn't make a splash in his first four seasons. Teams viewed him as a "right place, right time" player. Even if the Cowboys brought him back, that wouldn't have been the only move they made in that backfield.
With that viewpoint, Dowdle's Carolina landing spot is one of the better cities for his relevancy. With Jonathon Brooks set to miss the season with his second torn ACL in as many years, Chuba Hubbard was alone on the depth chart. For the lone season he signed, Dowdle is the direct backup for Hubbard and showed he can handle 20+ touches when called upon.
Highest % of carries with 3+ yards after contact in 2024 (min. 150 carries):
1. Rico Dowdle (51%)
2. Bucky Irving (48.8%)
3. Derrick Henry (48.6%)
4. Chuba Hubbard (48.4%)#KEEPPOUNDING https://t.co/yDu3YHAQV6— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 12, 2025
Those types of running backs provide excellent bench depth on large dynasty rosters. Should Hubbard suffer an injury, Dowdle is immediately in the RB2 range.
However, Dowdle could wind up in a worse situation next offseason because it's a one-year contract. If you can sell him, especially to the Hubbard manager, that's a smart transaction. Otherwise, dynasty managers can feel comfortable holding Dowdle and seeing if they can get a few spot-starts from the former Cowboy.
Verdict: Sell or Hold
Jordan Mason, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Like Dowdle and other undrafted running backs who burst onto the scene, it's best to bet on them not having a long, successful NFL career. Jordan Mason could be an outlier.
In February, I wrote that Mason's stock was likely to decrease following his free agency. Minnesota is one of the landing spots that steadied his value. The Vikings have an elite offensive line (a priority for the team this offseason) and more than enough offensive weapons to draw attention away from the running game. Sounds like San Francisco, doesn't it?
Aaron Jones turned 30 in December. He averaged 18 touches per game, the most in his career. The Vikings gave him 15 rushing attempts per game, the most in his career. With that usage and a lengthy history of injuries (missed games in five of eight seasons), it's a surprise his body held up. The coaches have indicated his playing time could be dialed back in 2025.
"I would love to have Aaron back. And then we just continue to grow in that room, whether it's infusing a young player in the draft or maybe another player in free agency alongside Aaron Jones, hopefully." - Kevin O'Connell via SiriusXM
Jones is a far superior pass-catcher than Mason, giving him the highest-value touches in the backfield. Plus, he's the incumbent and more explosive. He's still squarely atop the depth chart.
However, Cam Akers had six games of at least eight touches once he began playing offensive snaps for the Vikings following the midseason trade. If what O'Connell says is true, Mason could see double-digit opportunities per game. He's a clear upgrade over Akers. And, just like the situation in Carolina, Mason displayed lead-back capabilities should Jones miss time.
Don't invest a lot in a deal to acquire Mason but fantasy managers in a bind at the position could cheaply add him to their roster.
Verdict: Buy
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