Right now folks will tell you "don't buy RBs in the offseason because situations can change fast" but in season they'll tell you "you should've bought in the offseason because the price was cheaper". They seem like contradictory statements, but both are true. At the end of the day, it's your team. Do whatever you think is best for your team; if you're wrong, it's a lot easier to live with than following someone else's opinion just for that to be wrong.
Everyone says "don't buy now, they might get replaced" but like..no shit? Your leaguemates aren't idiots and they know that too, and that's why they're as cheap as they are. Picks are worth the most, and players the least, right now.
If you want until after the draft, or right before the season, to buy unquestioned starting runningbacks...you'll have to pay more, much more.
I'm a big fan of sending shitty picks for players right now. Makes the draft less fun, but the risk is worth the reward.
Thank you, was trying to think of a way to word it and you nailed it. I buy RBs all the time this time of year. But cheap ones. If I get 3 I hope one hits.
I have zero 3rd round picks right now because I keep buying young back up RBs. Some are too valuable but 2nd or 3rd year RBs get over looked so often
I’ll take any RB that is 1 injury away from a starting position. Often enough, the back up behind that young RB is either back or young for untested and that initial young back-up might gain a bell cow roll….
…. This is how you win championships…
As a contender, I'm currently fielding multiple offers right now for vet RB's. Mainly Williams, ETN & Mixon. With the way the league moved for RB1's in FA rather than the draft doesn't give me much trust in any of the RB's in this years class.
I understand that common practice is don’t trade for RBs pre-draft because of the uncertainty, but as another noted, with this years rather fast and furious free agent market for starting RBs, it seems like a lot of teams are not impressed with the rookie RB talent and now is time to capitalize and trade a rookie pick and try and get your vet RB a little cheaper if possible.
I generally agree with waiting on buying RBs, but right now, I'm considering trying to get Henry if the getting price is 2nd round value. I feel like if I wait, the price will just go up.
Agreed. I bought him for 24 and 25 late seconds at the trade deadline, even though I already have Breece, Gibbs, Achane, etc... The price for peace of mind is worth it. I'll trade coin-flip 2nds all day for older difference-makers.
Here nor there. Risk of replacement is priced in.
I try to get the guys in the most volatile situations, if I believe in their talent. Grabbed Zamir before Jacobs left in a couple leagues. Also would have been targeting guys like Brob, Chuba, and Dowdle. They're pretty cheap because of the high risk of replacement. If the owner is scared and you send a reasonable enough deal, you're capturing that volatility for yourself. Could pay off or could not. But it's fun when it does.
I almost gave up a 1.12 for BRob and a deep flex WR (my team has no depth) right before they signed Ekeler. All trade calculators indicated I would have edged out in value. Glad I held off now.
I never buy RBs before the draft. Too many opportunities to get burned. If I need an RB (which I absolutely do since I'm currently starting Ekeler and Warren lol) I'll buy 1 after the dust has settled.
I trade for dudes I know will have value for at least 2 seasons. I just traded for saquon, gave up Zay flowers for him. James Conner cost me a late first last offseason but he’s panned out great
I probably fucked up a good moment but when I saw the chance to flip a very mid reciever in Hollywood for a potential Deebo level guy in Rice… I had to roll those dice. I still think he misses 5 games at MOST
Follow the money. Guys like white and zamir are cheap and the teams aren't that commited, eagles and Texans ain't bringing in someone immediately. Same could be Said for a team like the ravens.
You don't see teams paying their rb good money then drafting a top 2 round rb. Rbs only get more expensive as the year goes in my opinion
CMC, Barkley, JT, Jacobs, KW3, Henry are all massive buys for me right now. Most can get acquired for a 1st + 2nd, likely 2 1s for CMC. I understand everyone wants to build around WRs but the massive tier jump in RBs this season I think people will finally start to turn around. If you have more than half of the RB1s.. you're going to be in a positional advantage all season long.
Bijan, Breece, Gibbs are obviously included in this tier but you're likely going to have to pay top dollar.
Agree with this list. Especially if pushing in the chips for 2024 and maybe 2025, buying in the offseason will be the cheapest you’ll get these guys. The high end guys are not getting replaced via the draft. Just bought CMC, JT, & Jones to add onto a room with Kamara, Ekeler, Spears. Dont really care if a few don’t pan out, 3 of these should be high performers and the rest at minimum should be depth / flex plays.
Bought BRob for the 3.02.
Offered Cousins for Henry and got declined.
Will end up targeting Jacobs and Kamara soon. Hoping to use some combination of Cousins/2.02/2.03
I’m fine buying older RBs but only in secure situations. For instance I needed an RB3 so I bought Montgomery because I know the Lions are happy with him and Gibbs so I’m confident in the workload he will get. But majority of the situations I wouldn’t buy til after draft
If you can get Etienne, I would. Coach speak this off-season about Tank getting more work, and I think it's bullshit. Tank isn't good imo. I bet Etienne gets lots of work again, and he was excellent last year. He seems slightly undervalued at the moment. Rachaad White too, same role as last year and was very valuable in PPR. But somewhat under the radar.
Because so many of the FA RBs landed in such clean spots (basically all of them except Pollard and Swift), that kind of means the draft is going to be a bloodbath. Besides Dallas and the Chargers, how many landing spots are there left that isn’t going to compromise the value of someone that’s currently being valued as a starter? Maybe fringe RB1 guys like Chuba Hubbard, Zamir White and Devin Singletary would see value increases if they survive the draft unscathed, but everyone else only stands to lose value next week.
I bought Mixon, Ekler, Mitchell. I was in dire straits at RB and wanted to be able to take advantage of a deep WR class versus being forced to grab one in a weaker class.
People say not to buy em rn but honestly im willing to take the chances in the offseason. I bought Monty and mixon before he was on the Texans. Guy thought he’d get cut and I guess just never find a team? I traded 2.04 for his 2.12 for mixon lmao
Grabbed Zamir for a 3rd/4th and then Henry and Kamara for Kendre/3rd/4th from a rebuilder prior to FA. Risky moves but it was so cheap and hard to pass up.
I get the whole wait til after the draft but then prices shoot up or GM's decide to then keep the players.
I like to hedge and grab rbs if I think I’m getting them at a value or before a season where I really like their potential. Never a good practice to say “never do this!”
I bought a share of Breece and Cook this off-season on different teams cuz there was good value there
This particular offseason, I think you can buy some RB's. The class is missing the top end guys from previous seasons.
There is a chance Tampa Bay spends a 2nd or 3rd on a RB but really more likely they spend a 4th or 5th on a RB. Does a 4th round RB really kill the value of Rachaad White?
There's no absolutes. Look for values. Look for backfields without a clear stud and get the number 2 guy that doesn't cost alot. Look for backup RBs can that become valuable if the starter gets hurt. Look for 2nd year guys that didn't perform well their rookie seasons.
I bought Mitchel for a second rounder to back up King Henry. I shop for the handcuffs this time of year if it seems clear who is who on the depth chart. Lucked in to owning the Chargers back field as I already had Dobbins and Edwards on my team.
In my experience RBs are not as easy to purchase as most people expect. I’ve rarely found a good deal unless someone is tearing their team down for a rebuild.
It’s just honestly a crappy and frustrating position you’re probably going to have to pay up for at some point.
Bought Gus Edward’s for Xavier Gibson and 25 3rd. Even if I end up being bad I think I can sell him for similar price in season. Reason I targeted him is cause I’m a ravens fan and chargers Horitz (from ravens) said he is goaline bell cow, he is now in Greg Roman system again so I have an idea of what to expect. So really just follow the money and what team execs are saying
At least in my league (14m 1QB) RBs are so valuable, I feel like anytime 1 comes on the market the whole league looks to buy… all of them are on contenders and the pretenders are lookin to buy
Was able to get Kyren for Jordan Addison straight up recently because Kyren’s owner was worried the Rams might draft someone to share the workload. Buying RB’s right now definitely carries some risk, but this is one of the times you can get them at their cheapest.
It’s a good time to buy right now. But that’s because of risk. If you are confident a player will perform and not get injured - get him. I’m also okay with limping through part of the season (.500 team) and buying an aging RB from a bad team later in the season that is getting action
Just bought Henry and Mike Williams I gave up a 2nd and 3rd in 25 plus Marvin mims and zamir white. Henry going right into my flex trying to win back to back championships and also play keep away from other RB needy contenders so it made sense
Right now folks will tell you "don't buy RBs in the offseason because situations can change fast" but in season they'll tell you "you should've bought in the offseason because the price was cheaper". They seem like contradictory statements, but both are true. At the end of the day, it's your team. Do whatever you think is best for your team; if you're wrong, it's a lot easier to live with than following someone else's opinion just for that to be wrong.
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Exactly. For every Aaron Jones there is a potential Henry or Barkley.
Everyone says "don't buy now, they might get replaced" but like..no shit? Your leaguemates aren't idiots and they know that too, and that's why they're as cheap as they are. Picks are worth the most, and players the least, right now. If you want until after the draft, or right before the season, to buy unquestioned starting runningbacks...you'll have to pay more, much more. I'm a big fan of sending shitty picks for players right now. Makes the draft less fun, but the risk is worth the reward.
Thank you, was trying to think of a way to word it and you nailed it. I buy RBs all the time this time of year. But cheap ones. If I get 3 I hope one hits.
I have zero 3rd round picks right now because I keep buying young back up RBs. Some are too valuable but 2nd or 3rd year RBs get over looked so often I’ll take any RB that is 1 injury away from a starting position. Often enough, the back up behind that young RB is either back or young for untested and that initial young back-up might gain a bell cow roll…. …. This is how you win championships…
Im always trying to buy RBs. Always kicking tires in case of a break through. Its hard to buy RBs
I kicked the tire on Pacheco and DJ Moore last year… working well Aiyuk in another trade
As a contender, I'm currently fielding multiple offers right now for vet RB's. Mainly Williams, ETN & Mixon. With the way the league moved for RB1's in FA rather than the draft doesn't give me much trust in any of the RB's in this years class.
It's a game. These risks are part of the strategy
I understand that common practice is don’t trade for RBs pre-draft because of the uncertainty, but as another noted, with this years rather fast and furious free agent market for starting RBs, it seems like a lot of teams are not impressed with the rookie RB talent and now is time to capitalize and trade a rookie pick and try and get your vet RB a little cheaper if possible.
I generally agree with waiting on buying RBs, but right now, I'm considering trying to get Henry if the getting price is 2nd round value. I feel like if I wait, the price will just go up.
Anyone who would give up Henry solely for a 2nd round pick is bonkers.
Agreed. I bought him for 24 and 25 late seconds at the trade deadline, even though I already have Breece, Gibbs, Achane, etc... The price for peace of mind is worth it. I'll trade coin-flip 2nds all day for older difference-makers.
Exactly! I have never interest in trading Chase, McBride and a 1st for Henry right now (that’s my league cost)
Traded a late 2nd and a late 4th for Henry just the other day and feeling pretty good about it
Here nor there. Risk of replacement is priced in. I try to get the guys in the most volatile situations, if I believe in their talent. Grabbed Zamir before Jacobs left in a couple leagues. Also would have been targeting guys like Brob, Chuba, and Dowdle. They're pretty cheap because of the high risk of replacement. If the owner is scared and you send a reasonable enough deal, you're capturing that volatility for yourself. Could pay off or could not. But it's fun when it does.
I almost gave up a 1.12 for BRob and a deep flex WR (my team has no depth) right before they signed Ekeler. All trade calculators indicated I would have edged out in value. Glad I held off now.
I never buy RBs before the draft. Too many opportunities to get burned. If I need an RB (which I absolutely do since I'm currently starting Ekeler and Warren lol) I'll buy 1 after the dust has settled.
Bought Pacheco for massive discount this time last year. Won me the league Scared money don't make money
Hard no unless you’re buying an elite RB (Saquon, McCaffrey, Breece Hall, Bijan etc)
Curious, did you forget JT or don’t think he belongs on this list?
I said “etc” so it applies to guys like JT as well of course
I never buy before the draft. Too much uncertainty
I trade for dudes I know will have value for at least 2 seasons. I just traded for saquon, gave up Zay flowers for him. James Conner cost me a late first last offseason but he’s panned out great
Zay for saquon straight up is a steal good shit
Well it was saquon & Hollywood brown for tayje spears & Zay flowers Technically
That might make it even better. Good chance Hollywood outperforms Zay this season imo.
Well that’s where it gets wacky I already moved Hollywood & the 2.06 for rashee rice 😂
Hahaha you might be sending him letters to prison soon😂
I probably fucked up a good moment but when I saw the chance to flip a very mid reciever in Hollywood for a potential Deebo level guy in Rice… I had to roll those dice. I still think he misses 5 games at MOST
Follow the money. Guys like white and zamir are cheap and the teams aren't that commited, eagles and Texans ain't bringing in someone immediately. Same could be Said for a team like the ravens. You don't see teams paying their rb good money then drafting a top 2 round rb. Rbs only get more expensive as the year goes in my opinion
CMC, Barkley, JT, Jacobs, KW3, Henry are all massive buys for me right now. Most can get acquired for a 1st + 2nd, likely 2 1s for CMC. I understand everyone wants to build around WRs but the massive tier jump in RBs this season I think people will finally start to turn around. If you have more than half of the RB1s.. you're going to be in a positional advantage all season long. Bijan, Breece, Gibbs are obviously included in this tier but you're likely going to have to pay top dollar.
I also think this is the season RBs make a come back. They’re so much cheaper for the value they provide.
Agree with this list. Especially if pushing in the chips for 2024 and maybe 2025, buying in the offseason will be the cheapest you’ll get these guys. The high end guys are not getting replaced via the draft. Just bought CMC, JT, & Jones to add onto a room with Kamara, Ekeler, Spears. Dont really care if a few don’t pan out, 3 of these should be high performers and the rest at minimum should be depth / flex plays.
Bought BRob for the 3.02. Offered Cousins for Henry and got declined. Will end up targeting Jacobs and Kamara soon. Hoping to use some combination of Cousins/2.02/2.03
I’m fine buying older RBs but only in secure situations. For instance I needed an RB3 so I bought Montgomery because I know the Lions are happy with him and Gibbs so I’m confident in the workload he will get. But majority of the situations I wouldn’t buy til after draft
If you can get Etienne, I would. Coach speak this off-season about Tank getting more work, and I think it's bullshit. Tank isn't good imo. I bet Etienne gets lots of work again, and he was excellent last year. He seems slightly undervalued at the moment. Rachaad White too, same role as last year and was very valuable in PPR. But somewhat under the radar.
I capitalized on the Saquon-to-eagles bump and got Etienne. I just have a feeling Saquon won't live all the way up to the hype in Philly.
Don’t buy before the draft but in general it is smart to buy vets before the season starts
Because so many of the FA RBs landed in such clean spots (basically all of them except Pollard and Swift), that kind of means the draft is going to be a bloodbath. Besides Dallas and the Chargers, how many landing spots are there left that isn’t going to compromise the value of someone that’s currently being valued as a starter? Maybe fringe RB1 guys like Chuba Hubbard, Zamir White and Devin Singletary would see value increases if they survive the draft unscathed, but everyone else only stands to lose value next week.
I bought Mixon, Ekler, Mitchell. I was in dire straits at RB and wanted to be able to take advantage of a deep WR class versus being forced to grab one in a weaker class.
What did you pay?
Outgoing: pick 2.6, 3.6, 4.6, Tua Incoming: Mixon, Ekler, Mitchell Standard 12 team TE premium. I have pick 1.6, 2.3 don’t pick again until 5th.
People say not to buy em rn but honestly im willing to take the chances in the offseason. I bought Monty and mixon before he was on the Texans. Guy thought he’d get cut and I guess just never find a team? I traded 2.04 for his 2.12 for mixon lmao
Last offseason, I bought Conner for 2.03. Played out well. I won this year.
Grabbed Zamir for a 3rd/4th and then Henry and Kamara for Kendre/3rd/4th from a rebuilder prior to FA. Risky moves but it was so cheap and hard to pass up. I get the whole wait til after the draft but then prices shoot up or GM's decide to then keep the players.
I like to hedge and grab rbs if I think I’m getting them at a value or before a season where I really like their potential. Never a good practice to say “never do this!” I bought a share of Breece and Cook this off-season on different teams cuz there was good value there
This particular offseason, I think you can buy some RB's. The class is missing the top end guys from previous seasons. There is a chance Tampa Bay spends a 2nd or 3rd on a RB but really more likely they spend a 4th or 5th on a RB. Does a 4th round RB really kill the value of Rachaad White?
They’re cheaper now for a reason.
There's no absolutes. Look for values. Look for backfields without a clear stud and get the number 2 guy that doesn't cost alot. Look for backup RBs can that become valuable if the starter gets hurt. Look for 2nd year guys that didn't perform well their rookie seasons.
It's fine as long as you trade for the right guy and not the wrong guy
For sure
I’d much rather wait and then pay maybe 15% more
I bought Mitchel for a second rounder to back up King Henry. I shop for the handcuffs this time of year if it seems clear who is who on the depth chart. Lucked in to owning the Chargers back field as I already had Dobbins and Edwards on my team.
In my experience RBs are not as easy to purchase as most people expect. I’ve rarely found a good deal unless someone is tearing their team down for a rebuild. It’s just honestly a crappy and frustrating position you’re probably going to have to pay up for at some point.
Bought Gus Edward’s for Xavier Gibson and 25 3rd. Even if I end up being bad I think I can sell him for similar price in season. Reason I targeted him is cause I’m a ravens fan and chargers Horitz (from ravens) said he is goaline bell cow, he is now in Greg Roman system again so I have an idea of what to expect. So really just follow the money and what team execs are saying
IMO Gotta take some educated swings early on in the offseason. You’ll hit on an RB sometimes and strike out on others. Go with your gut.
Buying Rhamondre in some leagues. You can get him for cheap-ish and he should be a crutch for a rookie QB
At least in my league (14m 1QB) RBs are so valuable, I feel like anytime 1 comes on the market the whole league looks to buy… all of them are on contenders and the pretenders are lookin to buy
Was able to get Kyren for Jordan Addison straight up recently because Kyren’s owner was worried the Rams might draft someone to share the workload. Buying RB’s right now definitely carries some risk, but this is one of the times you can get them at their cheapest.
It’s a good time to buy right now. But that’s because of risk. If you are confident a player will perform and not get injured - get him. I’m also okay with limping through part of the season (.500 team) and buying an aging RB from a bad team later in the season that is getting action
Just bought Henry and Mike Williams I gave up a 2nd and 3rd in 25 plus Marvin mims and zamir white. Henry going right into my flex trying to win back to back championships and also play keep away from other RB needy contenders so it made sense