Dynasty Strategy Check: Buying (or Selling) 2026 Picks After Two Weeks

Kevin looks at the value of 2026 picks across your dynasty leagues.

We’re only two weeks into the season, but the market is already shifting. The 2025 rookies are on rosters, and now the 2026 picks have become the next draft class on deck. Through just a couple of weeks, we’re already seeing those picks moved in deals, proof that they’re no longer some distant “future” asset.

Here’s the reality: even though consensus says the 2026 class isn’t as strong as the 2027 group, these picks are still gaining traction fast. Dynasty managers will always chase the next draft class, and right now, 2026 picks are the most liquid currency in trades. They’re the pieces being used to buy veterans, grease multi-player swaps, and reshape rosters.

The managers who recognize this shift early will get the most value. In this article, we’ll break down how 2026 picks are being valued, look at real trades already happening, and talk through strategies, whether you’re contending or rebuilding.

Why 2026 Picks Are So Valuable

The 2026 class is now the currency of the dynasty market. With 2025 picks already spent, these are the assets managers are reaching for first when trade talks start. That makes them incredibly liquid: the easiest chip to move in any type of deal. If you’re looking to sweeten an offer, a 2026 second or third is often the piece that gets it done.

On top of that, 2026 picks carry insulation of value. Unlike aging vets or volatile assets, they’re not going to lose market worth in the near term. If anything, they’ll only rise in value as the season progresses and we get closer to draft season. Every year, we see the same cycle: “future” picks gain steam the moment they become the next class up.

Finally, these picks provide leverage for any roster build. Rebuilders can stockpile them to reload with youth, while contenders can flip them for points right now without worrying about tanking long-term value. That flexibility is why sharp managers are already moving on 2026 picks before the rest of the league catches up.

How to Value 2026 Picks Today

Now that we’ve laid out why 2026 picks carry so much weight, it’s important to establish a baseline for what they’re actually worth in today’s market. Every league has its own quirks, but having a framework helps you gauge whether you’re buying or selling at the right price.

A 2026 1st is the gold standard right now. It’s the top trade chip in dynasty—an asset that can headline a deal for a veteran star, be packaged in a two-for-one upgrade, or anchor a rebuild. In superflex leagues, these picks are even more inflated since the demand for incoming rookie quarterbacks pushes their value higher.

A 2026 2nd sits firmly in the “flexible currency” category. These picks grease deals for depth pieces, RB rentals, or upside WR3/4s. They don’t carry the same weight as a 1st, but they’re highly movable and often the key to bridging the gap in trade talks.

A 2026 3rd is more of a grease piece—a sweetener you add to tip the scales. On their own, they don’t hold much power, but when paired with a young player or veteran, they can make the difference between a rejected and an accepted offer.

Think of 1sts as your cornerstone assets, 2nds as your roster-balancing tools, and 3rds as your deal-closers. Understanding this hierarchy gives you clarity when navigating trade talks and helps prevent you from overpaying—or underselling—the value of your picks.

Buying Opportunities

The smartest managers know the best time to acquire future picks is before the market fully spikes, and we’re still in that window with 2026 capital. Right now, you can target contenders who are chasing points and undervaluing “future” assets compared to what a veteran gives them in the lineup. That’s where the buying edge is. Also, savvy managers will exploit injuries that have occurred throughout the league. For example, look at how many quarterbacks have already been injured. Use that to your advantage and extrapolate as much value as you can.

Two situations stand out. First, contenders loading up for a playoff run are more willing to ship off a 2026 1st or 2nd if it brings back an immediate starter. Second, managers who don’t see 2026 as a “strong class” are often more willing to move those picks at a discount compared to 2027.

The easiest way to capitalize is by moving aging but productive vets for 2026 1sts or 2nds. They’re worth more in the short term to a contender than they are long-term on your roster. If you’re not playing for this year, flipping those kinds of players into 2026 picks is how you build a core that holds its value and gains flexibility.

Selling Opportunities

On the flip side, there are moments where it makes sense to cash in your 2026 picks. If you’re a contender, flipping a 2026 1st for a proven WR2 or RB1 can give you the points you need to separate from the pack. Picks are insulated value, but flags fly forever; sometimes, the short-term payoff outweighs the long-term potential.

Another smart play is bundling multiple mid-tier assets. A 2026 2nd and 3rd on their own don’t change much, but packaged together, they can often upgrade you a tier at QB or TE; positions where stability matters most in dynasty.

We’ve already seen examples of these “overpay” trades in the market. The key is recognizing when those moves push you closer to a championship window. Picks are valuable, but using them at the right time can be just as important as holding them.

Real-League Trades Involving 2026 Picks

We’ve covered why 2026 picks matter and how to approach buying and selling them, but the best way to understand their true market is to see the numbers in action. Theory only goes so far—actual values and completed trades show us what managers are paying right now.

By breaking picks into tiers, it becomes easier to see how they function in different contexts. A 2026 1st is being treated like a cornerstone asset, 2nds are landing as flexible depth currency, and 3rds are showing up most often as add-ons that get deals across the finish line.

Below, I’ll lay out some player values that line up with each range of picks, followed by examples of deals you can look to replicate in your own leagues. The goal is to give you actionable takeaways: who you can target, what type of return you should expect, and how to maximize the leverage of your 2026 capital.

2026 1sts: Cornerstone Assets

Early 1st

• Player Value Range: Comparable to true difference-makers, think young WR1s or top-tier RBs with secure roles. On KTC, an early 2026 1st sits near names like:

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