We are approaching the fantasy playoffs in most dynasty leagues. We will focus on waivers and trades for a few more weeks, then we will transition to players to stash, buy, and sell for the offseason. In today's "Dynasty News," we examine some of the week's larger happenings from a dynasty perspective.
Dynasty News: QB Justin Fields, New York Jets
Three teams have now thought that they could make Justin Fields into a viable NFL quarterback, and all three could regret that decision.
Looking ahead: If the Jets cut Justin Fields before June 1, they will have a $22 million cap charge. Aaron Rodgers will count $35 million in 2026. So potentially $57 million on the cap for former QBs. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 17, 2025
Dan Graziano gave more details for this move:
"The Jets' reason for moving from Justin Fields to Tyrod Taylor has a lot to do with their desire to evaluate the young non-quarterbacks on their roster, especially tight end Mason Taylor and recently acquired wide receivers John Metchie III and Adonai. They haven't been able to develop any kind of real passing game around Fields, whose running ability wasn't keeping them competitive in games. They know Tyrod Taylor brings increased turnover risk because he'll take chances Fields won't, but they need to figure out what they have in the rest of their receiving corps before making an offseason plan. And they felt they weren't going to be able to do that with Fields constantly checking it down and/or holding the ball too long.
The move is not expected to be temporary. Unless Taylor gets injured (which he has some history of doing), I don't get the sense the Jets will go back to Fields this season. And there will certainly be a new quarterback in New York next year, whether it's via the draft or a veteran outside solution such as Kyler Murray. The Jets owe Fields $10 million in guaranteed salary next year and will take a $22 million dead-money cap hit for 2026 when they inevitably release him in the offseason. Add that to the $35 million dead-money hit they already have on their 2026 cap for Rodgers, and that'll make $57 million in 2026 cap charges for quarterbacks no longer on the roster. Not ideal."
Coach Aaron Glenn decided to bench Fields for Sunday's game at Baltimore. Tyrod Taylor took the reins and played better than Fields. We expect New York to trade for a veteran - like Kyler Murray, as Graziano stated - this coming offseason. The Jets sold players for first-round picks and are expected to use those to trade for a passer. Sure, they could just draft a quarterback, but this has been a franchise that has refused to rebuild the right way, and we expect this to continue.
Dynasty News: QB Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers
Like the last few backup quarterbacks before him, Mac Jones played well in San Francisco. He is under contract at a cheap salary for 2026, and there is speculation that Jones could be traded this coming offseason, especially with a lacking rookie quarterback class. Beat reporter Matt Barrows recently wrote, "I think the chances are good, especially since the 2026 rookie quarterback class might be a dud. As far as compensation, it'll depend on whether there are multiple bidders. The Raiders sent a late third-round pick to Seattle earlier this year for Geno Smith, but it's hard to think there were other teams clamoring for him. My guess is Jones could fetch a second-rounder." Coach Kyle Shanahan has a knack for reclaiming quarterbacks that other teams do not want and making them viable. We still think that it would take a second-round pick - or more - to pry Jones from San Francisco. Brock Purdy's injury history could increase the 49ers' hesitance to trade his backup.
Dynasty News: RB Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have been decimated by injuries and welcome the young back into the fold. Arizona will want to see what it has with Benson before the 2026 NFL Draft. An aging and injured James Conner is the only other viable NFL ball carrier on the roster.
Gannon: 21-day Practice window has been opened for RB Trey Benson, who is on IR.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) November 19, 2025
This is a team in transition on offense. The Cardinals' offense will look very different next season.
Dynasty News: RB Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
Joe Mixon was injured in off-the-field activities, and details have been scarce. The quote below is not a positive development for Mixon's chances of returning this season.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Texans' GM Nick Caserio speaks on star RB Joe Mixon possibly returning
— JPA (@jasrifootball) November 18, 2025
"It's a very gray situation. Joe's worked at it. There were times where he's made progress and other times when the progress is kinda stalled. Obviously we're getting pretty late in the game… pic.twitter.com/B8Ckhczq6A
A couple of days later, Ian Rapoport confirmed that Mixon is not expected back this season:
Sources: #Texans RB Joe Mixon is not expected to play this season as he deals with a foot injury from the offseason.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 20, 2025
Mixon likely remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list through the season. Meanwhile, Houston moves forward with Nick Chubb and Woody Marks. pic.twitter.com/gr7E4QSIEO
We expect to get more details this coming offseason. Mixon signed a three-year contract in 2024, but Houston can exit the deal this coming offseason with just $2,000,000 in dead cap. He will be 30 years old next summer and coming off a major injury. Believers will see him as a great "buy low" opportunity, while the majority of dynasty managers will avoid. Rookie Woody Marks has passed Nick Chubb and will now get his chance to establish himself as the bellcow back going into 2026.
Dynasty News: WR Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
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