Dynasty fantasy football success hinges on identifying tomorrow’s starters today. This analysis reveals 12 under-the-radar players to stash now before their values explode in 2026 and beyond.
While the fantasy football draft season focuses on immediate starters, dynasty managers know the real gems are often hidden on benches. Justin Boone’s recent Yahoo Sports column highlights 12 deep stashes, but the real insight comes from understanding why these players are positioned for breakout roles. These aren’t just lottery tickets; they’re calculated investments based on roster churn, coaching moves, and hidden opportunity.
The Full List of 12 Deep Stashes
Here’s every player Boone identified, distilled into a quick-reference guide. Each represents a specific, time-sensitive opportunity in dynasty leagues:
- Tyson Bagent, QB, Bears: Undrafted gem with trade interest from Cardinals; Bears signed Case Keenum as insurance.
- Tanner McKee, QB, Eagles: Andy Dalton trade creates surplus; McKee could be moved to a starting role elsewhere.
- Trey Lance, QB, Chargers: Re-signed as Herbert’s backup; rushing upside if starter gets hurt in McDaniel’s offense.
- Jordan James, RB, 49ers: Inside track to No. 2 job behind aging McCaffrey; 49ers reportedly love his potential.
- Emari Demercado, RB, Chiefs: Backup to Kenneth Walker; showed flashes with Cardinals and benefits from KC’s offensive firepower.
- Chris Brooks, RB, Packers: Could become No. 2 behind Jacobs after Emanuel Wilson left for Seattle.
- Phil Mafah, RB, Cowboys: Competing for backup role after Javonte Williams; scored in Week 18 rookie season.
- Jahan Dotson, WR, Falcons: Former first-rounder with fresh start behind Drake London in a depleted WR room.
- Jahdae Walker, WR, Bears: UDFA who flashed late; path to WR3 after DJ Moore trade.
- Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Saints: Traded from Patriots; QB Tyler Shough excited to work with him on a new offense.
- Greg Dulcich, TE, Dolphins: Strong 2025 finish; could thrive as a primary target post-Jaylen Waddle trade.
- Erick All Jr., TE, Bengals: Former fourth-rounder finally healthy; poised to replace aging Mike Gesicki.
Why These Stashes Matter Now
Dynasty value is determined by future opportunity, not past production. These 12 players are at inflection points where a single event—a trade, an injury, a coaching change—could catapult them from obscurity to relevance. The common thread is unstable depth charts behind established stars, creating actionable windows for Bench players.
Tyson Bagent: The Tradable Backup Quarterback
Bagent’s journey from undrafted free agent to a two-year contract extension with the Bears is a testament to his readiness. His 859 passing yards and 3 TDs in limited 2024 action prove he can operate an NFL offense. Now, quarterback-needy teams like the Cardinals are apparently showing interest, per Boone’s reporting. The Bears’ acquisition of Case Keenum signals they’re prepared to facilitate a trade, making Bagent one of the most attractive backup QBs in the league. For Superflex dynasty managers, stashing Bagent is a bet on his relocation to a team with a clearer path to starts. His rising dynasty value is reflected in the latest quarterback rankings, where he’s climbing as a high-floor stash with potential starter upside.
Jordan James: The 49ers’ Handcuff with Starter Potential
Brian Robinson Jr.’s impending free agency creates a vacuum in San Francisco’s backfield behind Christian McCaffrey. At 30, McCaffrey’s durability is a legitimate concern after a 413-touch campaign. Enter Jordan James, a player the 49ers’ front office has reportedly “big plans” for, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic. James’ role as the No. 2 back could become extremely valuable, and if McCaffrey’s workload is managed or an injury occurs, James could see a massive spike in touches. His age (23) and Shanahan’s history of developing ball carriers make him a no-brainer stash for any manager without a locked-in RB2.
Ja’Lynn Polk: A Fresh Start with Defensive Proof
Polk’s early career stalled in New England, but a trade to the Saints offers a clean slate and a direct path to playing time. The key catalyst? Quarterback Tyler Shough. During an interview on Terron Armstead’s The Set podcast, Shough explicitly named Polk as a receiver he’s “excited to work with,” highlighting his skills and the new offensive system. With only Chris Olave established as a starter, Polk is in a prime position to compete for the WR2 role. For dynasty managers, this is a classic post-draft, pre-training-camp opportunity to acquire a former second-round pick at a rock-bottom price.
Greg Dulcich: The Tight End Rising in Miami
Tight ends with receiving prowess in pass-heavy offenses are fantasy gold. Dulcich finished 2025 strongly, logging 40+ yards in four of his last five games. The Dolphins’ trade of Jaylen Waddle clears a significant target share, and while Miami will draft a receiver, Dulcich’s skill set fits perfectly as a safety valve. He’s already positioned as the starting TE in a high-scoring offense, a rare scenario for a deep stash. His trajectory aligns with the trend of young TEs breaking out after a year of development, making him an essential roster piece before offseason workouts begin.
Fan Theories and Market Inefficiencies
Dynasty forums are buzzing about these stashes for good reason. The market often overvalues immediate starters and undervalues players in “next-man-up” roles. Consider these fan-driven scenarios:
- Jahdae Walker’s Path: With DJ Moore gone and Olamide Zaccheaus in Atlanta, Walker’s path to the Bears’ WR3 is now clear. His two TDs in Week 18 2025 showed upside in a contested catch environment.
- Emari Demercado’s KC Fit: Kenneth Walker’s injury history is well-documented. Demercado’s big-play ability (7.1 YPC in limited 2025 work) could make him a weekly RB2/3 if Walker misses time.
- Erick All’s Health Update: After two ACL tears, All finally ran routes in November 2025, per a positive update from FOX19’s Jeremy Foltz. If he’s fully healthy, his receiving skills could force the Bengals to move on from Gesicki sooner rather than later.
The Stash Strategy: Timing Is Everything
The optimal time to acquire these players is now, before offseason activities shift perceptions. For example:
- After the NFL Draft, rookie selections will suppress the value of backups like Phil Mafah or Chris Brooks.
- If Jordan James dominates spring practices, his price will skyrocket before a single regular-season snap.
- A Tyson Bagent trade would instantly make him a QB2 in fantasy, with his price doubling overnight.
These stashes represent low-cost, high-upside investments. The goal isn’t to start them Week 1 but to have them on your roster when their situation breaks—whether through a trade, injury, or emergent performance. Dynasty championships are built on these invisible bench pieces suddenly becoming starters.
For the fastest, most authoritative dynasty analysis that cuts through the noise, onlytrustedinfo.com delivers the insights that win championships. Our team of experts tracks roster moves, coaching changes, and hidden talent so you don’t miss the next breakout star.
