Dynasty Trade Calculator Methodology
Read the data provenance, format assumptions, scoring adjustments, package adjustment, and limitations behind the dynasty calculator.
This is an independent, experimental dynasty model, not live market consensus. Prominent players have rounded editorial reference values; other covered players use position, within-team usage rank, and age curves. nflverse roster metadata identifies players, teams, positions, and ages under CC BY 4.0 rather than supplying trade prices. Superflex and 1QB use distinct quarterback references. Scoring, tight end premium, league size, pick assumptions, and the optional pieces tax are explicit model choices. Read these rules before relying on a close result, and use your actual roster and league context to judge whether an offer helps.
Reference data and timestamps
The reference model was reviewed on November 5, 2026. The separate metadata timestamp records when player identities and roster fields were fetched. Neither date means market prices are updated continuously. The shipped estimates are independently authored; they are not copied from KeepTradeCut or FantasyCalc, and no multi-source consensus is claimed. Unanchored players are marked as estimates. Metadata refresh and editorial model review are manual operations.
How unanchored player estimates are calculated
The position bases are QB 4000, RB 2400, WR 2600, and TE 2100. Depth-chart ranks one through five-or-lower use factors 1, 0.65, 0.38, 0.22, and 0.12. Multiply by an age factor of max(0.30, 1 − max(0, age − peak age) × annual decline). Peak ages are QB 27, RB 23, WR 25, and TE 26; annual declines are 0.05, 0.13, 0.08, and 0.07 respectively. Round to the nearest 25 with a floor of 50. An unanchored 1QB quarterback then uses 0.43 of that base. These are broad editorial assumptions, not observed market prices.
Format and scoring assumptions
The engine selects the Superflex or 1QB quarterback reference first. Other positions share a reference before adjustments. For non-quarterbacks, half PPR multiplies the reference by 0.92 and standard scoring by 0.84; PPR uses 1. Tight ends receive a 1.20 multiplier for TE+ or 1.40 for TE++. These simplified presets are not exact projections of a reception bonus. Player depth adjustment is 1 + (teams − 12) × [0.014 + max(0, 1 − value ÷ 6000) × 0.024], using the value after scoring and premium. The final player value is rounded.
Rookie picks and package adjustment
Base early/mid/late pick references are 6500/5000/3600 for a first, 2400/1750/1250 for a second, and 850/600/400 for a third. Multiply by 0.88 for each year after 2027, by 1.12 in Superflex, and by (12 ÷ teams)^0.25, then round. The 2026 entries are historical reference picks, not future selections. Package assets are sorted by value. Extra pieces beyond the opposite package’s asset count contribute value ÷ (1 + 0.08 × extra-piece index); the first unmatched extra has index 1. A package with the same number of assets on each side has no tax.
Verdicts and balancing suggestions
Gap percentage is the absolute difference divided by the larger adjusted total, rounded to one decimal place. Up to 5% is Even, over 5% through 12% is Slight edge, over 12% through 30% is Win, and above 30% is Fleece. Team labels describe the assets each side receives. Suggested 2027–2029 picks are tested in the actual package and shown only when adding one reduces the remaining gap. None of these labels predicts acceptance, future production, or a reason to veto a trade.
Limits of the model
There are no automatic injury, news, performance, or transaction-price updates. Editorial anchors are deliberately rounded rather than personalized forecasts. Unanchored player estimates use base position values, usage-rank discounts, and age curves, so two players with similar metadata may receive the same estimate. The calculator does not know your competitive window, replacement options, roster cuts, contracts, or another manager’s preferences. Test several pick outcomes and review packages with the pieces tax enabled and disabled.
Questions before you trade?
Are these official market values?
No. These are documented reference inputs and model adjustments, not official league prices or guaranteed transaction quotes.
Does the update date mean every player changed that day?
No. It identifies the data snapshot or model refresh shown with the tool. Individual values can remain unchanged.
Is an even trade guaranteed to be fair?
No. Even describes the model comparison under the selected settings. Your roster, league rules, and risk preferences may justify a different decision.
Why can my result differ from another calculator?
Sources, update times, format assumptions, scoring adjustments, and package treatment can differ. Match settings before comparing conclusions.