Preseason Roster Clean-Up: Players You Might Consider Dropping Before Kickoff

As the 2024 fantasy football season kicks off, many managers are faced with tough decisions about which players to keep and which to let go. With Week 1 just around the corner, it’s time for some preemptive roster clean-up. The in-season Drops column is back, and while the excitement may not be as palpable as in previous seasons, it serves as a crucial reminder for fantasy owners to re-evaluate their lineups. Among the players on the chopping block this week is New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr. Despite being the highest-paid quarterback in the league at $37.5 million per season, Carr had a lackluster performance last year, finishing with fewer passing yards than Sam Howell and a lower passer rating than Jake Browning. While Carr insists the Saints’ offense will bounce back this season, it's worth noting that historically, he hasn’t been a strong fantasy asset, especially with limited talent surrounding him beyond Chris Olave. With whispers of potential competition from rookie Spencer Rattler, Carr’s viability as a fantasy starter is increasingly questionable. Next on the list is Dalvin Cook, who, despite his storied past as a 1,000-yard rusher with the Minnesota Vikings, has shown alarming signs of decline. His stint with the Jets last year was underwhelming, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. The Cowboys' decision to sign him to their practice squad instead of a full roster spot signals a lack of confidence in his abilities. With Cook's declining performance and a crowded backfield, he may not be worth the risk on any fantasy roster. Keaton Mitchell of the Baltimore Ravens is another name to consider dropping. After a promising rookie season, Mitchell suffered a torn ACL and is expected to remain sidelined until at least November. Even when he returns, it’s unlikely he will be at full capacity, making him a frustrating roster clogger for fantasy managers. With the Ravens' depth at running back, the potential for him to make an impactful return seems slim. Jahan Dotson may have started his career with promise, but his recent trade to the Philadelphia Eagles raises significant concerns. Once a first-round pick, his lack of production in Washington and subsequent move to a team already stacked with receiving talent places him further down the depth chart. Although he's working hard to build rapport with quarterback Jalen Hurts, the chances of him being targeted enough to be fantasy-relevant are remote. Similarly, Quentin Johnston, another former first-round pick, may need to be let go. After a disappointing rookie season with the Chargers, Johnston's lack of production and struggles with route-running make him a liability heading into the new season. Despite new head coach Jim Harbaugh's optimistic rhetoric, Johnston remains overshadowed by other receivers on the roster, making it difficult to envision him turning his performance around. Finally, tight end Noah Fant finds himself in a precarious position. Despite receiving a substantial contract from the Seahawks, Fant's performance has steadily declined, evidenced by career lows in catches and yards last season. With the emergence of strong wide receiver talent on the Seahawks, it's hard to predict how Fant will find his footing in the new offensive scheme. As fantasy football managers finalize their rosters ahead of the season, these players represent the type of risk that may not be worth holding onto. With limited upside and increased competition for targets and touches, dropping them could open up opportunities for more promising talent on the waiver wire. The excitement of a new season is palpable, but for some players, it may be best to let them fade into obscurity.