Keeper Rules
Everything you need to know about keeping players
Keeper League Guidelines
Understanding Paul Walker League's player retention
Note: You do not need to keep any players if you do not want to.
View Keeper Tracker
Keeper Eligibility
- Players drafted 4th round or later are eligible to be kept
- Players picked up off waivers are eligible to be kept
- Traded players are keeper eligible
Keeper Deadline
- Keepers must be declared before draft start
- This can be done up to the start of the first round
Keeper Limits
- You do not need to utilize your keeper options!
- You can only keep a player for 2 years maximum
Draft Cost
- Year 1: -2 rounds (5th round player costs 3rd round pick)
- Year 2: -4 rounds (5th round player costs 1st round pick)
- Waiver pickups count as 10th round picks (if drafted after 12th round)
Draft Cost Examples
Example: You want to keep a 5th round player. Year 1, he costs your 3rd round pick. You may keep that player again for your 1st round pick in year 2.
Waiver Pickup Rules
Any player drafted after the 10th round or picked up off waivers will be counted as 10th round picks for keeper purposes.
Player Round Assignment
A player's round is tied to their original draft position. If a player drafted in the 6th round was injured and dropped, an owner that picks that player up can keep that player for their 4th round pick.
Keeper Declaration Process
To declare a keeper, either text the commissioner or declare it on draft day.
Keeper Examples
Real examples of how keeper costs work
Example 1: 5th Round Player
Player: Breece Hall
Original Draft: Round 5, Pick 8
Year 1 Keeper Cost: Round 3, Pick 8 (-2 rounds)
Year 2 Keeper Cost: Round 1, Pick 8 (-4 rounds)
Status: Eligible for 2 years
Example 2: Waiver Pickup
Player: Puka Nacua
Acquired: Waiver Wire (Undrafted)
Year 1 Keeper Cost: Round 8, Pick 10 (-2 from 10th)
Year 2 Keeper Cost: Round 6, Pick 10 (-4 from 10th)
Status: Eligible for 2 years
Example 3: Dropped Player
Player: Cooper Kupp
Original Draft: Round 6, Pick 2
Status: Dropped due to injury
New Owner Keeper Cost: Round 4, Pick 2 (-2 from 6th)
Note: Round tied to original draft position