Playing the Long Game: Opportunity Buys for Dynasty
Who are some under-the-radar IDPs to acquire for cheap in dynasty leagues?
Is there a better feeling than buying low and watching your investment gain value down the road? Actually, there are better feelings, but this still feels pretty good.
In dynasty, the best time to buy is before a player’s price tag even thinks about reflecting opportunity. There are only so many IDPs you can do that with, of course, because in most leagues we don’t have enough bench or taxi squad spots to stash a tenth of the prospects we want to roster.
The essence of this advice column is to buy IDPs that aren’t going to help you—or anyone—right now. Trading for or signing some of these defensive players could bring an eventual starter (or a trade chip). The cost is a low buy-in, and the investment of a roster spot over the course of time, and your patience. If all those conditions exist, consider the following IDPs as stashes for your various teams.
Pressures and alignments are via Pro Football Focus.
Obvious Calls
IDP managers are going to recognize these names. They may be recent high draft picks. They may have produced in the past. They are rostered in almost all dynasty formats. The point is they are not producing right now, typically due to a lack of opportunity, but have a pretty obvious path to higher value.
Chop Robinson, EDGE, MIA
Typically, a recent first-round selection might only be on this type of list if they had struggled when given opportunity. In Chop Robinson’s case, though, he already has a track record of providing fantasy-viable production, delivering six sacks among 45 pressures from weeks nine through 18 of his rookie season.
And he looked awesome doing it, consistently exploding out of his stance, speeding through his path to quarterbacks, turning the corner on tackles that failed to gain the requisite depth needed to get in front of him, and turning his pass rush back inside on tackles that overset due to his speed. Further, he played the 2024 season as a 21-year-old. The hope is that with a couple of offseasons in an NFL strength program, the needed power development will come along.
Year two hasn’t been ideal through three games. Granted, he had a sack and a couple of tackles in Week 2, but he busted in Week 2, and did jack squat on 22 snaps on Thursday Night Football. The masses, of course, realize Robinson is currently operating as the No. 3 edge rusher behind two former first-round picks in Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips. The absence of either would open the door to greater opportunity for Robinson, and we could see that door open in relatively short order.
While the players are saying the right things, public pressure for a regime change is gaining steam, and the wealthy are already renting airplanes to voice their desire for Dolphins owner Stephen Ross to rid Miami of general manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel. One or both of the high-priced veteran edge rushers could be moved should Miami’s season continue to swirl down the toilet bowl.
Chubb might be difficult given his age (29), money owed over the next two seasons, and the impact of a trade on the cap. But Phillips is playing out the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, and makes sense to move if the Dolphins can bring back more than the projected third-round compensatory pick they’d gain if Phillips lands elsewhere in free agency. Robinson is a great fantasy trade target if you can move quickly because he has zero value at this very moment, and recency bias off a Week 3 dud could push the asking price lower.
Johnny Newton, DT, WAS
Sticking with second-year pass rushers, Johnny Newton (like Robinson) flashed potential as a fantasy starter during his 2024 campaign, particularly during a seven-pressure (one sack) performance in Week 8. And though the numbers aren’t eye-popping, Newton’s play was noticeable down the stretch as his relentless hand usage made it difficult for guards to lock him up. I thought for sure Newton was primed for a year two breakout after Washington broke ties with Jonathan Allen in the offseason.
Instead, the Commanders surprisingly gifted Javon Kinlaw a three-year free agent contract that included guaranteed salaries in 2025 and 2026, and $30 million in full guarantees. That was a real head-scratcher for a tackle who struggled as a run defender and only provided subpar pass rush production during his four years in San Francisco and one season with the Jets. Combined with the two years remaining on Daron Payne’s deal, Newton’s path to fantasy-relevant snap volume is blocked.
Washington could move on from Payne next offseason, but that’s not an obvious move from the standpoint of cap impact. If you want to make a move for Newton, you may need to be patient with your expectations. The DT1 upside that was evident during his rookie season might make Newton worth the wait.
Dorian Williams, LB, BUF
I’d love to put Teddye Buchanan here, but he made quick work of Trenton Simpson early in the season and leaped to the top of all the IDP waiver wire articles after Week 2. So instead, I’ll advocate for Dorian Williams, the Bills’ third-year off-ball who saw a good bit of work on Thursday night with Matt Milano sitting due to injury.
While Williams has settled into the third linebacker role in Buffalo, most IDP managers had greater things in mind after he posted 84 total tackles over the first nine weeks of the 2024 season. But he faded down the stretch, particularly once Milano returned to the field in Week 13. After the Bills reworked Milano’s contract in the offseason, the dust started to settle on Williams’ fantasy value.
The good news is Milano’s contract voids after this season, and the oft-injured veteran will be 32 before the 2026 season kicks off. Part of Williams’ appeal is that Buffalo clearly hasn’t thrown in the towel on him; he’s just not getting enough volume to garner starting attention in most formats right now. Once Milano is cleared to return from his latest injury (a strained pec), put some trade feelers out for Williams.
He very well could end up as the No. 2 linebacker next to Terrel Bernard in 2026, and even if that only means 85% of snaps, that’s good enough volume to justify starts in a lot of formats. And, a big season would set him up for a free agent payday and full-time opportunity for 2027.
Lathan Ransom, S, CAR
I hate to again bring up Lathan Ransom, who has been operating as Carolina’s third safety, but Nick Scott is a short-term stopgap next to Tre’von Moehrig. Ransom, a fourth-round pick, displayed a fast downhill trigger and an aggressive playstyle at Ohio State, and would offer the Panthers defense an immediate upgrade as a run defender from the safety position.
I’ve found him hanging out on the waiver wire in more than one league—including one of my 32-team leagues that has two copies of each player—so I know he’s available in a lot of formats. There’s typically no need to prioritize safety in trade discussions, but if you’re looking for a near-free stash, Ransom is an obvious candidate.
Jahdae Barron, CB, DEN
Denver’s first-round pick is going to be a fantasy CB1—it’s just a matter of when. Yes, corners do typically come cheap, and you can certainly stream the position in 12-team leagues without issue. In larger formats, though, it helps to have a corner or two who plays that optimal slot defender position, seeing consistent target volume and showcasing weekly upside as a blitzer.
Jahdae Barron is that guy: an elite talent with strong tackling and coverage credentials, and a penchant for takeaways (he had five interceptions as a senior). While most first-round corners are thrown into the fire, Barron has so far been playing behind Ja’Quan McMillian, a good slot corner in his own right.
The current arrangement is only going to last so much longer given McMillian is playing out his contract and seems likely to earn bigger bucks elsewhere as a free agent. Once the slot job is entirely his, Barron has the skills to be on par with other elite corner starters, and the draft pedigree to keep him on the field even if he struggles early in his career.
Subtle Suggestions
These IDPs are likely rostered in 16-team dynasty leagues that start 11 defensive players.
Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, ATL
Don’t look now and don’t get too carried away, because there’s lots of room for improvement, but Atlanta is actually showing some signs of being able to disrupt the quarterback (gasp!) in 2025. And you would hope that would be the case with two first-round edges coming on board, but still, it’s jarring to see the Falcons top 10 in sacks through two weeks (note the pressure numbers aren’t as pleasing).
Coming along for the ride is Ruke Orhorhoro, the former Clemson defensive tackle selected with the 35th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. That was obviously a reach, but with Atlanta moving on last offseason from Grady Jarrett (744 snaps) and Eddie Goldman (331 snaps), there was a big hole to fill next to veteran David Onyemata. With five pressures and a sack on the young season, there are signs that Orhorhoro is taking a Gervon Dexter-like year two jump.
And that's something that everyone in defensive tackle-premium leagues should be paying attention to, even if the Atlanta interior is currently a four-man rotation with Onyemata, Orhorhoro, Zach Harrison, and Brandon Dorlus picking up snaps.
Danny Stutsman, LB, NO
Danny Stutsman was a preseason hit and popped up as the Saints’ representative in Jourdan Rodrigue’s recent Future Hits List for The Athletic. But Stutsman has played only special teams snaps through two weeks, and Pete Werner’s productive start may actually have a cooling effect on Stutsman’s value.
Under the surface of Werner’s production lies unsustainable metrics (a heavy 6:1 solo-to-assist ratio, and a sack) and crappy PFF grades. We’re still looking at the same ol’ “Stinky Pete.” (He just showered recently, and the odor will return.) Meanwhile, Demario Davis is awesome, but his contract voids after this season, and he’ll be 37 in 2026. Thirty-seven! London Fletcher played 16 seasons and didn’t retire until he was 38, so it’s not like Davis’ career run is unprecedented, but this type of longevity is extremely rare.
Stutsman has a lot of the traits you look for in an off-ball with size, speed, and physicality. An extremely productive tackler at Oklahoma, New Orleans should offer a nice opportunity for Stutsman, perhaps by later this season if the Saints stink up the win-loss column as expected.
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, ARI
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson is already seeing a big uptick in snap share early in year two (59 percent of snaps so far, compared to 24 percent as a rookie), but most of that usage is coming as a deep safety. The meager tackle totals (seven combined through two games) mean Taylor-Demerson is likely hanging out on waiver wires in 14-team leagues. There’s appeal here if Taylor-Demerson can earn full-time snaps closer to the line of scrimmage, and that path exists if Arizona doesn’t re-sign Jalen Thompson when he reaches free agency in the offseason.
As a rookie, Taylor-Demerson showed a quick downhill trigger, giving him enough versatility to slide down to the slot and into the box if needed. Given he lacks ideal length and size at 5’10” and 190 pounds, Taylor-Demerson is probably best suited for free safety work. But we’ve seen Thompson (another “light” safety) have fantasy value moving between free safety, over-slot, and box work. Taylor-Demerson seems like a cheap replacement option for the pricey Thompson starting in 2026.
Upton Stout, CB, SF
The secret is already starting to get out on Upton Stout, who I’ve seen added in some leagues where I wouldn’t expect him to be noticed. But the late day two pick has already locked down the starting nickel job for the Niners, and he had a big Week 2 with five total tackles and a sack.
Post-draft, San Francisco was immediately dropping comparisons to K’Waun Williams, who was fantasy cornerback depth for several seasons before retiring in 2022. Nickel usage has only increased in frequency since Williams’ playing days, and Stout at least has streaming start potential. He should be rostered in 16-team leagues that require two cornerback starters, and could hold down slot duties for the 49ers for the next decade.
Silent Types and Sneaky Adds
I have a few suggestions for IDPs that are likely free agents, or could be had as throw-ins on a larger trade.
Thomas Booker, DT, LV
Ideally, I’d showcase an edge rusher for you in this category, but I really would rather write about Thomas Booker, who is currently classified as an EDGE on MFL. After being cut by the Texans after his rookie season, spending 2023 on Philadelphia’s practice squad, then seeing light usage with the Eagles in 2024, Booker’s outlook took a turn down the road to Buc-ee’s when the Raiders cut bait on Christian Wilkins and swung a minor trade for Booker. Lo and behold, he’s been a contributor, with a sack from eight pressures on 80 snaps played through two games.
The Raiders are sure to prioritize defensive tackle in both free agency and next year’s NFL Draft, but if Booker can continue to impress and endear himself to Pete Carroll and company, he could keep a decent role for himself even after this season.
Deone Walker, DT, BUF
Deone Walker hasn’t seen a ton of snaps through three weeks, but what we saw on Thursday night was fun. There aren’t a lot of 6’7” and 331-pound humans to begin with, and there certainly aren’t many who move with the quick lateral movements that Walker showcases.
An early day three pick out of Kentucky, Walker is probably only a consideration in defensive tackle-premium leagues. He may never be given an opportunity to play regularly at 3-technique, but he has the quickness and moves to get into the backfield and blow up run plays. If his snap share starts creeping toward 50 percent and he’s allowed to line up outside the guard, watch out.
Tatum Bethune, LB, SF
Tatum Bethune has three strikes working against him:
Fred Warner is at the top of his game, and probably safely under contract through 2027.
Dee Winters is emerging as a good sidekick to Warner.
The 49ers invested the 11th pick of the third round in rookie Nick Martin.
The odds are stacked against Bethune having any fantasy value. So why is he here? For one, he’s available even in 16-team leagues, and not many linebackers with upside are. Week 18 of last season offered us a good look at Bethune, who saw 39 snaps and showed good run-and-chase speed and a nice ability to keep himself clean behind the line for tackles.
Bethune’s most likely path to relevance before 2027, when Winters is currently scheduled to reach free agency, involves an injury to Warner or Winters. If that happens, Bethune will be a priority waiver add. You can get ahead of that now. In big leagues with lots of taxi squad spots and loose eligibility requirements, you could also stash him there to see if he gets that opportunity to take over for Winters in 2027. If nothing else, add Bethune to your watch list.
Jordan Magee, LB, WAS
Preseason meniscus surgery derailed Jordan Magee’s rookie year, and he only played 15 snaps on defense in 2024. As a prospect at Temple, he showed good burst and speed, and kept himself relatively free working laterally behind the line, displaying a skillset that resulted in a fifth-round draft selection.
Opportunity has been slow to materialize, and as long as the great Bobby Wagner and the versatile Frankie Luvu remain healthy, snaps will be hard to come by as a sophomore. Still, Magee is the no-doubt third linebacker, and the 35-year-old Wagner is once again playing on a one-year contract.
Malachi Moore, S, NYJ
I think I best remember Malachi Moore for his meltdown toward the end of Alabama’s loss at Vanderbilt last season, but maybe the opportunity in New York will change that. The Jets seem super high on Moore, who by all accounts had a great training camp and preseason despite missing some time with an undisclosed injury.
He saw 48 snaps in Week 2 in relief of an injured Tony Adams, picking up a solo and four assists. With both Adams and Andre Cisco playing on one-year deals, Aaron Glenn’s stated intent is for Moore to eventually take on a starting role. And given Gang Green’s serious lack of depth at the position—I spy a trade for Ji’Ayir Brown, who is on the outs in San Francisco—Moore is lined up for full-time work should either Adams or Cisco miss time with injury.
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