The 19 Best Free Agent Landing Spots for IDP (and the 6 Worst)
NFL free agency is off to a hot start. Who landed in a spot to help and hurt their IDP value?
NFL free agency is here and the signings have been constant. To steal a lyric from Brendan Bayliss, singer/guitarist from Umphrey’s McGee, “One lies in waiting for, one mind who wants for more.” We’re waiting for the signings and want more as soon as one comes.
There are still a few big IDP names who haven’t signed, but I’ll update this article with my thoughts as soon as those signings happen. In the meantime, here are the IDP landing spots I’m a fan of, and others, not so much.
Update 3/13/2024
Added: Bobby Wagner
Edited: Frankie Luvu (moved to worst)
Edited: Eric Kendricks (now going to Dallas)
Update 3/14/2024
Added: Tyrel Dodson and Devin White
Update 3/16/2024
Added: Kamren Curl
Best IDP Landing Spots
1. Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, Houston Texans
Azeez Al-Shaair had a breakout IDP season and converted that into a three-year deal with the Texans, reuniting with his former DC, Demeco Ryans.
Al-Shaair played in 56 games across four seasons with the 49ers, but playing behind Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw limited his snaps. His best season in the Bay came in 2021 when he filled in for the injured Dre Greenlaw. Ryans was his ILB coach/DC during his stint with the 49ers.
Al-Shaair signed a one-year deal with the Titans and produced a 14.8% tackle rate, resulting in 163 tackles.
IDP Outlook for 2024
Demeco Ryans is building a solid defense and recognized Al-Shaair as a foundational piece he can integrate into his system. Al-Shaair can play every down, as he wore the dot and appeared in over 1,100 snaps for the Titans.
The Texans get some stability in the middle of the defense and Al-Shaair is an upgrade over Henry To’oTo’o and Christian Harris.
In tackle-heavy formats, Al-Shaair produced 0.22 fantasy points per snap. He should see a three-down role for Ryans and wear the dot. I’m targeting him as an LB1 in 2024.
2. Bobby Wagner, LB, Washington Commanders
I figured Bobby Wagner would’ve been a Day 1 tamper signing, however, he signs a one-year deal with Washington a few hours after the league year opens up.
Wagner is an iron man who has played in over 900 defensive snaps in nine consecutive seasons. He’s played in over 1,000 snaps in five straight. He’s showing no real signs of slowing down as he enters his age 34 season.
Wagner continues to be a run-stuffer, though his coverage declined from his 2022 season. A more dependable tackler, you will not find. He’s has a career 5.6% missed tackle rate and has recorded double-digit missed tackles in just four seasons.
Wagner has also recorded at least three sacks in four of his last five seasons.
IDP Outlook for 2024
Wagner reunites with Dan Quinn, who was his DC during the 2013-2014 seasons. No matter where he’s played, Wagner has been a three-down LB and wore the dot.
Wagner has recorded 100-tackles in every single season and has at least 130-tackles in seven straight seasons; resulting in a career 14.3% tackle rate. Until I see otherwise, Wagner will probably be a three-down LB in 2024 and a Top-5 LB. I’ll target Wagner as an LB1 until the wheels fall off.
3. Josey Jewell, LB, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers sign Josey Jewell to a three-year deal and could slot into a full-time role opposite Shaq Thompson.
Jewell was a productive player while in Denver, but health always seemed to hold him back. He had one season of fewer than 10 games and that was his 2021 season. He’s had two seasons of full-time snaps (2020 and 2022) and lost the three-down role to Alex Singleton in 2023.
Jewell was pulled in dime/single-LB packages and appeared in 75% of the snaps over 16 games.
He’s an active LB and will rush the passer, as he has 70+ pass rush snaps in three of his last four seasons, resulting in a 15% pressure rate and 5.5 sacks. He’s also recorded at least two forced fumbles and fumble recoveries in consecutive seasons.
IDP Outlook for 2024
Jewell has recorded 100+ tackles in three of his last four seasons and has produced a 13.3% tackle rate. Jewell reunites with his former DC, Ejiro Evero, so there’s trust and familiarity here which gives him a bit of an advantage when it comes to roster evaluation and responsibility.
Shaq Thompson is coming off a fractured fibula, so his health is up in the air. Thompson has worn the dot and Jewell has experience with that role, as well under Evero. I could envision Evero using Jewell as Frankie Luvu in the defense.
I’m targeting Jewell as my LB3 if he’s a full-time LB, as he has a clear path to snaps and the dot.
4. Kenneth Murray, LB, Tennessee Titans
The Titans lost Azeez Al-Shaair to free agency but replaced him with Kenneth Murray. He wore out his welcome in LA and will get a fresh start in Tennessee.
Is he an upgrade over Al-Shaair? Not much, as PFF graded him as an average off-ball LB and has deficiencies in coverage. During his four years with the Chargers, he appeared in over 780 snaps in three of four seasons, including two seasons of 950+ snaps.
Murray ended up wearing the dot for the defense in 2023 due to the departure of Drue Tranquill. In 2023, Murray appeared in 94% of the snaps, including a career-high 79 pass-rush snaps.
When Murray sees more than 90%, he hits the 100-tackle mark, which was the case his rookie year and last season, resulting in an 11.1% tackle rate.
IDP Outlook for 2024
Without much competition for snaps this season, Murray is projected for a three-down role and should wear the dot. He’s a versatile LB, outside his coverage abilities, but should fill the void left by Al-Shaair.
Murray is shaping up to be a potential LB2 with his projected snap volume.
5. Jordan Hicks, LB, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland is a good spot for Jordan Hicks. Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki have moved on, so snaps have opened up in the Cleveland LB room.
Hicks has shed the injury-prone label after battling various ailments at the beginning of his career. Over his first three seasons, he appeared in 31 games. Over the next six seasons, he’d appear in 12 or more games. He even came back from compartment syndrome (a gruesome leg injury) to play the final few weeks of the season.
He’s a full-time LB and has appeared in over 800 defensive snaps in five straight seasons. He’s been the wearer of the green dot everywhere he’s been. He’s a smart player and can lead a defense.
He’s recorded eight sacks over the last three seasons and has recorded 105+ tackles in five straight. He’s also had a missed tackle rate of less than 10% in three straight, so he’s cleaned up his tackling.
IDP Outlook for 2024
I think the vet fits in well with the Browns’ defense. Snaps have opened up in the middle of the defense with the loss of Walker and Takitaki. Jacob Phillips can’t stay healthy, and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah plays on the outside.
Hicks should be in line for the green dot and is one of those boring vets who continues to produce. I still like him as an LB3/4 near the middle to end of drafts.
6. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins dip their toes in the FA waters at the LB position once again in 2024 and come away with Jordyn Brooks.
You can’t question Brooks’ toughness. After suffering a torn ACL in the final week of the 2022 season, he was left for dead. He came back to play in 16 games and 802 defensive snaps. He lost some snaps in dime/single-LB packages, but the fact he played almost an entire season is remarkable.
Brooks became a full-time player in 2021 and went on to appear in 1,000 snaps over the 2021/22 seasons. Brooks was a tackle machine, producing 100 solo tackles in consecutive seasons and a 16.2% tackle rate, resulting in 345 tackles.
Even coming off that ACL injury, Brooks recorded 111 stops and a 13.8% tackle rate. I consider his 4.5 sacks an outlier and wouldn’t expect repeat numbers in 2024.
IDP Outlook for 2024
Channing Tindall managers can probably pay the fare and cut him from taxi squads. The Dolphins lost Jerome Baker, so Brooks can come in and compete for the green dot, a role he’s familiar with. There is a path to snaps in Anthony Weaver’s defense. Weaver has deployed mostly a 43 base, but the ‘23 Ravens deployed mostly 3-3-5 looks with two off-ball LBs, so Brooks’ IDP outlook looks good.
I would target him as an LB2.
7. Blake Cashman, LB, Minnesota Vikings
This move signifies the end of Jordan Hicks and Brian Asamoah in Minnesota, as Blake Cashman signs a three-year deal with the Vikings.
Cashman had a quiet start to his career, mostly riddled with injuries. During his first three seasons with the Jets, Cashman appeared in 14 games.
The Texans snatched him up ahead of the 2022 season, where he played in 16 games but saw just 14% of the snaps. Cashman saw his highest usage of his career in 2023 (71%) where he saw increased responsibilities as the play caller as Denzel Perryman was dealing with various injuries. He recorded his best PFF grades during the 2023 season and his 75.3 coverage stood out, allowing just 7.9 yards per catch.
Cashman produced a 16.1% tackle rate, resulting in a career-high 106 stops.
IDP Outlook for 2024
Not the best, but certainly could have landed in a worse spot. Cashman should see close to a full-time role in Brian Flores’s defense. However, it all depends on who Flores assigns the green dot to as the signal caller.
Ivan Pace Jr. handled those duties more than admirably as a rookie, so it’s possible Flores goes with him again. If Pace wears the dot, I think Cashman receives 75%-80% of the snaps given the contract. Cashman is a good, hard-nosed player, but it’s always been his health that’s been in question.
If Cashman gets the dot, I’m targeting him as an LB2. Without it, he’s more of an LB3/4, but should still provide value in IDP leagues this season.
8. Eric Kendricks, LB, Dallas Cowboys
Like Mr. Marbles getting the beach house, we have a plot twist. Eric Kendricks was set to sign a one-year deal with the 49ers, but like Mr. Burns in Pin Pals, he’s had a change of heart. He signs with the Cowboys.
Kendricks has been a consistent defender and tackler throughout his career. He battled ailments during his stint with the Chargers but still managed to produce 117 tackles.
IDP Outlook for 2024
Kendricks reunites with a familiar coach in Mike Zimmer. Kendricks enjoyed a solid IDP run under Zimmer during his tenure with the Vikings.
He averaged nearly 115 tackles during his eight years in Minnesota, resulting in a 12.6% tackle rate.
Kendricks should get the majority of the snaps in Zimmer’s defense. Zimmer emphasizes stopping the run, which is one of Kendricks’ strengths. Zimmer also deploys nickel/2-LB packages. Kendricks should see a full-time role and could wear the dot. Even entering his age 32 season, he’s a solid LB2.
You got a train set, San Francisco.
9. Jonathan Greenard, DE, Minnesota Vikings
Jonathan Greenard parlayed his career year into a 4-year deal with the Vikings worth around $76 million. The Vikes are getting Greenard at the prime of his career.
Greenard flashed upside through his first four years with the Texans but shone bright in Demeco Ryans’s defense in 2024.
Through his first 33 games, Greenard registered 10.5 sacks and generated an 8.9% pressure rate. In 2023, Greenard recorded 12.5 sacks and increased his pressure rate to 12%.
IDP Outlook for 2024
Have we seen Greenard’s ceiling? Possibly, but I like his floor and his landing spot in Minnesota. Brian Flores uses multiple fronts, but will mostly play on the edge. I’d like to see the Vikes add another pass rusher to make up for the loss of Danielle Hunter, but I’m still targeting Greenard as a DE2.
10. Bryce Huff, DE, Philadelphia Eagles
I love the spot for Bryce Huff. He could have his chance to shine as a full-time player as opposed to a rotational piece.
Over the course of his tenure with the Jets, Huff has been a disruptor. He’s never had the opportunity to play full-time, and at his peak, saw 51% of the snaps in 2021. This past season, he had his highest usage since 2021 (42%).
Through his first three seasons, Huff generated a 12.1% pressure rate and 22.1% pass rush win rate, resulting in 67 total pressures.
During his ‘23 season, Huff generated a 20.1% pressure rate, resulting in 67 pressures (matching his career total in one season) and a career-high 10 sacks. He’s got a variety of moves, but I think his power and strength are underrated. Here, he just keeps the tackle at bay and breaks off the block to get to the QB:
IDP Outlook for 2024
Vic Fangio is licking his chops right now. Fangio doesn’t blitz a ton, but he’ll be able to utilize Huff to generate pressure up front and their zone scheme should allow him to get to the QB. Fangio likes to force offenses to run more, so Huff could see more tackle opportunities. He has just a 5% career tackle rate. More opportunities could open up for him, especially if Philly moves on from Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat.
I’m willing to target Huff as a DE3, especially in big play/Big 3 Scoring formats where you’re getting points for TFLs and QB hits.
11. Danielle Hunter, DE, Houston Texans
One of the top pass rushers in free agency, Danielle Hunter heads home to Houston to join their up-and-coming defense.
Hunter has been a consistent producer since entering the league and has been relatively durable. After his 2021 season ended after seven games, he would play in all 17 games in consecutive seasons, appearing in at least 84% of snaps. Hunter would see over 1,000 snaps in 2023, which is insane usage for an edge rusher.
Hunter had his highest number of pressures generated since 2019 (80), resulting in a 13% pressure rate. He’d go on to produce a 25% win rate.
Hunter has a career 13.2% pressure rate, which includes 57 QB hits and 87.5 sacks.
IDP Outlook for 2024
I love the spot for Hunter in Houston. He’ll bookend with Will Anderson to form a formidable duo. Hunter is a menace around the LOS and has double-digit TFLs in six of his last seven seasons and double-digit sacks in four of his last five seasons.
He’s a DL1 in 2024.
12. Shaq Barrett, DE, Miami Dolphins
Shaq Barrett wasn’t out of work for long. After failing to reach double-digit sacks in consecutive seasons for the Bucs, they deemed him expendable. He won’t have to travel far: just about 4 hours via I-75S.
Although Barrett failed to reach double-digit sacks over the 2022/23 seasons, he contributed a 12.7% pressure rate.
Over the course of the 2019-2021 seasons, he was a dominant edge rusher, producing a 13.3% pressure rate and contributing 37.5 sacks and 33 QB hits.
IDP Outlook for 2024
Barrett should see a full-time role on the edge to start the season. Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are dealing with serious injuries, so to expect them to start the season would be, to quote King Schultz, “a dubious proposition, at best.”
When Chubb and Phillips return, Barrett could be leading the rotation as they get eased back into action. Solid spot for Barrett and is a solid DL3/DE3.
13. Leonard Floyd, DE, San Francisco 49ers
Leonard Floyd escapes Buffalo’s rotation from hell and lands with the 49ers on a two-year deal.
Although Floyd saw just 54% of the snaps with Buffalo, he was efficient with his snaps and turned in a productive season. Although his pressure rate was on the low side (10.5%), he was relentless in his pursuit of the QB and notched 10.5 sacks.
He’s proved he can play a three-down/full-time role. During his stint with the Bears and Rams, he had just two seasons where he saw fewer than 80% of the snaps. During his three-year run with the Rams, he took advantage of the “Aaron Donald Effect,” recording 29 sacks over those three seasons.
IDP Outlook for 2024
I like the spot here for Floyd. Floyd should be able to step into a full-time role alongside Nick Bosa. The 49ers have a formidable defensive line and Floyd should be able to take advantage of single-team attention.
Floyd is looking like a DL3 target this season.
14. Taylor Rapp, S, Buffalo Bills
Taylor Rapp is staying put in Buffalo and this is probably the best fit for him in terms of his IDP value for the 2024 season.
Rapp played in all 16 games, however, saw just 42% of the snaps. He had a full-time role in four games where he appeared in 100% of the snaps. As of now, the Bills have two starting vacancies at safety after releasing Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde.
The three-year extension is a good indicator that Buffalo envisions him as a full-time player and ready to take on a bigger role in the defense. During the 2023 season, Rapp played nearly 40% of his snaps near the LOS and I see that usage increasing for the upcoming season.
Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer enjoyed productive seasons under Babich and I envision Rapp taking over Poyer’s role in his defense.
While with the Rams, he played a similar role in their defense, as he played just over 55% of his snaps on the LOS.
Here’s a great example of how good he can be in the box with his ability to diagnose at the LOS:
IDP Outlook for 2024
Rapp has been a solid tackler throughout his career. During his four seasons with the Rams, he produced an 8.8% tackle rate, which is a solid number for a DB.
Although he appeared in just 42% of the snaps in the ‘23 season, he was an effective IDP-producer when he was a full-time player. He averaged 0.20 fantasy points per snap all while generating an 11.8% tackle rate, resulting in 30 tackles over those four full-time games.
Rapp is looking like a solid DB3/4 target in best ball and redraft leagues.
15. Xavier McKinney, S, Green Bay Packers
The Giants once again let a Crimson Tide safety walk in free agency. This time, it’s Xavier McKinney. He gets a four-year deal with the Packers.
McKinney has dealt with various injuries throughout his career but is coming off a season where he appeared in 17 games and well over 1,100 snaps. This past season, McKinney played 34% of his snaps up in the box and 41% of his snaps deep.
In his 2021 season, he played more of the deep role, but still managed an 8.2% tackle rate, resulting in 93 tackles. In tackle-heavy formats, he finished around the DB23 in scoring. Granted, the Giants didn’t have much in front of them.
IDP Outlook for 2024
I like the signing from a football standpoint, but his role will be defined in Jeff Hafley’s system. McKinney is a huge upgrade from Darnell Savage and could play an overhang role.
McKinney is a solid cover safety, as he has a 26% play-on-ball rate over 141 targets, resulting in nine INTs and 27 defended passes. I have no issues targeting McKinney as a DB2 in 2024.
16. Brandon Jones, S, Denver Broncos
I think this is a low-key solid signing for Brandon Jones’ IDP value. Justin Simmons was released, so Jones may play his role. Jones signed a pretty hefty deal for three years.
Jones gets a change of scenery after falling out of favor in Miami. His future was looking bright after a solid 2021 season, where he was one of the best blitzing safeties. He was deployed on the edge for 124 defensive snaps and played 72% of his snaps on the LOS.
Injuries cut his 2022 season short, but the production showed up. He produced a 14% tackle rate and had two sacks in seven games.
During the 2023 season, he’d play in just 44% of the snaps but played considerably less on the LOS.
IDP Outlook for 2024
I think Jones takes Simmons’ role, and if Joseph goes single-high, Jones can get his nose dirty in the box. Caden Sterns and PJ Locke can play the deep role. He’s a smart, vocal player and has no problems taking on tight ends.
You’ll be able to get him on the cheap in IDP drafts.
17. Jeremy Chinn, S, Washington Commanders
For whatever reason, the Commanders seem to be moving on from Kamren Curl. They bring in Jeremy Chinn on a one-year prove-it deal.
Chinn appeared in 285 defensive snaps in 2023, a sudden drop-off from his usage from the previous three seasons. Chinn maintained his box/LOS role where he played 88% of his snaps.
He’ll be playing alongside his Panther running mate, Frankie Luvu, and could be the LB2 opposite this season. He’s a versatile safety who can play deep and in the slot.
IDP Outlook for 2024
The Commanders have young safeties to pair along Chinn. Quan Martin and Darrick Forrest can play deep with Chinn roaming the LOS. I can see Dan Quinn utilizing Chinn as his Markquese Bell and taking advantage of Chinn’s size.
I’m targeting Chinn as my DB4 and he carries DB2 upside if he earns a full-time role. He has a track record of tackle production and has recorded a career 11% tackle rate.
18. Tyrel Dodson, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Tyrel Dodson lands with the Seahawks after a solid season playing in relief of Matt Milano. Dodson started the 2023 season as a special-teamer after losing out on the MIKE position to Terrel Bernard. A season-ending injury to Milano thrust Dodson into more defensive snaps.
Dodson appeared in a career-high 549 defensive snaps and played in all 17 games. Dodson was a solid, all-around off-ball LB and earned a 90.2 PFF grade and an 88.4 coverage grade, which will keep him on the field.
Dodson was deployed on a career-high 42 pass-rush snaps and generated a 28.5% pressure rate, which resulted in 2.5 sacks and four QB hits.
IDP Outlook for 2024
Well, someone has to play LB in Seattle. Bobby Wagner is headed off to D.C., and Jordyn Brooks has landed in South Beach.
Dodson produced a 13.5% tackle rate and 0.26 fantasy points per snap. New DC, Aden Durde, played LB in NFL Europe, so he could help with Dodson’s development. Durde will create pressure up front, so he may let his LBs roam. Mike MacDonald deployed 2-LB packages consistently with Baltimore, so Dodson has a clear path to snaps.
You’ll be able to get him on the cheap in drafts.
19. Kamren Curl, S, Los Angeles Rams
I’m surprised it took as long as it did, but Kamren Curl finally has a new home as the 24-year-old safety inks a two-year deal with the Rams.
For whatever reason, the Commanders decided against bringing back their versatile safety. After earning an 82.9 grade from PFF in 2022, his play tailed off slightly but he was still solid in coverage. His run defense suffered, as he missed 14 tackles (his highest number since his rookie year) after missing 11 combined tackles between 2021 and 2022.
Curl produced three INTs in 2019 but has yet to record one since. He does, however, have 14 defended passes.
He has spent most of his tenure with Washington as a box safety. He had a 51% box rate in 2022 and 39% in 2023.
IDP Outlook for 2024
Chris Shula takes over as defensive coordinator after serving as linebacker coach/pass rush coordinator. Curl will be an intriguing piece to Shula’s defense, especially from a pass-rush standpoint. Curl has recorded at least one sack in each of his four seasons and has a career 24.2% pressure rate.
I foresee Curl’s role as that overhang safety, who can play up in the box in dime packages, man the slot, or cover tight ends. The Rams deployed a 2-3-6 look over 10% of the time. This look featured just one off-ball LB and three safeties.
I’m targeting Curl as a DB1 this season.
Worst IDP Landing Spots
1. Patrick Queen, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Patrick Queen leaves Baltimore for their division rival, Pittsburgh Steelers.
Queen had a rough start to his career, as he didn’t have a PFF grade above 45. His coverage grade was even rougher, with 35 as his highest grade. It limited his snaps and defensive usage, as he was the LB coming off the field when they went dime or single-LB.
Queen’s game changed when the Ravens acquired Roquan Smith during the 2022 season. Not only did he play better, but the Ravens also went nickel/2-LB more often and Queen’s usage rose above 90%. His game improved, especially in coverage as he received a 74.4 coverage grade from PFF in 2023, allowing a career-low 8.1 yards per catch.
His real wart has been his tackling. He has a career missed tackle rate of 16% and has missed at least 20 tackles in all four seasons, about a season’s worth of misses (87).
IDP Outlook for 2024
I think Queen may be a fade for me in 2024. He started rough before Roquan Smith came into the fold. The current LB room in Pittsburgh is a bit weak and hasn’t produced elite IDP numbers.
In looking at the deal, it’s a one-year deal and Pittsburgh has options on how to handle Queen going forward, according to Tom Pelissero. He’s recorded 105 or more tackles in three of his four seasons, but I’m not sure I’m going to be drafting him at his ADP.
2. Frankie Luvu, LB, Washington Commanders
The Panthers let their versatile off-ball LB get away in free agency. Frankie Luvu signs a three-year deal and joins Dan Quinn in Washington.
After floundering with the Jets for three seasons, Frankie Luvu settled in nicely with the Carolina Panthers and turned into a nice little multifaceted IDP producer.
Luvu became a pass-rush threat, generating a 16.9% pressure rate as an off-ball LB. He converted 26% of his pressures into sacks during his Carolina stint, resulting in 14 sacks.
For the last two seasons, he’s been an efficient tackler, as well. He took over the green dot and settled into a three-down role. Luvu has recorded a 12.2% tackle rate, resulting in 236 tackles over the last two seasons in Carolina.
IDP Outlook for 2024
This was a great landing spot for about 48 hours… and then Bobby Wagner signed. Now, Luvu signed a three-year deal worth $36 million, so he’ll see significant snaps. His IDP value has changed with the addition of Wagner.
It’s possible Dan Quinn utilizes Luvu like a middle-class Micah Parsons. Luvu had to play more off-ball LB in 2023 with Shaq Thompson out. However, during the 2022 season, he played 32% of his snaps on the edge.
Will he be a three-down LB? He may not see 100% of the snaps, but I don’t see him getting fewer than 85%. Luvu still recorded over 100 tackles in 2022, so there’s still some IDP appeal here, especially in big play/Big 3 Scoring formats. I’m targeting him as an LB2/3 as opposed to my LB1.
3. Drue Tranquill, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
Drue Tranuill’s market in 2023 wasn’t super active, so he signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs. It worked out for him, as he took home some hardware. So, instead of hitting the FA market again, he signs a three-year deal.
I can’t fault Tranquill for sticking with the Chiefs. You’re a perennial Super Bowl contender with Patrick Mahomes at the helm.
Tranquil appeared in 16 games for the Chiefs and played in 57% of the snaps. He was mostly used as Nick Bolton’s replacement, as he had seven games in a full-time role.
In the other nine games, Tranquill was primarily used in a rotational role with Leo Chenal within their base defense and had an average snap rate of 29%.
Tranquill has proved he can handle a full workload, as he appeared in 93% of the snaps during the 2022 season.
IDP Outlook for 2024
Unfortunately, I don’t see bright skies in Tranquill’s future, at least from an IDP standpoint, outside an injury replacement. He’s a solid player and contributor, but I don’t see a path to a full-time role this season.
KC’s most deployed lineup featured one off-ball LB, so even if Tranuill is a starter, I don’t see him appearing in more than 65% of the snaps.
Tranquill is a late-round LB target in best ball leagues. Over the past few seasons, LBs who have played in 65% of the snaps have had value, but there’s too much variance in their production from week to week. In shallow leagues, you’ll be able to grab him from the wire in the event of an injury. In deeper leagues, he’s no more than an LB6/7 for depth.
4. Willie Gay, LB, New Orleans Saints
Willie Gay signs a one-year deal with the Saints.
Gay had so much promise as a speedy thumper, but he hasn’t had the playing time to warrant any type of IDP consideration. After seeing 69% of the snaps in 2022, there was hope for more of a full-time role in 2023, but that wasn’t to be.
He’d end up in a rotation with Leo Chenal, and Drue Tranquill. Gay would be the primary LB2, but would only appear in 62% of the snaps.
IDP Outlook for 2024
Gay had a glimmer of hope, but I think that has all but faded with his one-year deal with the Saints. The Saints were a 2-LB defense with Demario Davis and Pete Werner.
Gay could see snaps in their base defense or could end up in rotation with Werner, but I’m not a fan of his spot. Unless something happens to Demario Davis, Gay won’t have any IDP appeal for me.
5. Kevin Byard, S, Chicago Bears
The Bears and Kevin Byard agreed to a two-year deal worth around $15 million. The Bears have found their potential Eddie Jackson replacement.
Byard has been a versatile safety for his entire career. He can play in the box and get his nose dirty or play the deep, ball-hawking role. Some might say his ability has been his availability. He’s played in 16+ games and 1,000+ snaps in seven straight seasons.
He started his career with the Titan as a free safety, but starting in 2020, he started playing more than half of his snaps on the LOS as a box safety or slot corner. The next season, however, he’d play deeper more often.
He had a nose for the ball and made plays consistently on the ball. For his career, he has a 25.8% play-on-ball rate, resulting in 28 INTs and 66 defended passes.
Byard recorded triple-digit tackles in three seasons and has a 9% career tackle rate. He’s coming off a career-high 122 tackles in 2023.
IDP Outlook in 2024
Why am I not a fan of his landing spot? I think he’s going to play the Eddie Jackson role in the Matt Eberfuls/Eric Washington defense. Now the Bears have also added Jonathan Owens.
Jackson played 68% of his snaps deep in the 2022 season and 76% of his snaps during the 2023 season. Bears deep safeties aren’t typically asked to make tackles up near the line and that’s Brisker’s role right now. Plus, Byard will be playing behind two tackle machines in Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards.
Jackson never recorded more than 82 tackles during his time with the Bears, and I see Byard’s production, from a tackle standpoint, taking a dip. He’ll have big-play upside, making him a DB3 target in big play/Big 3 Scoring formats. For the 2024 season, I’ll be ranking him outside the top 20 DBs.
6. Devin White, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
I’m not sure if there’s been a more polarizing LB in IDP recently than Devin White, who signs a one-year deal to join the Eagles.
White had a steady if underwhelming five-year stint with the Buccaneers. If you look at his PFF grades, underwhelming might as well be a compliment. White’s availability was probably his best ability. White played in at least 13 games in all five seasons and had an average snap rate of 96%.
He ended up losing the dot to Lavonte David and had one of the least productive seasons of his career from a tackling standpoint. He finished with a 9.2% tackle rate, resulting in just 83 tackles despite having a full-time role.
He was still utilized in the pass rush and generated an 18.2% pressure rate, but converted just 11% of his pressures into sacks.
He didn’t put much to like on tape in a contract year.
IDP Outlook for 2024
With that said, White’s landing spot in Philadelphia isn’t horrible. The Eagles lost Nakobe Dean to foot surgery and used a Frankenstein-like concoction at LB which consisted of Nicholas Morrow, Zach Cunningham, and a broken-down Shaq Leonard. At this point, only Dean is on the roster.
Can Dean be trusted to hold up for an entire season? He battled two different injuries during the 2023 season.
White finished as the LB52 in 2023 after finishing as the LB16 in 2022 and LB15 in 2021. White has produced a 12.5% tackle rate between his 2020-2022 seasons; it’s been the missed tackles that have been a killer. Although, he had his fewest misses since his rookie year.
It’s unclear how Vic Fangio is going to utilize his off-ball LBs, but he used a 2-4-5 as his base formation while with the Dolphins. His third-most utilized lineup, however, featured one off-ball LB.
He also likes his LBs to be athletic enough to play man. White’s average PFF coverage grade was 51.6. Fangio might like his pass-rush skills, but I’m not counting on a return to his 2020 production. I think I’ll let someone else draft White in 2024.
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Great in depth analysis! I’ve got dynasty shares of AAS and JBrooks. How would you rank these DB’s (on waivers in my league) in a tackle heavy format - JLove, Chinn, Dugger, Jalen Thompson, and Jordan Battle?