Top 40 IDP Free Agents of 2025
Mike Woellert ranks the top IDPs in this free agent class.
We’re a few weeks away from the start of NFL free agency. This is a deep free agency class with several big-name defenders potentially on the move. Here’s a list of the top free agents who are most relevant for IDP. I’m not predicting where they end up, but which teams would be best for their IDP value heading into 2025.
1. Zack Baun, LB
Zack Baun turned his free agent opportunity into a potential multi-year deal worth tens of millions of dollars. Baun appeared in 939 snaps and recorded a career-high 151 tackles, resulting in a 16.1% tackle rate, while producing a big play rate (INT/TFLs/QB hits/FF/FR/PD) of 3.2%. Baun was the LB1 in 2024.
Like The Authority used to say, “It’s best for business” if he stays in Philly.
Arizona would be another potential spot, as he’d play under Jonathan Gannon and a similar defensive scheme.
Update 3/5/2025: Howie Roseman read my article and agreed. Zack Baun stays in Philly, signing a three-year, $51 million contract, including $34 million guaranteed at signing and additional $1.5 million in incentives. After one season, Baun becomes the highest paid LB.
2. Robert Spillane, LB
Robert Spillane enjoyed a productive two-year stint with the Raiders, amassing 306 tackles, an LB11 finish in 2023, and an LB5 finish in 2024 (in tackle-heavy formats).
He doesn’t offer much in the way of big plays but is a leader on the field and a green dot LB. The Raiders have over $90 million in cap space, so it might behoove them to keep their defensive leader. He might want to look at a winning situation, but may not get the same money. Seattle and Tampa Bay are near the top of the list in terms of teams close to winning while having over 1,400 vacated LB snaps.
Ideal Landing Spot: Las Vegas, Tampa Bay, Seattle
3. Ernest Jones, LB
Ernest Jones was passed around more often than a fatty at a Jay and Silent Bob New Year’s Eve party. Jones called three different states home in 2024 but managed to remain IDP-relevant despite the movement. Jones finished with 129 tackles and wore the dot with the Titans and Seahawks. Jones should fetch a reasonable contract, and if the Raiders moved on from Spillane, he’d fit well with the new regime. A team like Carolina could also use his services if they don’t bring back Shaq Thompson.
Ideal Landing Spot: Las Vegas, Carolina, Washington
Update 3/9/2025: Ernest Jones and the Seahawks agreed to terms on a 3-year contract extension worth $33M with $15M guaranteed, keeping him with Seattle.
4. Nick Bolton, LB
Nick Bolton has been the defensive captain for the Chiefs over the last few years and has provided steady IDP production. Now, he probably won’t be as elite as he was in 2022, but he’s a more than serviceable LB2 who’s capable of 120 tackles. He also recorded a 3.3% big play rate in 2024. Changes could be a foot in KC, so it’s possible he’s not offered a contract and they make a cheaper move like trading for Germaine Pratt. The Packers are an interesting spot, as they have nearly 1,200 vacated LB snaps; however, they still have Quay Walker and an emerging Edgerrin Cooper. Cincinnati could also work if they move on from Germaine Pratt. It would take the dot responsibilities off Bolton and allow him to run downhill.
The Rams have just over $35m in cap space, and could also use Bolton’s services at off-ball LB. They run a nickel-heavy zone, which would play into his strengths.
Ideal Landing Spot: Remain in Kansas City, Los Angeles Rams, Dallas, Cincinnati
Update 3/9/2025: Nick Bolton is re-signing with the Chiefs on a 3-year, $45 million deal, including $30M fully guaranteed at signing. The Chiefs green dot stays in KC and will be an LB2 in drafts in 2025.
5. Bobby Wagner, LB
Until Wagner retires, he’ll be in the conversation for one of the top LBs in IDP—at least from a redraft standpoint. Wagner hasn’t had fewer than 130 tackles since 2015. He’ll also contribute a smattering of big plays here and there, as he produced a 2.5% big play rate in 2024. Wagner’s a leader no matter where he goes, and I’d like to see him remain in Washington with Dan Quinn. Could a reunion with Pete Carroll be in the works? The Raiders have nearly 1,800 vacated LB snaps with Spillane and Divine Deablo no longer under contract.
Ideal Landing Spot: Remain in Washington, Dallas, Las Vegas, New England
Update 3/6/2025: Bobby Wagner and the Commanders agreed on a one-year deal worth up to $9.5M with $8M guaranteed. Wagner remains an LB1 staying put in Washington.
6. Lavonte David, LB
Another IDP legend of the 2012 NFL draft, Lavonte David is potentially entering free agency for the first time in his career. We’ll see if Tampa Bay decides to move on from the now 35-year-old who has recorded 120+ tackles and 3+ sacks in three consecutive seasons. While he hasn’t been truly an elite IDP LB for a while, David finished among the top-10 tackle-heavy scoring LBs in 2024 for the first time since 2015.
Tampa Bay could go younger in the draft. Denver could use some help at LB and is an emerging contender. It all depends on what he’s looking for at this stage. If he wants to stay close to home, the Dolphins are an option, but cap space might be prohibitive.
Ideal Landing Spot: Remain in Tampa, Denver, Kansas City, Dallas, Miami (cap limitations), Seattle
Update 3/7/2025: Lavonte David is returning to the Bucs on a one-year, $10M deal with $9M guaranteed. He’ll retain his LB1/2 status heading into 2025.
7. Jeremy Chinn, S
Jeremy Chinn had a bit of an IDP renaissance in Washington. He had a 39% box rate and recorded his first 100-tackle season since 2021. He also earned his highest PFF grade (65.2) since 2021. I’d like to see him return to Washington, but he’d also fit well with Spagnuolo’s aggressive approach and could play the box role. The Jets provide the greatest opportunity, as they are losing 5 safeties.
Ideal Landing Spot: Washington, New York Jets
8. Dre Greenlaw, LB
Dre Greenlaw has stated he intends to test the free agency waters, as he wants to lead a defense. Greenlaw played just 34 snaps in 2024 after recovering from Achilles surgery. His services should be in demand and he has the intelligence to be a three-down LB.
His former DC, Robert Saleh, is adamant about him returning—but we’ll see.
I could see him reuniting with Demeco Ryans in Houston, playing alongside former teammate Azeez Al-Shaair. Washington is another possibility, as GM Adam Peters drafted Greenlaw.
Ideal Landing Spot: Houston, Las Vegas, Washington, Seattle
9. Khalil Mack, EDGE
Khalil Mack’s services will be in demand, despite him entering his age 34 season. Mack has produced 50+ pressures over the last 3 seasons, resulting in a 13.5% pressure rate.
Aidan Hutchinson should be back, and the Lions could take advantage of their contention window adding Mack. If Jerry Jones wants to make a splash, Mack would make a nice pairing opposite Micah Parsons. Mack would also be a huge upgrade at EDGE over Lukas Van Ness.
Ideal Landing Spot: Detroit, Dallas, Green Bay, Atlanta, Buffalo
Update 3/10/2025: Khalil Mack reached agreement today on a one-year, fully-guaranteed $18 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. I didn’t think he’d return, but the release of Joey Bosa opened up room to bring him back.
10. Josh Sweat, EDGE
Josh Sweat fit Vic Fangio’s defense like a bloody Isotoner glove. Thanks to his 2.5 sacks in the Super Bowl, did he play himself out of Philadelphia? He generated a 12% pressure rate and 17.9% win rate, leading to 8 sacks. Would he dare defect to the enemy in Washington or Dallas? Las Vegas has the cap space and nearly 800 vacated EDGE snaps. Maxx Crosby and Sweat would be a fun pairing.
The Rams and their 600+ vacated snaps are also intriguing—I’d love to see Sweat play alongside Jared Verse. The Patriots have a ton of money to throw his way if he feels like going the vigilante route. He could also be reunited with Jonathan Gannon in Arizona and remain in a familiar defense outside Philly.
Ideal Landing Spot: Remain in Philadelphia, Arizona, Los Angeles Rams, Washington, New England, Las Vegas, Buffalo
11. Jamien Sherwood, LB
Jamien Sherwood took advantage of the opportunity created by CJ Mosley’s injury. He appeared in over 1,000 snaps, was graded well by PFF, and finished as the overall LB4 in most scoring formats.
Staying with the Jets is probably what’s best for his IDP value. Falcons’ defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich, has familiarity with Sherwood. He’d fit in well with Carolina’s defense that emphasizes speed, which they’re currently lacking.
Ideal Landing Spot: Remain with New York Jets, Carolina
Update 3/9/2025: Jamien Sherwood is returning to the Jets on a three-year deal for $45 million with $30M fully guaranteed on the deal.
12. E.J. Speed, LB
Indianapolis doesn’t have the need… the need for Speed. I’m not sure how much money a 56.7 PFF-graded LB who allowed an 85% completion rate is going to command. He’s a solid run defender, but that won’t get $15 million per year. I think he’s going to take one of the first offers he gets. The Raiders have the salary cap and a spot for Speed. Arizona and Tennessee are potential landing spots with the combo of snaps and money.
Ideal Landing Spot: Arizona, Las Vegas, Tennessee
13. Kyzir White, LB
Kyzir White was a solid run defender, but that’s about all he did well in 2024. He ranked near the bottom among LBs in overall and coverage grades from PFF. Although he received a 49.4 pass-rush grade, he generated a 19.6% pressure rate, resulting in 14 hurries and 2.5 sacks. Tampa has over 1,800 LB snaps open, and they could fill the hole potentially left by Lavonte David. He could stay in the division with Seattle, or stay with Arizona. He could take a deal with the Jets or Colts with their need at the position.
Ideal Landing Spot: Tampa Bay, Seattle, Arizona, New York Jets, Indianapolis
14. Tyrel Dodson, LB
Tyrel Dodson had a rough 2024, and near the end, he probably felt like Will Smith after his dad left him again:
Dodson was signed by the Seahawks in free agency after Buffalo didn’t want him. Then, out of the blue, he was released by Seattle. Miami did him a solid and added him to the LB room. He missed 3 games but was a three-down LB for the majority of the season. The Bengals might be an interesting fit with Germaine Pratt requesting a trade, and Dodson would be a big upgrade in part to his coverage abilities. He’d fit nicely alongside Zaire Franklin in Indianapolis and be an upgrade over EJ Speed.
Ideal Landing Spot: Return to Miami, Cincinnati, Indianapolis
15. Chase Young, EDGE
Chase Young might have the NFL figured out. Over the past two seasons, Young has generated a 13.2% pressure rate and 13 sacks. He still has youth on his side, as he’s entering his age 26 season. The Falcons and Cowboys have the biggest needs for an edge rusher, as Atlanta has over 1,500 vacated edge rusher snaps, and has perennially been near the bottom of the league in team pressure rate and sacks. Dennis Allen, his former DC/HC, could want him in Chicago to pair alongside Montez Sweat.
Ideal Landing Spot: Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago
16. DeMarcus Lawrence, EDGE
DeMarcus Lawrence has been a staple for the Cowboys, even with his tumultuous injury history. He brings a career pressure rate of 12.2%, and he’ll be relatively cheap to sign given the fact he played just 4 games in 2024. He could reunite with Dan Quinn and Dorance Armstrong in Washington. He could bring a veteran presence to San Francisco, as a running mate alongside Nick Bosa. The Lions represent a chance to play for a contender, and he would get to play alongside Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions have nearly 800 vacated edge rusher snaps to fill.
Ideal Landing Spot: Washington, San Francisco, Detroit, Buffalo
17. Camryn Bynum, S
The entire Vikings DB room might turn over this offseason. Camryn Bynum has recorded 233 tackles and 5 INTs over the last two seasons and seems to fit nicely in Brian Flores’ defense. Staying in Minnesota is probably best for his IDP value. He’d also fit in Steve Wilks’s defense in San Francisco. The Dolphins run a similar scheme and are potentially losing key starters Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer.
Ideal Landing Spot: Stay in Minnesota, San Francisco, Miami
18. Jevon Holland, S
Holland’s IDP value has been minimal since his 85-tackle season in 2022. He’s recorded just one INT and 8 defended passes over the last two seasons. Holland could get tagged and remain in South Beach. He’d fit in well in Houston’s Cover-3 to pair with Jalen Pitre. The Panthers will also be the mix and he’ll be a three-down player, as they have 2,000 vacated safety snaps.
Ideal Landing Spot: Stay with Miami, Houston, Carolina
19. Trevon Moehrig, S
Will the Raiders and new coach Pete Carroll re-sign their playmaking safety? He’s one of a few players who are candidates for the tag. Moehrig has recorded 187 tackles and 5 INTs over the last two seasons, while also contributing 3 sacks. The Broncos could try and pry him their rival as an upgrade at safety. The Colts have over 1,000 vacated safety snaps and would pair well with Nick Cross in Lou Anarumo’s defense.
Ideal Landing Spot: Denver, San Francisco, Indianapolis, Carolina
20. Divine Deablo, LB
The Raiders could lose both Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo to free agency, but with the LBs available, they might not care (unless, of course, they miss out on suitable replacements). Deablo has been a consistent tackler and coverage LB over the last few seasons. His role has been up and down from a usage standpoint, but he’s played well opposite Spillane.
Ideal Landing Spot: Indianapolis, New England, San Francisco
21. Eric Kendricks, LB
The veteran LB is going to get attention on the free agent market; however, I don’t see him commanding a ton of money. His leadership and communication skills will keep him on the field, and he’s still an IDP-producer. He’s recorded 255 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles over the last 2 seasons. He’s from California, so the Rams could be a fit and he’d be an upgrade in their LB room. The Cardinals have a ton of cap space and could look to move on from Kyzir White.
Ideal Landing Spot: Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets, Arizona, Seattle
22. Haason Reddick, EDGE
Haason Reddick’s market is going to be an intriguing one to monitor. He practically held out, refusing to play for the Jets, only to return in Week 8, appearing in 10 games. He recorded a handful of sacks and generated a 10.8% pressure rate. He’ll still probably get between $10-$15 million per year. The Falcons, Patriots, and Panthers have needs for an edge rusher with the Patriots having the most cap space to play around with. Atlanta has a major need but would need to work some cap magic.
Ideal Landing Spot: Atlanta, New England, Carolina
3/10/2025: Reddick signs a one-year deal with the Bucs worth $14 million ($12 million guaranteed)
23. Chauncey Golston, EDGE
Chauncey Golston had a strong finish to the season, recording 3.5 sacks in the final 4 games of the season. He also had solid tackle production with 56 stops, while also contributing 5 TFLs and 8 QB hits. Myles Garrett’s status with the Browns is up in the air, but Golston would pair well with him if the Browns don’t move him. The Chargers look to need an EDGE, as well.
Ideal Landing Spot: Return to Dallas, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland, Tampa Bay
24. Osa Odighizuwa, IDL
Osa Odighizuwa is one of the top free-agent interior defenders and has recorded three straight seasons of 40+ tackles and 3+ sacks. Osa is going to have his share of suitors—he might need to go to the mall for an appearance on Truth or Date. He’d be a huge get for the New York Giants and give the team a formidable duo alongside Sexy Dexy (Dexter Lawrence). He’d fill an immediate need for the Chargers, a team set to lose over 1,200 IDL snaps. The Bengals are intriguing, but would they spend the money?
Update 3/4/2025: Osa re-signs with Dallas on a four-year $80 million contract with $53 million in guaranteed money. Dallas retains one of the best young IDLs.
25. Nate Hobbs, CB
Nate Hobbs has been a solid slot corner over the last few seasons but spent most of 2024 injured. Over his 4-year career, he’s recorded 288 tackles, and 6 defended passes. He has more sacks (2) than INTs (0), however. Raiders CB coach Ricky Manning has referred to him as a key piece of their defense. For IDP value, I’d like to see him return. He’d also fit well in Minnesota, which needs to replace its entire DB room.
Ideal Landing Spot: Return to Las Vegas, Minnesota, Denver
26. Justin Reid, S
Justin Reid has been a serviceable DB3 over the last three seasons. He’s averaged 80+ tackles and has produced 3 INTs in the last two. His best IDP season was 2023 when he recorded 95 tackles and 3 sacks. The Chiefs can ill afford to lose Reid. He should have a pretty active market. Minnesota would be a good fit for his skill set.
Ideal Landing Spot: Return to Kansas City, Minnesota
27. Cody Barton, LB
Cody Barton is a “meh” linebacker but is productive for IDP purposes. Barton will be 29 at the end of the 2025 season and is coming off his third 100-tackle season. Alex Singleton missed the entire 2024 season with a torn ACL and is expected back. Justin Strnad is also a free agent. Denver could address the position in the draft and free agency, making it easy for Denver to move on. I could see him signing a low-dollar deal with a team like the Titans, Panthers, or Jets. The Raiders could be a sleeper option based on Pete Carroll’s familiarity with Barton. That could also be a detriment.
Ideal Landing Spot: Tennessee, New York Jets, Carolina, Las Vegas
28. Malcolm Koonce, EDGE
Malcolm Koonce’s season ended right before Week 1. He was definitely on the come-up after an impressive 2023 season, when he compiled 8 sacks and a 15.1% pressure rate. He could take a one-year prove-it deal and hope to cash in on a longer deal in 2026. He could be a low-cost option for the Eagles if they can’t afford to bring back Josh Sweat. Koonce’s running mate, Maxx Crosby, wants him back. The Rams and Commanders are contenders that have an edge rush need and paths to snaps.
Ideal Landing Spot: Return to Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Los Angeles Rams, Detroit
29. Joseph Ossai, EDGE
Thanks to Sam Hubbard’s injury, Joseph Ossai saw more snaps down the stretch of the 2024 season. He recorded sacks in 6 of Cincinnati’s final 7 games and finished with a career-high in pass-rush snaps (349) and sacks (5). Ossai is young (25) and still developing, so he might want to go to a team where he can have a full-time role.
Ideal Landing Spot: New York Giants, Atlanta, New Orleans, Chicago, Los Angeles Chargers
30. Milton Williams, IDL
Milton Williams dominated the conference championship game and Super Bowl and earned a bag this offseason. He was a disruptor in the playoffs with a 12% pressure rate. Depending on his new team, he’ll be worth a look in DT-required leagues.
Ideal Landing Spot: Remain in Philadelphia, Arizona, Tennessee, New England
31. Azeez Ojulari, EDGE
I think there’ll be a market for Ojulari this offseason. He’s entering his age-25 season, and though he appeared in 11 games, he improved his pressure rate to 11.2%, resulting in 6 sacks over those 11 games. The Cardinals are bereft of edge rush talent and he could reunite with his brother. The Chargers and Raiders also have a need. The Eagles and Lions could also make a run. I think Los Angeles, Vegas, and Detroit would be best fits for his IDP value.
Ideal Landing Spot: Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas, Detroit, Arizona
32. Christian Rozeboom, LB
I’m not sure how much of a market there will be on Rozeboom. He was able to handle a full-time role in the wake of Troy Reeder’s injury. He finished with a career-high 135 tackles; however, his PFF grades weren’t flattering, finishing with a 53.5 overall grade and a 51.2 coverage grade. His best bet for IDP relevance would be to land a team like the Jets or Titans. If he does re-sign, the Rams have over 1,200 LB snaps to fill but could address the position in free agency.
Ideal Landing Spot: New York Jets, Tennessee, Los Angeles Rams
33. Byron Murphy, CB
Minnesota won’t be using the franchise tag on Murphy, but they do want to bring him back. Murphy finished with a career-high in INTs (6) and defended passes (14), so he’s looking to cash in. The Vikings will have competition for Murphy’s services. The Raiders are expressing interest and the Commanders have 1,700 vacated CB snaps to fill. Matt Eberflus could use his services in Dallas. I’m sure Robert Saleh would love him in San Francisco.
Ideal Landing Spot: Stay in Minnesota, Las Vegas, Washington, Dallas, San Francisco
34. Baron Browning, EDGE
Baron Browning has had an inauspicious start to his career. After just over 4 seasons in Denver, he ended up being traded to the Cardinals. In 51 games, he’s recorded just 11.5 sacks. He generated a 14.2% pressure rate from 2022-23, suggesting he’s been unlucky. Browning even had an 18% win rate during his 13 games in Arizona. Green Bay would be a decent fit as an upgrade over Lukas Van Ness, and Browning would play well in a rotation with Brenton Cox.
Ideal Landing Spot: Returning to Arizona, Green Bay, New Orleans, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Indianapolis
Update 3/9/2025: Cardinals are bringing back pass-rusher Baron Browning, as they are in agreement on 2-year deal.
35. Xavier Woods, S
Xavier Woods has quietly been a solid IDP producer over the last few seasons, recorded his second 100-tackle season in 4 seasons, and has produced 5 INTs over the last two. A return to Carolina would probably be best for his IDP value.
Ideal Landing Spot: Return to Carolina, New York Jets, Houston Texans
36. Nate Landman, LB
Nate Landman is a restricted free agent, so the Falcons can match any offer he might receive. He seems likely to return to the Falcons; however, his IDP value would have some roadblocks in the name of Troy Andersen and JD Bertrand. Landman has been productive over the last two seasons with 191 tackles and 6 forced fumbles. His best bet for IDP relevance would be to land on an LB-needy team. We’ll see what Landman’s market will be when free agency opens.
Ideal Landing Spot: Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Seattle
37. Jack Sanborn, LB
Color me intrigued at the thought of Sanborn with a full-time role in 2025. He’s been roadblocked by Roquan Smith, TJ Edwards, and Tremaine Edmunds since his rookie year. He’s mostly been a base-down off-ball LB, but it’s the 16.8% career tackle rate that has me giddy. (Yes, I know it’s unsustainable if he lands a full-time gig.)
He seems like a Titans signing and would be able to make up for the vacated spots opened up at LB. Although he’d be a downgrade, he could fit in with Washington’s defense opposite Frankie Luvu. Denver has over 1,700 LB snaps to fill.
Ideal Landing Spot: Washington, Tennessee, Denver
38. Willie Gay, LB
Gay is another LB who I was hoping would get a chance to play significant snaps by this point. Gay spent 4 seasons with the Chiefs before Kansas City moved on from him. He signed a one-year deal and played in just 277 snaps. Gay lost out to Pete Werner for the starting job. Will he get a shot at a starting role in 2025?
He seems like a Colts signing but would have competition from Jaylon Carlies. Tampa Bay needs to overhaul their entire room, especially if they don’t bring back David. Even if David is back, there is a clear path to snaps. CJ Mosley’s career is up in the air, and Jamien Sherwood could test free agency, so the Jets are a possibility. Gay would be an upgrade over what the Rams have and he wouldn’t have to wear the dot.
Ideal Landing Spot: Tampa Bay, New York Jets, Indianapolis, Seattle, Los Angeles Rams
39. Talanoa Hufanga, S
Talanoa Hufanga appeared in just 7 games and averaged just over 5 tackles per game. He’s been a versatile safety who’s capable of playing anywhere on the field. Last season, he played 52% of his snaps near the LOS. He’s also a capable pass-rusher with a career 19.7% pressure rate, so it was surprising to see him get just one pass-rush snap. Patrick Graham could utilize him that way if they don’t bring back Moehrig. Plus, the Raiders need to fill over 2,000 safety snaps.
Hufanga can play the box role and rush the QB. The Dolphins and Jets also need safety, so if he signs there, he’s looking at a path to snaps. Lou Anarumo likes the two-high look, so Hufanga could come in and play a full-time role with Nick Cross.
Ideal Landing Spot: Las Vegas, Miami, New York Jets, Indianapolis
40. Jack Gibbens, LB
Jack Gibbens is a physical LB and I thought he’d get the chance at a three-down role—until they acquired Ernest Jones. The Titans still need LB, but would still face competition from Jerome Baker and second-year LB, Cedric Gray.
I think he’d fit well with Vance Joseph’s scheme in Denver. The Giants need to replace over 930 snaps, and Gibbens has familiarity with Shane Bowen, his former DC in Tennessee. He’d have some competition with Micah McFadden. Gibbens is an upgrade given his ability in run defense and coverage. I think he could also be a scheme fit in Carolina and is an upgrade over second-year LB, Trevin Wallace.
I’m hoping he lands with a team that provides a clear path to snaps.
Ideal Landing Spot: New York Giants, Denver, Carolina, return to Tennessee
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