Top 40 IDP Free Agents of 2026

Mike Woellert dives into 40 of the top IDP free agents and their ideal landing spots for production in 2026.

NFL Free agency can flip depth charts overnight, and for IDP managers, it’s often more important than the NFL Draft. Coaching changes, scheme fits, and snap opportunity can turn a forgotten LB3 into a weekly starter or send a dependable DB into rotational purgatory. Every offseason, we chase talent, but fantasy production usually follows role, so it’s crucial to monitor where these defenders end up.

In this article, I’ll break down 40 notable IDP free agents, what they showed on the field in 2025, and landing spots where I think they could maximize their IDP value.

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1. Quay Walker, LB

Green Bay could move on from Quay Walker this offseason, especially with a new defensive coordinator at the helm (former Cardinals head coach, Jonathan Gannon). In some sort of Mandela Effect, I thought Walker played better than he did, but looking at the PFF grades… yeah, not so much.

Walker is expected to command between $10-15 million. I’m not so sure Green Bay is going to pony up the cash, but he does bring leadership to the defense.

For his 2026 IDP value, remaining with Green Bay is best.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Green Bay, Washington, Minnesota, Seattle

2. Leo Chenal, LB

Color me excited for the potential of a full-time Leo Chenal. Chenal hasn’t appeared in more than 445 snaps since getting drafted by the Chiefs in 2021. It’s the Willie Gay treatment all over again. He’s been productive and efficient with his snaps, recording a 13.8% tackle rate. He’s also been a solid off-ball edge rusher.

He’s a multi-faceted off-ball LB and deserves an opportunity to compete for a full-time role. I’d love to see him in Buffalo and reunite with Jim Leonhard.

Ideal landing spot: Buffalo, Tennessee, Las Vegas, Indianapolis

3. Devin Lloyd, LB

Anthony Campanile unlocked Devin Lloyd, as he recorded a career-high 5 INTs while also adding 7 defended passes. He contributed 9 QB hits to an aggressive pass rush. He fell short of the 100-tackle mark (81) but missed two games due to injury; however, he did have 113+ tackles in his previous three seasons.

His 11.5% tackle rate put him in the LB3 range for the season. An aggressive team with a focus on turnovers would definitely suit Lloyd’s skill set.

Ideal landing spots: Re-sign Jacksonville, Dallas, Cincinnati

4. Nakobe Dean, LB

An unfortunate knee injury at the end of the 2024-25 season and Philadelphia drafting Jihaad Campbell seemed to signal the end of Nakobe Dean’s time in Philadelphia. And yet, Dean came back in Week 6 and saw his snap percentage increase up until Week 12 (94%) before it tailed off again to end the season. All told, Dean played in 10 games in 2025 after sitting out Weeks 17 and 18 with a hamstring injury. When he was on the field, his run defense and tackling suffered. He finished with the highest missed tackle rate of his career (15.9%).

With the knee injury behind him, I think Dean is ready to get back into a full-time role. I think if he returns to Philadelphia, that could hinder his potential IDP value because I think they’re going to use Campbell full-time. At best, there’s a rotation.

Ideal landing spot: Dallas, Washington, Tampa Bay, Minnesota

5. Kam Curl, DB

I hope Kam Curl returns to the Rams, as I think that best suits his skill set and IDP value. He finished with a career-high 122 tackles and finished with an 11% tackle rate. He also added 2 INTs and 5 defended passes.

He played just over 40% of his snaps near the line of scrimmage (LOS), including an increase in slot snaps from 2024.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign with Rams, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Denver, Arizona

6. Trey Hendrickson, EDGE

Hendrickson is the prized buck of the free agent edge class. He appeared in just 7 games in 2025, but was still able to generate a 13% pressure rate and notch 4 sacks. He had multiple pressures in all but one game.

Hendrickson had recorded 57 sacks over his previous four seasons with the Bengals, and there’s “interest” on Cincinnati’s side to bring him back. I don’t think the same feeling is on Hendrickson’s side of the table. The Bengals could tag him, as the DE tag is $26.7 million. I think that would be Trey’s nightmare. If he hits the market, Hendrickson should have is pick of the litter.

Ideal landing spot: Chicago, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Washington

7. Odafe Oweh, EDGE

Odafe Oweh was traded mid-season by Baltimore to the Chargers, where he went on to record 7.5 sacks in 12 games. With the Chargers, he generated a 15.2% pressure rate and a 19.3% win rate. He seemed to really find his footing with the Charger defense.

Unfortunately, Jesse Minter left for Baltimore, and Oweh finds himself a free agent again. I do think his best bet is stay with the Chargers even though there’s a new DC in town (Chris O’Leary).

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Chargers, Carolina, Washington, Chicago, Miami

8. Bobby Wagner, LB

The ageless wonder could once again be testing the market. Bobby Wagner will be entering his 15th season and has spent the last two with Washington.

He recorded his 10th straight season with 130+ tackles in 2025, plus added 4.5 sacks and 8 TFLs. However, we have to ask the question at this point: “When does his slowdown begin?” He seems to fit in Dan Quinn’s system, but do the Commanders want to bring him back? What is the demand for his services?

I can’t imagine a season without Wagner leading a defense. His fit will probably be with a team in “win now” mode.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Washington, Dallas, Cincinnati

9. Lavonte David, LB

Ageless wonder #2 is Lavonte David, who has spent his entire career in Tampa Bay and would like to finish there, I’m sure. After failing to reach 100 tackles in 2021, David rattled off four straight 114+ tackle seasons and has 16.5 sacks over the span. Dude can still play.

If he doesn’t return to Tampa Bay, we might not have David in 2026. He’s said, in so many words, it’s Tampa Bay or nowhere. He doesn’t see himself playing anywhere else, so if I take him at his word, his ideal landing spot in 2026 is Tampa.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Tampa Bay

10. Demario Davis, LB

That brings us to ageless wonder #3, Demario Davis, who has spent the last eight seasons with the Saints but might be on his way out. Davis achieved a career-high in tackles (143), beating his previous career-high (136) set just a year ago. He’s one of the truly underrated IDPs. Although he hasn’t hit the 80 solo tackle mark since 2019, Davis is still out there every snap with the dot.

His best bet for IDP value is to return to New Orleans, but as someone who wants to see Danny Stutsman be a thing, I think he should test the waters.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign New Orleans, Cincinnati, Tennessee, Dallas

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11. Nick Cross, DB

As Nick Cross enters free agency, he’s definitely played his way into a lucrative free agent deal. Cross didn’t show much in his first two seasons with Indianapolis, accumulating just 56 tackles and an INT. Then, something clicked in 2024. Cross earned a starting role and played 42% of his snaps in the box, recording 146 tackles, 6 TFLs, and 3 INTs.

With Lou Anarumo being hired as DC in 2025, leaving Gus Bradley and his box safety role in the rearview mirror, the drop-off we worried about with Cross never came to fruition. He played nearly half his snaps in the box and recorded 120 tackles and was one of the top IDP DBs.

It’s best for Cross’ IDP value to remain in Indianapolis and with Anarumo.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Indianapolis, Washington, Miami, Rams

12. Kaden Elliss, LB

Kaden Elliss has enjoyed three seasons as a productive off-ball LB in Atlanta, recording 105+ tackles and at least 3.5 sacks during his tenure there. He’s been a versatile off-ball LB and has been used as an attack/pressure linebacker. He has a skill set that teams should covet. He can play in space and disguise his pressure.

As far as his IDP value for 2026 and beyond, re-signing with Atlanta and remaining in Jeff Ulrich’s defense is best.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Atlanta, Denver, Tampa Bay (if David moves on)

13. Devin Bush, LB

Devin Bush enjoyed his best season as a pro in Cleveland under Jim Schwartz. Bush is now a free agent, but with Schwartz out, he may not return. Bush may use his 2026 to springboard to a multi-year deal and cash in. He recorded a career-high in tackles (125) and INT (3), while entering his age 28 season.

Bush returned LB2 numbers and was probably a waiver pickup. I think a return to Cleveland would be best, especially if they retain someone like Jason Tarver as their DC. He’ll remain in a familiar system, catered to his skillset.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Cleveland, Dallas, Washington, Kansas City (if they move on from Tranquill/Chenal), Las Vegas

14. Alex Singleton, LB

Alex Singleton spent the last four seasons with Denver and missed a game in 2025 due to a scary cancer diagnosis. The previous year, he missed 14 games due to a torn ACL (suffered in-game, yet he still played every snap that game).

Singleton will be 33 by the time the 2026 season ends; however, the Broncos are still in win-now mode and he’s the leader of the defense. For his IDP value, a return to Denver would be best, as he’s recorded 506 tackles over his four seasons, and he has been one of the top IDP linebackers.

However, given his age, it does beg the question: “How much does he have left?”

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Denver, Carolina, Las Vegas

15. Jaelan Phillips, EDGE

Jaelan Phillips was acquired by the Eagles mid-season to give their pass rush a shot in the arm. Reunited with Vic Fangio, he generated a 17.2% pressure rate with a 24.8% win rate and contributed 3 sacks. Although the sack result was low, he was a consistent source of pressure and gave opposing offensive lines fits.

Just because of the need, Washington will be fit, as well as Chicago. He’d also remain a solid IDP EDGE if he re-signs with Philadelphia.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Philly, Washington, Chicago, San Francisco, Tennessee

16. Bryan Cook, S

Bryan Cook has been solid over the past two seasons with Kansas City, recording an 8.9% tackle rate (163 tackles), 2 INTs, and 11 defended passes. Last season, he played 44% of his snaps near the LOS and had a 30% box rate. Cook doesn’t provide much from a pass-rush standpoint, as he had just 15 total rush snaps over those four seasons. He can fill that big nickel/box role where he can play downhill.

Ideal landing spots: Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Washington

17. Reed Blankenship, S

Reed Blankenship is a similar player to Cook in that it’s best to let him loose, run around, and make plays.

Blankenship saw a slight decrease in box snaps from 2024 to 2025, but his tackles increased (83), while adding one INT. His best usage would continue to be a split safety in Cover-X defense where he can roam in the box.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Philadelphia, Minnesota, Chicago, Dallas

18. Germaine Pratt, LB

The Bengals decided to go younger in 2025, drafting Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr., and released Germaine Pratt in the summer. He signed with Las Vegas but fell out of favor and was released in October after just 4 games.

He reunited with his former DC, Lou Anarumo, in Indianapolis. Pratt was a productive IDP LB while with Indianapolis, recording 101 tackles over 12 games. He also added 8 defended passes and 5 TFLs.

Staying with Anarumo would be best for his IDP value in 2026.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Indianapolis, New York Jets

19. Kyle Dugger, S

Kyle Dugger got a bit of a raw deal in New England with Mike Vrabel as the new coach, who went with Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson as his two safeties.

Dugger ended up in Pittsburgh after a trade where he ended up with a starting role. He’d end up playing 45% of his snaps near the LOS. He’d finish with 59 tackles, 2 INTs, and 2 TFLs with Pittsburgh. He was used a bit more as a pass rusher in Pittsburgh, finishing with 13 pass rush snaps and 6 total QBPs.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Dugger, and I like the way he plays.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Kansas City, San Francisco

20. Jaquan Brisker, S

Jaquan Brisker enjoyed four productive seasons with the Bears. His 2024 season was cut short, but he recorded 40 tackles over 5 games.

Over the three seasons where he played more than 15 games, he produced a 10.3% tackle rate, resulting in 302 tackles. He’s a downhill safety and physical in the box, who can also play an overhang/robber role. He’s also a capable blitzing safety, as he had 71 pass rush snaps this past season.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Chicago, Cincinnati, Arizona

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21. Ivan Pace Jr., LB (RFA)

Ivan Pace Jr. is going to be a restricted free agent (RFA), so Minnesota will have a chance to match any offers. Will they?

The way he’s been used, I think they’ll probably let him walk. After seeing 62% of the snaps as a rookie, he was in line for the dot, but didn’t earn it. He didn’t see more than 59% of the snaps over the next two seasons. I think he brings a football mentality, and I’d love to see him get a chance to earn a three-down role.

Ideal landing spot: Washington, Jacksonville, Dallas

22. Joseph Ossai, EDGE

Joseph Ossai took advantage of injuries to Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart, appearing in 67% of the snaps in 2025. He had a strong finish to the season, recording a 14.6% pressure rate and 3 sacks over the final 6 games. He can play as a stand-up OLB, on the edge, or the wide-9. Just let him use his speed to power, and burst.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Cincinnati, Washington, Tennessee

23. Khalil Mack, EDGE

Khalil Mack, who is entering his 13th season, was limited to 12 games in 2025 due to injury. He was still effective, generated pressure at a consistent rate (14.2%), and won his blocks consistently with a 19.8% win rate. But with those metrics, he managed just 5.5 sacks and 6 QB hits. Has he lost a step? Is the closing speed gone?

He’ll be 35, so it’s a possibility. I’m not treating him as an EDGE1 in an offseason when I suspect Mack might be ring chasing (reflected in my landing spots).

Ideal landing spot: Kansas City, Baltimore, Detroit, Philadelphia, Indianapolis

24. Haason Reddick, EDGE

After an odd falling out with the Jets, Haason Reddick ended up with the Buccaneers in 2025 and appeared in 13 games. He recorded just 2.5 sacks with average pass rush metrics. He finished with an 11% pressure rate and a 17.9% win rate.

There wasn’t a whole lot to glean from his season, except that Reddick is a rush-first edge who’s best playing wide and a defense that can create favorable looks.

Ideal landing spot: Carolina, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Chicago

25. Quincy Williams, LB

Quincy Williams has been a consistent source of IDP production over the past four seasons. He had averaged 111 tackles and 2.5 sacks over his time with the Jets and had an impact at the LOS, averaging 11.6 TFLs. It was a different story in 2025, as he failed to reach 100 tackles for the first time since his days in Jacksonville. He lost snaps due to poor play, but then had to play due to injuries.

It will be interesting to see which teams are lining up to bid for his services.

Ideal landing spot: Atlanta, Las Vegas, Carolina, Dallas, Indianapolis

26. Joey Bosa, EDGE

Is there a little bit left in Joey Bosa’s tank? At this point, I think he’s just below a quarter tank after a slight career resurgence in Buffalo in 2025. Bosa appeared in 15 regular-season games and produced a 14% pressure rate and 5 sacks. Although he didn’t convert his pressures into sacks, he also produced 12 QB hits.

At this point in his career, he’s best used as a hand-in-the-dirt end. With his fantasy value waning, he’ll need the perfect landing spot to remain relevant in 2026. It all depends on what he’s looking for: cash in with a contract or chase a Super Bowl?

Ideal landing spots: Re-sign Buffalo, San Francisco, Detroit, Carolina, Miami

27. K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE

After some unspectacular seasons in Jacksonville, K’Lavon Chaisson seemed to find his footing with both the Raiders and Patriots. He’s had 12.5 sacks over his last two seasons—after recording just 5 total sacks in four seasons with the Jaguars—and notched a career-high 7.5 sacks in 2025.

Although he might not have a flashy win rate, Chaisson generated a 13.8% pressure rate, resulting in a career-high 54 pressures. He upped his game in the playoffs with a 14.8% pressure rate. To retain any sort of IDP value, he should stay in New England.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign New England, Carolina, Atlanta, Indianapolis

28. Bradley Chubb, EDGE

Bradley Chubb wasn’t expected to hit free agency until 2028, but Miami decided to speed-run his contract and release him this week. I think Chubb becomes one of the top free agent edge rushers for a team in contention. He’ll be entering his age 30 season and has an injury history. However, he’s still productive and appeared in all 17 games in 2025 after missing the entire 2024 season.

Last season, he generated a 12.2% pressure rate and recorded 8.5 sacks. He’s played in over 2,300 snaps and produced 27.5 sacks over his last three full seasons. He’s not winning consistently, but had a 0.87-second pass rush get off and had 4 quick pressures that led to turnovers. I think he can still get to the QB.

Ideal landing spots: Buffalo, Detroit, San Francisco, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Washington

29. Al Quadin-Muhammad, EDGE

If I told you to name me the 12 edge rushers who recorded 11+ sacks in 2025, you’d probably get stuck at 11. That’s because Al Quadin-Muhammad had the quietest 11-sack season since Markus Golden in 2021. He had a career year with 53 total pressures and a 15% pressure rate, while also winning his blocks 20% of the time. Yep: the good ‘ol 8th year breakout. (Muhammad had 15 total sacks entering the 2025 season.)

He’s a big-play, pass-rush specialist who’d be best served to return to Detroit and keep playing alongside Aidan Hutchinson.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Detroit

30. Alex Anzalone, LB

It was destined to happen, but Alex Anzalone lost the green dot to Jack Campbell in 2025 and was not quiet about his displeasure with the decision. He was still a soldier and appeared in over 1,000 snaps, but the tackle efficiency was below his career norms. He produced a 9.5% tackle rate and added 2.5 sacks and 9 defended passes.

I’m not sure a return to Detroit is in the cards. I think Detroit wants him, but he may not be willing to reciprocate. He’s been an efficient LB2/3 over the last few seasons.

Ideal landing spot: New York Jets, Indianapolis

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31. Eric Wilson, LB

If Al Quadin-Muhammad enjoyed an 8th-year breakout, Eric Wilson did him one better with a 9th-season breakout. Wilson had his best season with Minnesota… since his first stint with Minnesota in 2020, when he recorded 122 tackles.

Wilson made impact plays in Brian Flores’ defense, as he played off-ball and rushed the passer, with a career-high 180 pass rush snaps.

The result? 6.5 sacks and a 20.6% pressure rate from the linebacker position. Wilson also had an impact at the LOS, recording a career-high 17 TFLs. It was unexpected IDP production from an unexpected source, but he took advantage of his snaps, especially when Blake Cashman was out.

A return to Minnesota would be best for his 2026 IDP value.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Minnesota, Washington

32. Christian Rozeboom, LB

Christian Rozeboom was a fade for me in 2025, so of course, he stumbled into a starting role and eventually the green dot. Rozeboom appeared in 15 games and played in 88% of the snaps for Carolina. He finished with 122 tackles, 2 sacks, and 7 TFLs. There’s no doubt he’s productive and efficient when he’s on the field: Singleton 2.0.

Will lightning strike twice? I think staying with Carolina is best for his IDP value in 2026. I do worry he could suffer the same fate as EJ Speed last season: a big-time IDP producer who was buried on the depth chart because, well, he wasn’t that good.

Rozeboom is much the same: an IDP asset, but the PFF grades tell a different story.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Carolina, Las Vegas, Atlanta

33. Willie Gay, Jr., LB

I know what you’re saying: “Mike, stop trying to make Willie Gay happen!”

Look, if I don’t bang his drum, no one will.

Any hope for Gay being a viable IDP producer rests on this free agent move. Gay had an average snap rate of 53% while with Kansas City. Over the past two seasons with New Orleans and Miami, he didn’t top 30%. With the Dolphins, he played in just 131 total snaps. He’ll fit in a nickel-heavy where he can operate on the weak side.

Ideal landing spot: Washington, Minnesota, Indianapolis

34. Devin White, LB

I think no matter the landing spot, I’ll probably have no shares of Devin White in 2026. He has the greatest chance of being this season’s EJ Speed.

He recorded a ton of tackles, but was not great at anything. He had 26 missed tackles and was poor in coverage (34.9 grade) and run defense (47.0 grade). He’s the poster child for tackles don’t equal a good football player.

His DC is now with Pittsburgh, and there’s a complete coaching overhaul in Vegas. I’m not sure where he ends up in 2026.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Las Vegas

35. Nahshon Wright, CB

Nahshon Wright exploded in 2025, rocketing from an unknown to a CB1. He finished with 5 INTs and 11 defended passes, and was a reliable tackler, finishing with 80 stops. He’s a press-man corner, and his instincts really shone through this season.

The Bears would be wise to bring him back, but I’m sure he’ll have plenty of suitors.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Chicago, Dallas, New York Giants

36. Jack Gibbens, LB

I think Jack Gibbens’ play in New England might have earned him a look in free agency with the chance of being a contributor.

He’s a downhill player who can trigger fast and make tackles. He recorded a 16.5% tackle rate over 491 snaps, resulting in 81 tackles (including 8 TFLs). He can make plays. He’s a reliable tackler, as he had a solid 8.6% missed tackle rate.

I do think Gibbens will have a market.

Ideal landing spot: Las Vegas, Denver, Tampa Bay, New York Jets

37. Alontae Taylor, CB

Alontae Taylor has been a solid nickel/slot in IDP leagues over the last few years.

He has three straight seasons of 75+ tackles and will contribute his share of big plays. He had 2 INTs, 2 sacks, and 7 TFLs in 2025. He’s averaged 37 pass rush snaps, so he’s effective as a blitzer, and was 5th among corners in PFF’s run stops (11).

He can play outside, when asked, as he had 295 snaps as an outside corner in 2025. Re-signing with New Orleans is best for his IDP value, but any team where he can play a similar role as that nickel/star DB.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign New Orleans, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Kansas City

38. John Franklin-Meyers, DT

John Franklin-Meyers found a productive home with Denver. Over the past two seasons, he’s recorded 14.5 sacks, 14 TFLs, 18 QB hits, and 65 tackles. The pressures and pressure rate dropped slightly in 2025, but his numbers are elite for an IDL, as he recorded a 10.6% pressure rate and 14.9% win rate.

Franklin-Meyers will be entering his age 30 season, so Denver may move on from him for younger guys like Sai’vion Jones. He will have a market, and I’m sure the Broncos would want to work a deal that makes sense.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Denver, Houston, Chicago, Cleveland, Kansas City

39. Kevin Byard, S

Kevin Byard is entering his 11th season, and for the second time, he’s a free agent. He spent his first seven years with Tennessee before a 2023 trade sent him to Philadelphia. After that, he signed with Chicago in free agency.

Byard has four 100-tackle campaigns and six seasons with 4+ INTs on his IDP resume. His 7 INTs in 2025 were the most since his career-high (8) in 2017. He’s been a decent source for tackles, recording 85+ tackles in eight seasons.

He can still track the ball, so he’ll fit with a team that emphasizes turning the ball over.

Ideal landing spot: Re-sign Chicago, Minnesota, Kansas City, Giants

40. Jack Sanborn, LB

I know, you’re asking, “Mike, did you see Sanborn play last season?” I did, and I know he lost his gig, but he also dealt with a nasty concussion.

Sanborn was limited to just 6 games, and I’ll admit, the PFF grades weren’t pretty. Dallas’ LB group wasn’t pretty overall. I still think there’s a player here, and he can fit in the right scheme. He’s a downhill run thumper, but must be protected in coverage.

Ideal landing spots: Las Vegas, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Indianapolis

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