Remaining Free Agents Who Could Still Provide IDP Value in 2024

NFL free agency began in March, and most of the best defensive players have been signed, including Danielle Hunter, Brian Burns, Christian Wilkins, Patrick Queen, Bobby Wagner and Xavier McKinney. However, there are still a few free agents who could be relevant in IDP leagues if they land with the right team.

Here are the defensive backs, linebackers and defensive linemen you should continue to monitor.

Remaining Free Agents Who Could Offer IDP Value in 2024

Defensive Backs

The defensive back position typically gets the least attention for fantasy leagues but it is also one of the last positions addressed by NFL teams during free agency. As a result, there are a decent number of unsigned safeties that could make a difference in your IDP league.

Justin Simmons is the marquee defensive name still available in free agency. He led the league with six interceptions in 2022 despite playing only 12 games. Simmons was one of the best safeties at the beginning of free agency, so it’s surprising to see him still on the market. Perhaps he overestimated what teams were willing to pay at the safety position. I could think of several teams that could use his services, including the Atlanta Falcons.

Micah Hyde may not have much left at the age of 33, but I think he could provide at least one more year of solid leadership to a secondary. In 2021, Hyde finished top 15 in scoring, at the position, thanks to five interceptions and a touchdown. He typically plays deeper than I typically prefer from my safeties in tackle-heavy IDP leagues, but if you play in a league that gives a boost to interceptions, Hyde could have some deep league value after he finds a new team.

Jayron Kearse was top 20 in scoring in 2021 and 2022 before seeing his production decrease in 2023 due to limited snaps next to Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker. If a team signed him as their starting strong safety, Kearse could have a bounce back year and approach his 101 tackles from 2021.

Other Safeties to Watch

Eddie Jackson
Quandre Diggs
Tracy Walker
Ryan Neal
Jamal Adams

Linebackers

The linebacker position has been pretty picked over at this point, but there are a few players who could still make a difference once they are signed.

Zach Cunningham had several outstanding scoring weeks in 2023 following the injury to Nakobe Dean, including a 13-tackle performance in Week 4. If Dean suffers another injury or Devin White underperforms, I wouldn’t rule out a return to Philadelphia for Cunningham. Although I am sure the Eagles would like to have a more solid option in the middle of their defense.

Shaquille Leonard started 2023 with the Colts and finished the season with the Eagles while having a major drop in snaps and production. A lot has changed for Leonard since his top-five scoring season from 2021, including his first name switching from Darius to Shaquille. Recently he has faced multiple injuries including back surgeries that have him currently contemplating retirement, but he can rack up tackles if he is back to full health and interested in playing another season.

Other Linebackers to Watch

Kwon Alexander
Josh Woods

Defensive Linemen

There isn’t much left at the defensive line position. A few players could be impactful on the game but offer very little value for fantasy purposes. The odds of any of these players breaking the top 35 at the position is slim but a few could serve as an injury or bye week replacement.

Calais Campbell had a productive season in 2023 with 56 tackles and 6.5 sacks for the Falcons. He provides some value in DT-required leagues, but this six-time Pro Bowler turns 38 in September.

Yannick Ngakoue only recorded four sacks in 2023 but prior to that he had at least eight sacks in every season since his rookie year in 2016. His season was cut short due to an ankle injury in Week 14. He might not record many tackles, but he could be worth starting in the right matchup in a big play league or perhaps even a best ball league.