8 IDP Value Free Agent Signings

Photo: Tim Heitman, USA Today Sports

Free agency has been a wild ride on both sides of the ball so far. On the IDP side of things, there have been signings of all shapes and sizes. In this article, we’ll highlight some players who could be potential later-round values in your redraft and/or best ball leagues or make for possible trade targets in dynasty leagues.

LB Josey Jewell, Carolina Panthers

After spending six years in Denver, Josey Jewell finds a new home after signing a three-year $22.75 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers lost starter and IDP-darling Frankie Luvu to Washington via free agency, and he leaves behind 990 vacated defensive snaps from 2023. The Panthers paid Jewell pretty well, and there is a clear opening at linebacker for him to prosper in.

After earning a starting role for the Broncos in the 2020 season, Jewell was an effective producer for IDP gamers. A torn pectoral injury marred his 2021 season, but Jewell logged three productive triple-digit tackle seasons in Denver (2020, 2021, and 2023). Jewell has experience in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s defense from his time in Denver. While veteran Shaq Thompson (leg injury) will make his return, Jewell could lead the unit. Jewell has a top-20 upside and could be a bargain in drafts if his name value is a bit underrated.

LB Eric Kendricks, Dallas Cowboys

After initially being reported as signing with San Franciso, Eric Kendricks changed course and headed to Dallas on a one-year deal. At 32, Kendricks is no spring chicken. However, he is coming off yet another productive season, compiling 117 tackles (79 solos) and seven tackles for loss in 15 games for the Chargers in 2023.

Kendricks was a key asset for new Cowboys' defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer while both were in Minnesota. He brings familiarity and experience to a shifting defense. Leighton Vander Esch was recently released. Damone Clark and tweener Markquese Bell showed well at times but are products of the previous regime. As things sit, the old man Kendricks could be calling the shots for the new Zimmer-led Cowboy defense when the season gets here.

LB Jordan Hicks, Cleveland Browns

Jordan Hicks is another savvy veteran who proved he could still ball last season. Hicks missed four games last year with a brutal leg injury but produced a solid 107 tackles (61 solos) in his 13 games played for the Vikings in 2023. Those 107 tackles gave Hicks his fifth straight season hitting triple digits.

Hicks hit the free-agent market and found a new home in Cleveland. The Browns defense will return rising star Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah but lost Sionne Takitki (567 snaps in 2023) and Anthony Walker (456 snaps in 2023) to free agency. There are linebacker snaps for the taking, and Hicks has familiarity with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz from their time together in Philadelphia. Aggressive IDP drafters will likely be keen on the young, popular Owusu-Koramoah, leaving Hicks as a value in the later rounds for those who wait on the position.

LB Tyrel Dodson, Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle linebacker room was depleted at the start of the free agency. Jordyn Brooks (802 snaps in 2023) is off to Miami on a three-year deal, and ageless wonder Bobby Wagner (1,170 snaps in 2023) opted to sign with Washington in free agency. To say the cupboards looked bare after their departures would be an understatement.

Seattle chose to bring in Tyrel Dodson to help fill the void. Dodson had his best season as a pro for Buffalo in 2023, logging career-highs in snaps (549), tackles (74), and tackles for loss (8). Dodson also proved capable as a three-down defender, registering an 88.4 coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus. Seattle also brought in Jerome Baker on a one-year deal, but given the thin depth chart and available snaps, there is room for both players in the lineup. There is some intrigue to Dodson’s potential if he can secure a full-time workload, making him worth a look in the later rounds.