While there are still a few defenders to keep tabs on, free agency has winded down for us IDP gamers. Since the legal tampering period kicked off on March 10th, 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 Akeem Davis-Gaither, Arizona Cardinals
After being used mostly as a reserve during his five seasons in Cincinnati, Akeem Davis-Gaither found a new home in free agency, signing a two-year, $10 million contract with Arizona. Signing with his new team presents a new opportunity, as Arizona's lead linebacker from last year, Kyzir White (1,018 snaps in 2024), is still a free agent. Veteran Krys Barnes is also waiting to find a new team, though he only logged 205 defensive snaps last season for the Cardinals.
While Davis-Gaither might have been mostly a reserve during his time as a Bengal, he did have a strong finish to last year, filling in for starter Logan Wilson after he was lost near the end of the season. Davis-Gaither started the final six games of the season for the Cincinnati defense in 2024, supporting a 97.3% snap share and averaging 9.7 tackles/game over that six-game span. Davis-Gaither showed us he can be a capable IDP producer if given ample opportunity. Given the state of the Arizona depth chart, he has a strong shot at earning his first starting job and could be a nice IDP value if drafters are sleeping on the appeal of his new opportunity in drafts.
LB Cody Barton, Tennessee Titans
After just one season in Denver, Cody Barton finds himself on a new team after signing a three-year, $21 million deal with the Tennessee Titans. It's a solid contract for Barton, who previously signed one-year deals with Washington in 2023 and Denver in 2024. Following Barton's signing, the Titans traded linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr., their leading snap-eater at the position from last season (817 snaps in 2024), to Dallas. Jack Gibbens, who showed promise before suffering a season-ending ankle injury last year, is also gone after signing a one-year deal with New England.
As it stands, Barton seems destined to hold down the lead role for a Tennessee defense that should see plenty of action. While Barton isn't the flashiest player or the most exciting IDP option, he is coming off his third consecutive season with over 100 tackles, having recorded 106 tackles (53 solos) for the Broncos last season over 14 starts. Barton is poised for another 100+ tackle season with his new team and presents potential value in drafts if IDP gamers overlook proven tackle production in favor of more glamorous names at the linebacker position.
LB Dre Greenlaw, Denver Broncos
Dre Greenlaw has found a new home in Denver, signing a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Broncos. Greenlaw spent his first six seasons with San Francisco, forming one of the better linebacker duos in the league alongside former teammate Fred Warner. However, Greenlaw only played in two games last season, as he struggled to recover from the unfortunate Achilles injury he suffered during the 49ers' Super Bowl loss against the Chiefs two years ago.
While Greenlaw's 2024 season was disappointing due to his injury, he has proven to be a productive IDP asset when healthy, posting back-to-back 120+ tackle seasons in 2022 and 2023 with San Francisco. Greenlaw's health remains a concern, but the fact that Denver felt comfortable enough to award him a lucrative contract instills confidence in their optimism that he is on track to return to form—especially considering that Alex Singleton is returning from a knee injury suffered this past season. Cody Barton (1,053 snaps for Denver in 2024) has also moved on to Tennessee via free agency. If fully healthy, and with IDP drafters possibly overlooking Greenlaw, he presents a solid target as an LB3 with his new team and opportunity.
EDGE Joseph Ossai, Cincinnati Bengals
Joseph Ossai decided to stay put, signing a one-year, $6.5 million deal to remain in Cincinnati. The Bengals drafted Ossai in the third round in 2021, and the former Texas Longhorn had produced modestly during his rookie contract while playing behind Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard. However, he showed flashes of his potential during the back half of the 2024 season.
Over his final seven games last season, Ossai notched five sacks while recording a three-game sack streak through Weeks 11, 13, and 14 (Week 12 bye). With Sam Hubbard (knee) out the last three games, Ossai drew the start opposite Trey Hendrickson, holding an 80.3% snap share and producing 14 tackles (9 solos) and two sacks over that three-game stretch.
With Hubbard now retired and former 2023 first-round rookie Myles Murphy yet to emerge, Ossai has a chance to earn a starting role and decent volume for the first time in his career should he prove to new Defensive Coordination Al Golden he's best suited for the job. Ossai is worth a late-round dart throw in IDP best-ball leagues and deep roster IDP leagues where you start 3-4 defensive linemen.
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