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.
EDGE Malcolm Koonce, Las Vegas Raiders
The 2024 season was supposed to be Malcolm Koonce's time to shine in Las Vegas. However, he suffered a torn ACL right before the start of the season, and the bright light burned out before it could shine. Koonce and the Raiders decided to run it back, with Koonce signing a one-year, $11 million contract with Las Vegas during free agency.
While we didn't see Koonce last season, he left a lasting impression after his promising 2023 campaign. During his 2023 emergence, Koonce played in all 17 games (11 starts), compiling 43 tackles (32 solos), nine tackles for loss, and eight sacks. Per Pro Football Focus, Koonce also had rock-solid pass-rush metrics, producing a career-best 78.9 pass-rush grade and generating an impressive 52 pressures with a 15.1% pressure rate.
Former 2023 first-round pick Tyree Wilson will be in the mix, but if healthy, Koonce has a solid chance to be the starter opposite Maxx Crosby. Like Joseph Ossai above, Koonce is someone to target late in IDP best balls or deeper roster leagues to see if he can rekindle his flame from the 2023 season.
DT Jonathan Allen, Minnesota Vikings
After playing eight seasons in Washington, Jonathan Allen will don a new uniform this season, signing a three-year, $51 million contract with Minnesota. A torn pectoral injury limited Allen's 2024 season to just eight games, although he was able to return late in the year for Washington's exciting playoff run.
Allen has been as steady as they come at the defensive tackle position for us IDP gamers in true-position leagues. Allen finished as a Top-12 DT for five straight years from 2018-2022 via Footballguys scoring, breaking the streak in 2023 when he finished as DT23–still a DT2 finish. His 2024 season was cut short by injury, as mentioned above.
Minnesota paid Allen well, meaning the snap volume should be there for the savvy veteran. He is also surrounded by plenty of talent along the front of defensive coordinator Brian Flores' defense. Despite being 30, Allen has plenty of juice left in the tank, and there is intrigue with him in Flores' aggressive scheme. If true-position IDP gamers are sleeping on Allen after his injury-marred 2023 season, he presents a chance to find a nice value at defensive tackle in drafts.
S Ifeatu Melifonwu, Miami Dolphins
In search of safety reinforcements, Miami signed Ifeatu Melifonwu to a one-year, $4 million deal in free agency. The Dolphins lost their top safety from last season when Jevón Holland signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Giants during free agency. Jordan Poyer, who struggled at times in his first year in Miami, is also a pending free agent. The two leave behind 1,818 vacated snaps.
Injuries limited Melifonwu to just three games last season. However, he left a positive impression as a waiver wire darling at the end of the 2023 season. In his final five games (all starts) during the 2023 campaign, Melifonwu held a 91% snap share, producing 26 tackles (19 solos), three tackles for loss, three sacks, and two interceptions. It was a strong finish in his third season as a pro.
The type of big-play production Melifonwu showcased during the small five-game sample size listed above isn't something to count on. Although, it's nice to know he at least has a knack for it. The big appeal with Melifonwu is Miami's lackluster depth chart and the amount of vacated snaps up for grabs. Melifonwu is a decent bet to push for a starting role as things sit, making him worth a late-round dart throw in deeper IDP leagues if you fade the defensive back position.
S Theo Jackson, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings made sure restricted free-agent Theo Jackson stays in Minnesota, agreeing to a two-year, $12.6 million deal with the young safety. Minnesota still has Joshua Metellus and Harrison Smith, who opted to return for another year, on the roster. However, they lost Camryn Bynum during free agency after he signed a four-year, $60 million deal with Indianapolis.
If we learned anything about Brian Flores' defense last year, it's how he leaned into utilizing three safeties. Camryn Bynum (1,032 snaps), Harrison Smith (1,011 snaps), and Joshua Metellus (991 snaps) were all heavily involved last season. Smith and Bynum played more traditional safety roles, while Metellus was utilized as a box defender who spent almost all of his time close to the action.
With Bynum gone, there is a clear opportunity for Jackson to inherit if things look as they did last year with the safety unit utilization. Along with Minnesota paying him to stay for the near future, it also doesn't hurt that Jackson has familiarity with Flores' scheme. Jackson is a nice stash in your IDP dynasty leagues and someone to consider near the end of deeper IDP redraft or best-ball leagues.
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