Quick Links: Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Defensive Backs

We're two-plus weeks into this year's go-round of free agency in the NFL, and as is the case each and every year it has been monetary madness. Mayhem, even. With the salary cap growing by leaps and bounds every year, teams are freer than ever to spend—and they aren't letting that cap space burn a hole in their pocket.

Billions (plural) of dollars in contracts have been handed out so far. Dozens of players have inked life-changing deals with new teams. The Tennessee Titans have doled out over $300 million in deals. Three more teams have dropped at least $200 million on new pacts. Five more have spent at least $150 million.

That's one fat stack of cash.

Such a great show.

In this pass-wacky era, defensive backs have become more valuable than ever, and teams have spent accordingly in free agency. Eight defensive backs have landed new deals this year that average at least $10 million a season—and that's not counting the four-year, $124 million contract the Los Angeles Rams gave cornerback Trent McDuffie after trading for the 25-year-old (the largest deal for a defensive back in NFL history).

Now, defensive backs don't have the same value in IDP leagues that they do in the NFL. But there have still been some defensive backs of note to fantasy managers who hit the open market (and cashed in) in 2026.

And just as with the linebackers and defensive linemen before them, here's a look at how free agency has affected the fantasy value of defensive backs this year.

S Jalen Thompson, Dallas

It's no secret that the Dallas Cowboys were hot garbage defensively, and after their safeties were routinely roasted in coverage, Dallas looked to upgrade at the position, signing eighth-year veteran Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $33 million deal. While speaking to reporters, Thompson said he's willing to play any role that helps the team.

"Wherever the coaches need me," Thompson said. "I definitely see myself playing in the slot. I definitely see myself playing deep safety. I definitely see myself playing strong, free, wherever they need me. My film shows it. I got tape that shows it. I'm ready to get it going."

Thompson has spent his NFL career in Budda Baker's shadow in Arizona, but he's a quality player who has surpassed 100 total tackles twice and quietly logged 95 or more stops the past two seasons. If his role keeps Thompson closer to the line of scrimmage, he could flirt with the top-15 fantasy numbers he posted back in 2021—especially if the linebacker situation in Dallas remains as shaky as it is presently.

S Reed Blankenship, Houston

After 50 starts over four seasons (including a Super Bowl victory) with the Philadelphia Eagles, Blankenship is moving on—the 27-year-old got over $15 million in guarantees to join the Houston Texans. Blankenship told reporters he's looking forward to joining one of the league's best defenses.

"I've been born and raised to go run and hit dudes for a living," he said. "So, I feel like this is a great fit. I know there's a bunch of dogs in the secondary, linebackers, D-line, everywhere, so super excited, super stoked for this and just ready to build that relationship between all the levels."

Blankenship's numbers with the Eagles the past two years aren't especially impressive, but playing in more of a box safety role in 2023, he racked up 113 total tackles, intercepted three passes, and finished 10th among defensive backs in fantasy points in The Godfather's Default IDP Scoring. Expecting that kind of production in Houston may be overly optimistic, but penciled in as the new box safety, a DB2 finish wouldn't be a shock.

S Nick Cross, Washington

Last year with the Indianapolis Colts, Cross racked up 120 total tackles and 2.5 sacks, the second straight year he has hit 120 stops. That performance was enough to earn the 24-year-old Cross a deal with the Commanders worth $6.5 million a season, and Caleb Skinner of SI believes that Cross will thrive in Daronte Jones' defense.

"In 2025, the Commanders' defense was passive and lacked identity," he said. "With Jones now the DC who brings a violent, blitz-heavy scheme, Cross will fit in perfectly as a strong safety who not only covers the field well, but is an elite blitzer. Cross won't just be a safety, but a weapon within the new Commanders' defense, and will be able to change the game whenever he wants."

An attacking box safety role both suits what Cross does best and is just about the best-case scenario for IDP managers. Cross has already shown he can produce—the fifth-year veteran was the AFC's highest-scoring fantasy safety in each of the past two seasons. Cross has DB1 overall fantasy upside—and he could be available at a reasonable price.

S Kevin Byard III, New England

Over a decade in the NFL, Byard has been named to three Pro Bowls, including last year after tying for the league lead with 7 interceptions. Now the 32-year-old is headed to the defending AFC champions, and while addressing the media, Byard said he's excited to be back with Mike Vrabel after playing for him in Tennessee.

"If I wasn't going back to Chicago, this was my top destination. Not necessarily just because of the relationship I have with Vrabes and a ton of other coaches and people in this building that I'm familiar with," Byard said. "I just think the culture of this team, this organization, is obviously a winning culture. The pieces that they have in place, whether it's the quarterback, the secondary, all those things. It makes it very attractive for any free agent to want to come here."

Byard was primarily a big-play-dependent ballhawk early in his career, but he has also topped 100 total tackles four times and posted 93 a year ago. Byard probably isn't going to pick off seven passes again in 2026, but he has been a top-15 fantasy safety in each of the past six seasons. He's also perennially undervalued in IDP leagues.

S Jaquan Brisker, Pittsburgh

Byard isn't the only safety to bolt Chicago in free agency—after four years with the Bears, Brisker signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency. A Pittsburgh native who played collegiately at Penn State, Brisker told reporters he's over the moon to be coming home.

"Started football at four or five years old, and going around the house throwing footballs around, mom taking them away from me, using socks or water bottles, acting like I'm playing football -- never thought I'd be a Steeler," Brisker said. "I'm just so blessed and humbled to be here. I get chills just knowing that I'm going to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, and I'm from Pittsburgh."

Brisker tallied over 100 tackles in each of his first two seasons in Chicago, but the 26-year-old has been unable to duplicate that statistical success in the two seasons since. Brisker's IDP value will hinge largely on his role in the Steel City—his skill set is essentially identical to DeShon Elliott, and the Steelers didn't break the bank on Brisker's deal.

Quick Hits