As the NFL regular season approaches, this article will cover IDP-relevant news and topics from training camps and preseason games. We'll examine injuries, contract situations, camp battles, rookie buzz, and other pertinent IDP topics.
The plan is to have this article ready for your viewing every Thursday until the start of the season. Thanks for tuning in; let's get to it!
IDP News: CB Devon Witherspoon, Seattle
Seattle gives Devon Witherspoon a massive four-year, $132 million contract extension.
Seattle locks up a key piece of its defense, making Witherspoon the highest-paid cornerback in the league. Witherspoon has been a Pro Bowl selection in each of his first three seasons, finishing as a top-10 cornerback by Footballguys' scoring in his first two seasons. A knee injury caused Witherspoon to miss five games last season, but he did finish as the CB6 in fantasy points/per game. Alignment-wise, Witherspoon spent 366 snaps (50.3%) out wide and another 346 snaps (47.5%) in the IDP sweet spot (box, slot, and defensive line), per PFF. Seattle likes to utilize its star cornerbacks' full array of skills to make an impact rather than just leaving him out wide. Witherspoon will be a top cornerback option in IDP true-position leagues, and a solid selection in DB-grouped formats as well.
IDP News: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Atlanta
James Pearce Jr. receives an eight-game suspension for his off-field conduct this offseason.
This suspension had been looming given Pearce's legal situation this offseason. Now we know he's set to miss the first eight games. It's been a tough lead-up to the season for Atlanta's pass rush unit, as Jalon Walker (ACL) is lost for this season, and now Pearce will miss the first half of the year. The rest of the unit consists of Samson Ebukam, Azeez Ojulari, Cameron Thomas, Bralen Trice, and newly signed Za'Darius Smith. It's probably best to fade this unit for now, with a potential waiver wire pickup in the group in IDP leagues that start 3-4 defensive linemen. There are snaps to be had; maybe someone takes advantage of them. Maybe.
IDP News: DT Aaron Donald, Retired?
Could Aaron Donald be drawing closer to a return?
We talked about Aaron Donald's potential return to the field in the first edition of this article series. The Rams recently brought in Donald for a second workout this past Sunday. Nothing has been announced or is certain just yet. However, it feels like there is enough smoke around the situation for IDP gamers with an open spot to make the move if their roster allows it. Especially in IDP true-position formats.
IDP News: LB Teddye Buchanan, Baltimore
Teddye Buchanan is off the PUP list.
Buchanan suffered a torn ACL late last season, but has rehabbed his way back to the field and was recently removed from the PUP list. Buchanan's relentless hard work during his rehab caught his new coach Jesse Minter's attention, and Minter credited his work ethic and determination. Buchanan is coming off a rock-solid 93-tackle rookie campaign over 14 games, and should be the Ravens' LB2 when he ramps up his activity and is up to game speed.
IDP News: EDGE Von Miller, Dallas
Dallas signs Von Miller to a one-year deal.
Dallas adds to its pass rush unit, signing veteran Von Miller to a one-year, $5.5 million deal, with incentives that could increase it to $7.5 million. The 37-year-old pass rusher showed he still has some gas left in the tank, collecting nine sacks for Washington last season. However, at 37, his best years are behind him. Rashan Gary, who Dallas traded for, is likely entrenched at one starting spot. However, the other spot is less clear with the likes of Miller, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and first-round rookie Malachi Lawrence in the mix. Dallas is likely to deploy a situational approach with the group at first. Thus, hindering the workload of the unit as a whole.
