NFL free agency can dramatically reshape dynasty IDP value. These five defensive free agents could see their fantasy outlook swing the most depending on where they land.
Photo: Chad Powers / Cincinnati Bengals
NFL free agency is around the corner, and many key defensive players may change teams. For dynasty IDP managers, those moves can dramatically reshape player value depending on landing spot, scheme, and opportunity.
For some players, a new team may barely move the performance needle. For others, it could significantly reshape their dynasty IDP outlook.
In recent years, we have seen some notable defensive players change teams and dramatically shift dynasty IDP value, including: DE Danielle Hunter, DE Jonathan Greenard, DT Zach Allen, DT Javon Hargrave, LB Jordyn Brooks, LB Patrick Queen, CB Paulson Adebo, CB Byron Murphy, S Jessie Bates III, and S Xavier McKinney. Free agency once again has the potential to reshape the dynasty IDP landscape.
Check out our complete dynasty IDP rankings to see our full rankings. These 5 free agents stand out as players whose dynasty IDP value could swing the most depending on where they land in free agency.
Of all the defensive players available on the free agency market, Hendrickson is the prized free agent. The embattled star had quite the contract dispute with his now former team the Cincinnati Bengals. Reports from NFL insiders indicated he and his representatives pushed for a new contract and significant salary increase, but the Bengals passed.
Hendrickson was a productive player at Cincinnati. They took a chance on the former New Orleans Saints edge rusher. He showed he was more than simply a rotational player after recording 25 total tackles, 13.5 sacks and 25 QB hits in his final season of his rookie contract. Some uncertainty was reflected in the Bengal’s free agency offer, which came with relatively low guaranteed money. The Bengals gamble paid off with Hendrickson’s 61 sacks over the past 5 seasons, ranking 4th most among edge rushers during that span.
At 31 years old, Hendrickson is towards the back end of his career, but we have seen other aging edge rushers still perform at a high level. Players like Khalil Mack, Demarcus Lawrence, Kyle Van Noy, and Cam Jordan come to mind as edge rushers who were still able to produce at a high level despite being “past their prime”.
After an injury riddled season with the Bengals, I have Hendrickson currently ranked as my 23rd highest ranked DE in my dynasty IDP rankings. Hendrickson still has 2-3 years of relevant impact, and depending on where he lands, he can still fill up the stats sheet. Based on snaps alignment during his career, I expect Hendrickson to choose a team running a more traditional 4-3 based scheme.
• Indianapolis Colts
• Cleveland Browns
• Detroit Lions
• New York Jets
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Arizona Cardinals
My favorite landing spot for Hendrickson is the Indianapolis Colts. Given their limited cap space, a reunion may be unlikely, but the idea of him reuniting with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo would be huge, considering how productive Hendrickson was in his scheme in Cincinnati.
My least favorite landing spot for Hendrickson would be the New York Jets. The defense lacks high-end talent, which could leave Hendrickson without much pass-rush support from the rest of the unit.
Could rise into top-15 DE territory or fall into DE30 range
The linebacker position can be the most volatile position when it comes to IDP fantasy football value; and linebackers tend to drop off completely. Recent LB examples include Shaquille Leonard, Cory Littleton, Joe Schobert, Blake Martinez, and Jaylon Smith.
Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 3rd round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Chenal played in a rotation-heavy defensive system. In fact, according to PFF, Chenal never played more than 600 total snaps in a season despite missing only 3 games in his 4-year career.
Chenal’s best statistical season was his 2nd season, recording 65 total tackles and 3 sacks, which translated to LB59. He enters free agency with an opportunity to find a team where he could earn a starting role, rather than frequent rotations. In the IDP landscape, LBs’ relevance improves quickly for the primary linebacker. Chenal is entering the prime of his caree,r and given his versatility, teams will covet his abilities as a chess piece for their defense. I currently have Chenal ranked as my 74th highest ranked LB in my Dynasty rankings, leaving plenty of room to make a big jump in the rankings.
• Buffalo Bills
• New York Giants
• Denver Broncos
• Dallas Cowboys
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Philadelphia Eagles
My favorite landing spot for Chenal is the Buffalo Bills. Chenal could step into a starting role on this defense while reuniting with defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who previously served as his defensive coordinator at Wisconsin.
My least favorite landing spot for Chenal would be the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys already have several linebackers on the roster, raising concerns that he could be part of a rotation.
Could rise into top-25 LB territory or stay around the same in the LB75 range.
Quay Walker was drafted in the 1st round by the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft. Last year was his best season, finishing as the LB20, recording 58 solo tackles, 70 tackles assisted, and 2.5 sacks.
The writing was on the wall that they may let Walker test free agency after they declined his 5th year option. One of the reasons why Walker was drafted so high is his pure athleticism and ability to be a sideline-to-sideline defender.
Walker is 26 years old entering this season, and elite traits put him in a great position for a long-term deal as the leader and captain of the defense. Moreover, he has consistently held the green dot, indicating he has the defensive play-calling headset. I currently have Walker ranked as LB14 in my dynasty IDP rankings, which means he has significant downside risk if the team is a bad fit.
• Miami Dolphins
• Tennessee Titans
• Arizona Cardinals
• Cleveland Browns
• Houston Texans
• Cincinnati Bengals
My favorite landing spot for Walker is the Miami Dolphins. From a cap perspective, a deal may be difficult, but the idea of Quay Walker reuniting with his former defensive coordinator in Green Bay, Jeff Hafley, who is now the head coach of the Dolphins, is intriguing.
My least favorite landing spot for Walker would be the Cleveland Browns. Even if Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah retires and the Browns choose not to re-sign Devin Bush, Carson Schwesinger would still command a significant role on this defense, which could limit Walker’s opportunities and make this a less appealing IDP landing spot.
Could stay the same around LB 15 or drop to LB around the same in the LB25 range.
Nick Cross was the Indianapolis Colts’ 3rd round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Cross was highly productive at the safety position, finishing inside the top 5 in back-to-back seasons. In his best season, he recorded 87 solo tackles, 59 tackles assisted, and 3 interceptions.
Cross is 26 years old, entering this season, and is a productive box safety. However, his most notable flaw is coverage ability. The question will be, was he just a product of the Colts' defense, or will he continue his solid play elsewhere? It appears unlikely he will return to the Colts, as the team faces limited cap space and has higher roster priorities. I currently have Cross ranked as S7 in my dynasty IDP rankings, which means there is significant downside risk if he ends up in a bad landing spot.
• Indianapolis Colts
• New York Jets
• Tennessee Titans
• Los Angeles Chargers
• New Orleans Saints
• Carolina Panthers
My favorite landing spot for Cross is the Indianapolis Colts. We have already seen him succeed in Indianapolis, so the best outcome may be for him to re-sign with the team.
My least favorite landing spot for Cross would be the Los Angeles Chargers. It is likely a long shot that Cross signs with the Chargers, but if he did, his tackle opportunities would likely decline playing next to Derwin James. With Alohi Gilman traded this past offseason, the Chargers could look to add a free safety like Cross.
Could stay the same around S7 or drop to the S20 range.
Though drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 1st round of the 2018 Draft, Chubb played the last three seasons at Miami. He was riddled by injuries throughout his career; most recently tearing his ACL, forcing him to miss the entire 2024 NFL season. His 2nd season with the Dolphins was a career year, finishing as the DE7. He recorded 45 solo tackles, 28 tackles assisted, 11 sacks, 22 QB Hits, and 6 forced fumbles.
As the Dolphins are expected to hit the roster reset button, they opted to release Chubb, making him a free agent. He enters the season at the age of 30. During his time at Miami, Chubb demonstrated he can be a productive edge player. He had multiple seasons with double-digit sack production and is very capable as a run defender, making him a 3-down player. I currently have Chubb ranked as DE44 in my dynasty IDP rankings, giving him significant upside to climb much higher.
• Seattle Seahawks
• Baltimore Ravens
• Buffalo Bills
• Washington Commanders
• Carolina Panthers
• Atlanta Falcons
My favorite landing spot for Chubb is the Seattle Seahawks. Joining the reigning Super Bowl champions would be an enticing opportunity given the strength of their defensive unit. With Boye Mafe expected to depart in free agency, Chubb could step in and immediately become Seattle’s top pass rusher.
My least favorite landing spot for Chubb would be the Washington Commanders. The Commanders have long needed a reliable pass rusher, and Chubb would certainly fill that role. However, the lack of playmakers on this defense could limit his impact, as the absence of a strong supporting cast would likely hurt his IDP value.
Could stay the same around DE40 or rise to the DE20 range.
Free agency can quickly change the outlook for defensive players across the league. As landing spots become clearer, dynasty IDP managers should closely monitor how roles and opportunities evolve.
For a full view of where we stand on dynasty IDP players' value, explore our Dynasty IDP Rankings, or check out our Combined Dynasty Startup Rankings to see how defensive players stack up alongside offensive players.
Be sure to check out our other articles on Front Office Pros for more dynasty analysis and offseason insights. You can also check out our offensive free agency preview article, where Joe breaks down which 5 NFL Free Agents Who Could Swing Dynasty Value the Most this offseason.
