2024 NFL Defensive Backs IDP Free Agency Tiers

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Catch an early look at the 2024 free agency Defensive Back dynasty IDP rankings by tiers and get ahead on the defensive side of the game.


The NFL’s 2024 free agency has several notable defensive backs testing the market. And what better time of the year to set the earliest free agent defensive backs Dynasty IDP Rankings in tiers? Who will stay, and who’s likely to move on? Let’s find out together. Let’s break it all down in this early defensive backs IDP free agency tiers for dynasty leagues article.

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Early Free Agent Defensive Backs Dynasty IDP Rankings

The only notable ranking point to mention, this writer prefers the safety position in terms of stability from season to season. This explains the lack of cornerbacks in these tiers breakdowns.

Tier One: DBAge/Pos.2023 Team
1. Xavier McKinney24/SAFGiants
2. Antoine Winfield Jr.25/SAFBuccaneers
3. L'Jarius Sneed27/CBChiefs
4. Kamren Curl25/SAFCommanders
5. Kyle Dugger27/SAFPatriots
6. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson26/SAFLions

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1. Xavier McKinney DB1 Stock: Holding

Xavier McKinney has really shown how good he is, just like people hoped he would since he started playing in the NFL in 2020. This year, he played his best so far, and he looked really good when people watched him play. McKinney’s contract ends in 2024, so everyone is wondering if he will stay with his current team in New York or go somewhere else. But no matter where he goes, he’s still going to be one of the best players in his position.

At 25, McKinney is in high demand for his excellent coverage, especially as a bigger box safety. Who also just happens to be very capable as a free safety deep on the field. However, McKinney stood out the most when he played as a strong safety. Earning high grades for his top-notch coverage skills and a 6% missed tackle rate in 2023. The real question is, did he outprice himself with the Giants?

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5. Kyle Dugger – DB1 Stock: Pending

Kyle Dugger is a clear case of a strong safety whose ranking in dynasty leagues has taken a bit of a hit. After expectations placed him as DB1, his performance in 2023 wasn’t as impressive. Especially as the Patriots faced challenges. This makes it understandable if some think his current ranking might be a bit odd, yet it’s too early to count him out either.

In the past Dugger has proven himself to be a strong IDP producer on the field. In the end, his future, whether he stays or joins a new team or coach, he still holds stock. So he’s a DB to keep an eye on. And check back later. We’ll certainly update our defensive back dynasty rankings again later during the offseason. And we see if someone like Washington is interested in Dugger enough to outbid the Patriots for his services.

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6. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson – DB1 Stock: Questionable

C.J. Gardner-Johnson is another flexible choice for teams looking at safety in free agency. He played in the first two games of the season before getting hurt. Some believed this injury might keep him out for the whole season, but he made a comeback for Week 18 and the playoffs. And it was just in 2022, he reached his personal best of 67 total tackles and interceptions. As a bonus, Gardner-Johnson can also play both as a safety and in the nickel. It just depends if the Lions retain his services and if his ceiling sticks as a Detroit starting safety. There have been hints that he didn’t quite fit the mold they are looking for in the locker room. And that is something worth continuing to keep an eye on.

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Thank you for checking out the defensive backs free agency tiers article and be sure to tackle more NFL defensive players with me on Twitter at @TheIDPTipster. See more Safety ranks here.

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