The first wave of free agency is over and there is still some good unsigned talent. Here I will cover the top 10 remaining IDP free agents and their best landing spots.
The first wave of free agency had some big spenders, most notably the Dolphins and Raiders. Even though a lot of money has been spent across the league, there are still some big names available on the open market. Let’s take a look at who the top remaining IDP free agents are still on the market.
1. Jadeveon Clowney – Edge
Clowney is one of the biggest IDP free agents left on the open market. I myself am not sold on Clowney as a big IDP asset. His “uncanny” ability to get at the passer has yet to show it’s ugly head having never eclipsed the double-digit sack number. Still the edge position is a premium in IDP leagues and Clowney is the best left on the market, especially for dynasty. Over the five seasons in which he has played 13 games or more he has averaged 47 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, 2.8 passes defended, 1.6 forced fumbles, and 1.6 fumble recoveries per season. He is playable but to me, his hype is far too high.
Best Fantasy Football Landing Spot: Indianapolis Colts – The Colts have loads of cap space and could use an upgrade off the edge for an already stout defense.
2. Logan Ryan – Cornerback
Logan Ryan is coming off of one of the best fantasy football seasons a cornerback has ever produced, He finished 2019 with 113 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 18 passes defended, 4 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles. Ryan was a big-play machine as well as a tackle hog making him one of the best IDP free agents even though he is a cornerback. The problem here is his landing spot. The Titans are incredibly aggressive with their slot corner and use him in the blitz game often. Ryan also offered great run support from the slot. If he lands on a team that is in need of an outside corner then expect his numbers to drop drastically. In order for him to come close to his 2019 production, he needs to be employed form the slot.
Best Fantasy Football Landing Spot: Denver Broncos – Ryan fills the void that has been there since Chris Harris Jr. moved outside.
3. Everson Griffen – Edge
Everson Griffen is aging, 32 years old, but has been incredibly productive. Over the last six seasons, he has put up 57 sacks and 65 tackles for a loss all the while averaging about 45 tackles per season. Those are easy DE2 numbers but he does come with red flags. For one his age, but most importantly is his mental health. He missed five games in 2018 after he was checked into a hospital. Griffen claims to be mentally healthy now and contributed so in 2019. If he lands on a pass rush needy team he could end up leading the team in sacks.
Best Fantasy Football Landing Spot: New York Jets – The Jets are void of any real edge presence, Griffen becomes their best pass rusher instantly.
4. Eric Reid – Safety
Eric Reid was a surprise cut from the Panthers after he had himself a career year. He finished 2019 with 130 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 6 passes defended, 1 forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries. Reid proved to be an excellent box safety last season and has proven in the past that he can cover out of the slot and play both safety positions. He is one of the best IDP free agents and should have a job before week 1.
Best Fantasy Football Landing Spot: Houston Texans – Eric Reid goes to Houston to team up with his brother Justin Reid to form a killer safety duo.
5. Markus Golden – Edge
Markus Golden has proven that when he is healthy he can be an elite edge rusher. He has only played 16 games in two of his five seasons in the NFL. In 2016 with the Cardinals Golden finished with 51 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, 1 pass defended, 4 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. In 2019 he finished with 72 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, and a fumble recovery. He was the first Giants edge player to get double-digit sacks since Jason Pierre-Paul. Golden is a great edge addition and is one of the top IDP free agents and will not come with the Clowney price tag.
Best Fantasy Football Landing Spot: Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys have some young options to start the opposite of Demarcus Lawrence but they all need time to grow. If they truly view themselves as Super Bowl contenders, this is a great cheaper option.
6. Nigel Bradham – Linebacker
Nigel Bradham has been a solid contributor for years now. Since he had joined the Eagles he has averaged 6 tackles per game while providing excellent run defense while also being very capable in coverage. Bradham is nearing the twilight of his career but can still be a valuable veteran presence while also providing some solid IDP numbers.
Best Fantasy Football Landing Spot: Green Bay Packers – Outside of Christian Kirksey, who is always injured, the Packers are super thin at linebacker. Bradham could start from day one.
7. Clay Matthews – Edge
Clay Matthews had his highest sack total since 2014 pro bowl season in 2019. He did all of this while missing three games due to a broken jaw. Matthews totaled 8 sacks in 2019 while piling up 11 more QB hits. He proved that he has plenty of gas left in the tank to produce for a team that wants to employ as a pass rusher and even slide inside if needed.
Best Fantasy Football Landing Spot: New England Patriots – Clay Matthews can step right into the linebacker role that was vacated by the loss of Kyle Van Noy. They are similar players though Matthews plays with more urgency.
8. Alec Ogletree – Linebacker
Alec Ogletree‘s career is nearing its end but he can still provide for a team in need of linebacker depth. He has had abysmal tackling since coming to New York but has flashed his athleticism in his coverage still. He is only one season removed from a 5 interception season. For his career, Ogletree has averaged over 7 tackles per game while about 10 passes defended per season. He has plenty left in the tank to be able to provide for a team in need of a linebacker that can cover.
Best Fantasy Football Landing Spot: Detroit Lions – the Lions apparently hate adding linebackers with any bit of coverage ability. Ogletree can start instantly for the Lions and is still only 28 years old.
9. Reshad Jones – Safety
Reshad Jones is three years removed from his last 100 tackle season but he has not really been given a chance over the past few years. Jones is going into his year 32 season but we are talking about a veteran with 4 seasons with at least 94 tackles, two with 122 or more, and 21 career interceptions. He can cover tight ends and provides solid run support and if given the opportunity he can be a valuable fantasy again.
Best Fantasy Football Landing Spot: Chicago Bears – As of now the Bears are looking to start Deon Bush as one of their safeties. Jones though old is a significant upgrade over Bush and could compliment Eddie Jackson nicely.
10. Tony Jefferson – Safety
Tony Jefferson has been a solid box safety for his career. He does not offer much in coverage but can cover tight ends when tasked to. He is best suited for run support and would likely leave the field in passing downs and sub-packages. Still, a team with a dire need for help in run defense could use Jefferson as some nice safety depth.
Best Fantasy Football Landing Spot: Cleveland Browns – The Browns gave up over 144 rushing yards per game in 2019. They added Karl Joseph to start at strong safety but he fell out of favor with the Raiders and could happen again. Tony Jefferson could be Joseph insurance.
These are the top IDP free agents remaining on the market as of now. All of these guys still have the talent to be productive for fantasy purposes. Half of these guys are available on waivers. You could also draft them at the end of your start-ups in hopes of a good landing spot.
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