The IDP+ Weekly Newsletter:
March 6th, 2024

Welcome to the IDP+ newsletter, bringing you all the headlines and information your fantasy football-driven minds can handle! Detailed articles can be found at IDPPlus.com along with rankings and updated ADP for subscribers.

Newsletter created by Michael Sicoli (@Michael__Sicoli). So if you have thoughts, complaints or anything in between, throw it my way!

If our emails find their way to your spam folder, white-list emails from us! Click here on a guide on how to do it.

Sicoli’s Weekly Wrap: IDP quick hits

Ravens franchise tag DT Justin Madubuike

Sicoli’s Wrap: Madubuike won’t test the open market, just as we assumed. The 2023 breakout star had 13.5 sacks as the centerpiece of Baltimore’s defensive line. Madubuike will be seeking a huge payday, so time will tell whether an extension can be agreed upon, but he will be a Raven in 2024.

Jaguars edge rusher Josh Allen gets franchise tagged after 17.5-sack season

Sicoli’s Wrap: Allen was sensational in 2023 despite any significant jump by sophomore Travon Walker. Allen had 33 QB hits along with his sacks. His tag is worth $24 million and is guaranteed for 2024. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Jacksonville is confident the two sides will reach an extension.

Patriots tag S Kyle Dugger

Sicoli’s Wrap: Dugger is a leader in the locker room and one of the best defenders on a team lacking in talent. New England also has the cap space needed to retain him. Both sides will work toward an extension, and it’s fair to expect Dugger to stay a Patriot.

Dolphins won’t tag DT Christian Wilkins, will enter free agency

Sicoli’s Wrap: This surprises me. Wilkins had a breakout 2023 season with a career-high nine sacks, showcasing a pass-rushing ability from the interior. Given Miami’s pass-rushing question marks with major injuries to Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, this is risky. Expect Wilkins to have a robust market.

Chiefs place franchise tag on CB L’Jarius Sneed, could still be traded

Sicoli’s Wrap: The Chiefs have a laundry list of free agent needs to figure out, but tagging Sneed brings some much-needed flexibility. They can try to work out an extension — he likely won’t end up on a $19 million tag — or they can still trade him. This storyline isn’t over quite yet.

Bucs franchise tag S Antoine Winfield Jr.

Sicoli’s Wrap: As expected. This extension will get done at some point this offseason, and the franchise tag gives both sides more time to hammer out an extension. Winfield is coming off a career year and will receive top-five money because of it. I’d be shocked if this went south.

Bears tag CB Jaylon Johnson

Sicoli’s Wrap: Wow. Chicago seemed somewhat ready to let Johnson walk after not entertaining his trade request months ago. Johnson is a talented and versatile cornerback who fills a position of need. His fantasy upside has been up and down, but perhaps an extension and some stability can provide a boost.

Giants pass on tagging S Xavier McKinney, opening door to free agency

Sicoli’s Wrap: This is a bit surprising given McKinney’s outward leadership position and the overall question marks the Giants have. Letting a home-grown first-round talent who has performed well walk is an interesting decision. Either way, his replacement will be external if McKinney is indeed sutiing up elsewhere in 2024.

Bucs cut standout edge rusher Shaquil Barrett

Sicoli’s Wrap: Barrett burst onto the scene in Tampa Bay in 2019 with a remarkable 19.5-sack season. He’s had his ups and downs since — largely due to injury — and had just 4.5 sacks in 16 games this season. Barrett should still have a market for his services and could have fantasy value.

Starting Dolphins LB Jerome Baker cut, enters free agency

Sicoli’s Wrap: This isn’t bad  for Baker’s fantasy value, who never hit his ceiling despite plenty of snaps. Baker will get a shot amid a weaker free agency position group. The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly tweeted that Baker could fit in Pittsburgh, which has siphoned talent from Miami before (Minkah Fitzpatrick, Elandon Roberts).

Jets DE Bryce Huff not expected to return to NY

Sicoli’s Wrap: The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt wrote this, and it’s a long time coming. Huff is coming off a breakout 10-sack season despite playing just 42% of the snaps. 2023 first-rounder Will McDonald will step into a bigger role as Huff seeks a full-time role in free agency.

Seahawks release S Quandre Diggs, Jamal Adams, closing the book on disastrous 2020 trade

Sicoli’s Wrap: Seattle essentially sent two first-round picks and a third-round pick for Adams, who played just 34 games across four years with Seattle, only 10 of which came in the last two years. Adams will have a market for his services given his ability as a box safety, but his ability to remain on the field is still as unreliable as ever.

Chargers release veteran LB Eric Kendricks

Sicoli’s Wrap: This is big for 2023 rookie Daiyan Henley, who barely played due to Kendricks’ presence and Kenneth Murray’s mini resurgence. Do remember, though, that this is a different regime than the one that drafted Henley. Kendricks will now enter free agency for the second time in as many years.

Carolina tags Pro Bowl DE Brian Burns; What happens now?

So who could come calling for Burns’ services? The Rams are the most obvious name given their past interest, but since then Los Angeles has seen significant production from 2023 rookies Byron Young, Kobie Turner and even Michael Hoecht, to an extent. Their need isn’t as big, but Burns would still be an amazing asset and scheme fit opposite Young. Paired with Turner and Aaron Donald on the interior, Burns could be dominant in Los Angeles.

Denver would be a good fit, but the Broncos lack the draft capital to trade for Burns. The Titans could be an interest dark-horse team with a clear need on the edge, as new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson comes from a 3-4 Ravens system. Tennessee also has the third-most cap space to pay out Burns’ inevitable extension.

If Atlanta goes all-in on Kirk Cousins — or even if it doesn’t — Burns could be a Falcon. Atlanta desperately needs edge-rushing help and has ample cap room to pay Burns. The Falcons seem to be looking for a quick turnaround, and Burns would be a terrific fit in doing so.

Of course, Burns can still be a Panther in 2024 and beyond. He could end up playing out the tag, or the Panthers could extend him themselves. But the tension between the two sides suggests a breakup is coming, and the interest seems to have remained strong around the league. This situation may not be rectified soon, but it’s worth watching and keeping tabs on given Burns’ talent and upside.