After a chaotic opening week of NFL free agency that saw big names on the move early and often on offense, let’s take a minute to flip to the defensive side of the ball to see how those free-agent signings stack up for the 2025 season. This aspect of the game is often undervalued as it won’t matter in most leagues, but for IDP managers, it can be the most important aspect of their season. This series will not look at each player as we did for the offensive signings; rather, it will be divided into three positional breakdowns. This time, we will discuss the winners and losers of the defensive back signings. Check out the linebacker and defensive linemen editions.
Winners of the Defensive Back Signings
Charvarius Ward: CB, Indianapolis Colts (3 years/$60M)
Charvarius Ward‘s signing with the Indianapolis Colts on a three-year, $60 million contract could be a massive boost to his already solid IDP value. Ward joins the Colts under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who plans to utilize him in press coverage and assign him to shadow opposing top receivers. This approach aligns with Ward’s strengths, allowing him to leverage his physicality and coverage skills. His experience in high-pressure games, including three Super Bowl starts, adds valuable leadership to the Colts’ secondary.
Ward could see a huge bump in several stat categories in your IDP league. Ward’s involvement in press coverage and run support may increase his tackle opportunities. Matching up against primary receivers should lead to more chances to break up passes. His aggressive coverage style could result in more interception opportunities.
Ward’s integration into the Colts’ defensive scheme positions him for a significant role, potentially elevating his IDP fantasy football value.
D.J. Reed: CB, Detroit Lions (3 years/$48M)
D.J. Reed’s is signing with the Detroit Lions on a three-year, $48 million contract, including $32 million guaranteed. This might be the best value of any of the defensive back signings. He replaces Carlton Davis, who left for New England, and comes at a significant discount.
Reed joins the Lions’ defense, bringing a 70.1 coverage grade from PFF, having allowed only 35 receptions and 12.3 yards per reception over 500 coverage snaps last season. His addition provides stability and depth to the secondary, allowing defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard the flexibility to develop second-year cornerback Terrion Arnold without overwhelming him. Reed’s experience and skill set position him to play a pivotal role in the Lions’ defensive backfield.
Reed’s consistent performance, coupled with his reasonable contract terms, makes him one of the best value signings this offseason, as I stated above. His ability to effectively cover top receivers and contribute to run support enhances the overall defense without a prohibitive financial commitment.
D.J. Reed‘s role in the Lions’ defensive scheme, combined with his proven track record, positions him for an uptick in key defensive statistics, thereby enhancing his fantasy football value in IDP leagues.
Carlton Davis: CB, New England Patriots (3 years/$60M)
Davis is reunited with defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, under whom he previously played with the Detroit Lions. His familiarity with Williams’s system ensures a seamless integration into the Patriots’ defense. Davis’s ability to match up against top receivers and versatility in various coverage schemes make him a good fit for New England’s secondary as an outside cornerback, regardless of the scheme employed.
Teaming up with Christian Gonzalez, who earned second-team All-Pro honors in his second season, Davis anticipates that their partnership will create one of the NFL’s top cornerback duos.
Securing a cornerback of Davis’s caliber at $20 million per year represents a strategic investment for the Patriots. His proven track record, including a career-high 68 tackles and four interceptions in 2020, coupled with his ability to defend against top receivers, provides significant value. This acquisition strengthens the Patriots’ secondary without overextending their salary cap. That makes this one of the best value signings this offseason.
Davis’s active involvement in both pass coverage and run support should lead to increased tackle opportunities. His proficiency in coverage is likely to result in a higher number of passes defended. With his ball-hawking skills and the support of a strong defensive unit, Davis has the potential to boost his interception totals.
Losers of the Defensive Back Signings
Darius Slay: CB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1 year/$10M)
Darius Slay‘s signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers could negatively impact his fantasy football value in IDP leagues due to potential shifts in his role and statistical production. Slay reunites with defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, under whom he played in Detroit.
In Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme, which often employs zone coverage, Slay may need to adjust from his previous man-to-man assignments. Additionally, with emerging talents like Corey Trice on the roster, Slay might share snaps, potentially reducing his on-field presence.
A handful of his fantasy-relevant stat categories could be in store for a significant decline. Reduced playing time and zone responsibilities may limit his tackle opportunities. Sharing snaps could result in fewer chances to defend passes. A diminished role might lead to decreased interception totals.
Fantasy managers should anticipate a potential decline in Slay’s production. Monitoring his snap counts and role in the defense will be crucial for assessing his week-to-week fantasy viability.
Slay’s uncertain role in Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme could see him finally plummet off the cliff as far as fantasy-relevance goes.
Tre’von Moehrig: CB, Carolina Panthers (3 years/$51M)
Tre’Von Moehrig’s signing with the Carolina Panthers on a three-year, $51 million deal is a good thing for his wallet. However, it may not be optimal for his IDP fantasy football value.
Moehrig transitions from the Raiders to the Panthers, joining a defense that has recently bolstered its line with significant signings. The Panthers have added defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton and defensive tackle Bobby Brown III, aiming to strengthen their defensive front.
These additions suggest a strategic focus on enhancing the pass rush and run defense. This could reduce the reliance on safeties for run support and significantly impact his fantasy production.
With an improved defensive line, Moehrig may have fewer opportunities to make tackles. As the front seven could handle more run-stopping duties. A stronger pass rush can lead to quicker throws or sacks, potentially reducing Moehrig’s chances to defend passes. If quarterbacks face increased pressure, they might avoid deep throws, limiting Moehrig’s interception opportunities.
Moehrig’s new role in Carolina’s defensive scheme could lead to a reduction in the statistics that drive fantasy value in IDP leagues.
Let us know who YOU think are the biggest defensive back signings winners and losers over at The Fantasy Advice Network.
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