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 linebacker signings. Check out the defensive back and defensive linemen editions.
Winners of the Linebacker Signings
Harold Landry: LB/DL, New England Patriots (3 years/$45M)
The Patriots often use edge rushers to maximize their talents. Landry excels at generating quarterback pressure, so playing in a more aggressive, specialized role could boost his sack numbers. With New England’s focus on defensive versatility, Landry could also participate in stunts or blitz packages, increasing his fantasy production in this revamped unit.
Landry has posted double-digit sacks in the past, proving his pass-rushing effectiveness. The Patriots’ strong defensive scheme can help optimize his ability to pressure the quarterback. If Landry lines up primarily as an edge rusher, his sack potential could rise, especially with creative blitz packages or a primary pass-rushing role.
Even if Landry’s sack numbers aren’t high, his ability to generate pressure and force QB hurries still holds value in IDP formats, especially in leagues that reward pressures or QB hits.
In sack-heavy leagues, Landry could be a solid LB2 or low-end LB1. His ability to generate pressure and get to the quarterback is a major asset in these formats.
Dre Greenlaw: LB, Denver Broncos (3 years/$35M)
Greenlaw is a talented linebacker and played a key role in the 49ers’ defense before dealing with injuries, including an Achilles injury in the Super Bowl two years ago. His value in Denver will depend on how the Broncos use him in their defensive scheme. If he maintains a starting role, he could have similar opportunities to what he had with the 49ers, translating into solid fantasy production.
The Broncos run a 3-4 defense, while Greenlaw is familiar with the 4-3 system the 49ers use. If Denver plays him as an inside linebacker (ILB), his production may vary based on his comfort level in the new scheme. However, the Broncos are known for strong linebacker play, so if Greenlaw starts full-time, his tackle opportunities and overall stats should remain high.
Greenlaw has been a reliable tackler, and in a 3-4 system, he should maintain the same volume of tackles. If his role is similar to what he had in San Francisco, expect consistent tackle numbers, which are crucial in IDP leagues.
His pass-rushing opportunities may decrease compared to a 4-3 scheme, but he could still be used in blitzes or a hybrid role. This could add value to his fantasy production, especially in leagues that reward sack points.
Consider him a mid-tier LB1 or high-end LB2, depending on your league’s scoring system and the emphasis on tackle-heavy production.
Robert Spillane: LB, New England Patriots (3 years/$37.5M)
The Patriots run a 3-4 base defense but are known for their flexibility in alignments. With the influx of defensive talent this week, they may adjust their approach further. Spillane, a solid inside linebacker, will likely compete for a starting role. He could play in a traditional off-ball linebacker position, focusing on run defense, tackling, and occasionally covering tight ends or running backs in passing situations.
New England emphasizes linebacker versatility, often using them in coverage or pass-rushing situations. If Spillane takes on a coverage role, it could boost his fantasy production, especially in leagues that reward pass deflections, interceptions, or tackles for loss.
Spillane excels at racking up tackles, particularly when he plays full-time. If he starts and fills an off-ball linebacker role, he should continue to see a high volume of tackles, a key asset in IDP fantasy leagues. The Patriots’ defense often keeps linebackers involved on all three downs, giving Spillane consistent tackle opportunities, especially against the run.
His ability to rack up tackles as a starter, especially with every-down snaps, makes him a reliable option. While his pass-rush potential is limited, his tackle volume could still make him a valuable contributor in IDP formats, ranking as one of the top linebacker signings.
Losers of the Linebacker Signings
Joey Bosa: LB/DL, Buffalo Bills (1 year/$12.6M)
Joey Bosa’s potential signing with the Buffalo Bills may seem exciting for his IDP fantasy value, but several factors could limit his production.
The Bills’ defense excels at creating turnovers but also prioritizes coverage schemes, which don’t always emphasize heavy blitzing. This approach could reduce Bosa’s opportunities for sacks and pressures. Compared to his previous role with the Chargers, where he was the primary pass rusher, Bosa may see fewer chances to generate fantasy points in a more balanced defensive scheme.
Bosa’s main strength is rushing the quarterback, which typically results in lower tackle volume than linebackers or interior linemen. In Buffalo’s defense, Bosa may play more as a situational pass rusher or on specific downs (such as third-and-long), limiting his overall tackle opportunities.
Bosa has dealt with injuries throughout his career, and sharing the field with other established players could impact his usage.
If the team reduces his role, lingering injuries might force him to miss games or limit his impact, further hurting his fantasy production.
While Bosa stays valuable in sack-heavy formats, his overall IDP fantasy value could decline in leagues that emphasize tackle volume or if he doesn’t get the high-volume pass rush opportunities he once had.
Leonard Floyd: LB/DL, Atlanta Falcons (1 year/$10M)
Floyd is a proven pass rusher, but a change in system, role, and teammates could hurt his IDP production. The Falcons use a 3-4 base defense, which requires outside linebackers to be versatile, covering responsibilities like pass coverage, run defense, and occasional pass rushing. Floyd, who has excelled as a pass-rushing defensive end/edge rusher in a 4-3 system, may not have the same opportunities with the Falcons. Moving to an outside linebacker role in a 3-4 could require more coverage and run-stopping duties, reducing his fantasy value, especially in sack-heavy formats.
In a 3-4, outside linebackers often focus on setting the edge and containing the run, which may not produce many tackles for Floyd. While capable in the run game, his main value comes from rushing the passer. If he plays fewer snaps or focuses on holding the edge instead of pursuing tackles, his tackle production will likely drop compared to a more pass-rush-centric role.
Floyd has dealt with injuries during his career, and if the Falcons use him in a rotation, they may limit his snap count to preserve him for a playoff run. Reduced snaps could hurt his ability to rack up fantasy points, especially in sack-heavy leagues where more opportunities lead to more big plays. If Floyd’s snap count drops or the team limits his role, he may record fewer sacks and pressures.
Let us know who YOU think are the biggest linebacker signings winners and losers over at The Fantasy Advice Network.
Find More Football Articles HERE!!
