IDP Off-Season Outlook: NFC East

As we head into free agency, the DLF IDP team is going around the league to look at each team’s rosters, moves, and needs heading into the 2022 season. We hope that this exercise will provide you with valuable information for off-season moves and startup drafts.

DALLAS COWBOYS

SALARY CAP SITUATION

The Cowboys are projected to be $4m over the cap in effective space, but this will change drastically in the coming weeks. They have already made some big decisions. Dalton Schultz was franchise-tagged. Dak Prescott and Zack Martin have had their contracts restructured. Rumors have also been circulating that Amari Cooper won’t be extended.

Demarcus Lawrence has a $27m cap number in 2022. The Cowboys recently approached him in the hopes of negotiating a restructure, but he allegedly declined to accept a pay cut.

Decisions will be made on other notable free agents throughout March. Michael Gallup is expected to be retained. Randy Gregory, Keanu Neal, Leighton Vander Esch, and safety Jayron Kearse are all set to become free agents. It’s a foregone conclusion that they won’t retain them all.

COACHING STAFF

Dan Quinn remained as defensive coordinator despite interviewing for head coaching roles elsewhere. It was good news for the Cowboys’ defense; Dallas showed vast improvement from a year ago.

The return of Quinn helps in terms of making fantasy projections. It affords us to make certain assumptions about how players will be used because there will be no fundamental change in the defensive scheme.

All of Quinn’s position coaches are staying with the team, despite rumors that several teams wanted to make defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr., their defensive coordinator.

Quinn’s decision to remain with Dallas was probably a significant factor in Whitt Jr.’s decision to stay with the team.

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE

Rookie Osa Odighizuwa showed early promise but failed to maintain that momentum. The Cowboys’ defense could seriously benefit from the third-round pick making strides in his second season.

No other players on the defensive interior earned more than 500 snaps. Carlos Watkins, Trysten Hill, Quinton Bohanna, and Justin Hamilton all contributed in the absence of Neville Gallimore. However, I’m not excited about any of these players in IDP.

EDGE

DeMarcus Lawrence missed 12 games with a broken foot. He played reasonably well once he returned, but he’ll need to play better in 2022 to justify his cap number. He’s still capable of doing so, despite the fact he’ll turn 30 before the season starts.

Randy Gregory played his best football while Lawrence was unavailable. Unfortunately, he wasn’t nearly as good in the second half of the season.

The remaining edge rushers flashed at times but have not proven capable of playing at a consistently high level. If Gregory leaves, expect the Cowboys to find an upgrade over those who remain on the roster.

OFF-BALL LINEBACKER

None of us truly know if Parsons will play more of a traditional off-ball role or whether he will rush the passer as often as he did in 2021.

My DLF colleague Tom Kislingbury did a great breakdown on what we can expect of Parsons in this thread:

Just working through some info I was chatting about with Mike W yesterday [not tagging him as I don't want him to get 20 notifications] about Micah Parsons.
Basically the #FFIDP questions about him are can he:
– Repeat his pass rush heroics?
– Hit orthodox LB tackle numbers?

— T͓̽o͓̽m͓̽ ͓̽K͓̽i͓̽s͓̽l͓̽i͓̽n͓̽g͓̽b͓̽u͓̽r͓̽y͓̽ (@TomKislingbury) February 25, 2022

One thing is clear. The talented rookie was one of the major catalysts behind the improved performance of the defensive unit.

SAFETY

Safety Jayron Kearse was a surprise in 2021. He played far better for Dallas than he ever did for the Lions or the Vikings. As mentioned above, he’s one of several talented players who will leave if not extended.

The Cowboys don’t have an obvious option next to Kearse. I rate Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, and Damontae Kazee in that order. However, only Wilson is currently under contract for 2022. Re-signing Hooker makes sense if they can do so relatively cheaply.

CORNERBACK

Dallas’ cornerbacks had distinctive roles in 2021. NFL interception-leader Trevon Diggs and veteran Anthony Brown were the two outside corners, Jourdan Lewis was the slot DB. All three are back in 2022 and will assume the same roles again.

Given the other priorities mentioned above, the team may have to wait to add depth at the position.

NEW YORK GIANTS

SALARY CAP SITUATION

The Giants are projected to be up to $20m over the cap in effective cap space, so they have a lot of work to do.

Like their divisional rivals in Dallas, the Giants have several contributors scheduled to hit free agency, especially players on the offensive line. However, unlike the Cowboys, the Giants will not lose anyone that played at a level that makes them too difficult to replace.

Restructuring Leonard Williams and Kenny Golladay would help their cause. Cutting Kyle Rudolph is also a possibility.

COACHING STAFF

In February, new head coach Brian Daboll appointed Don “Wink” Martindale as the new defensive coordinator. Martindale spent the last four years as the Baltimore Ravens’ DC but was relieved after a disastrous defensive season. Granted, Baltimore suffered numerous injuries to key players, but even so, it wasn’t the performance we’re used to seeing.

However, Martindale’s defenses have been consistently good over the years. It’s doubtful he became a poor coordinator overnight. The Ravens thought so much of him a few years ago that they made him the highest-paid at his position.

Martindale’s hallmarks on defense include a heavy rotation on the defensive line, man coverage, and flexible fronts. The Ravens were typically quite blitz-heavy. I expect him to bring similar approaches to the Giants’ defense.

Check out this article by my DLF colleague, Tom Kislingbury, who explored the impact of Martindale’s appointment.

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE

Leonard Williams is the Giants’ best lineman. He’s a versatile player who fits Martindale’s scheme well. He could be used similarly to Calais Campbell, where he does a little of everything and is moved around quite a bit.

Dexter Lawrence is more limited in his usage, but he’s an above-average interior lineman and could have extra motivation to perform in his contract year.

It’s difficult to get excited by Austin Johnson or Danny Shelton, and both are pending free agents anyway. The Giants could do with some depth if both leave.

EDGE

Upgrading the edge position should be a priority for the Giants. Martindale tends to rotate edge players, and, in my opinion, only one of the Giants edge rushers from 2021 should be in any rotation in 2022.

Rookie Azeez Ojulari flashed ability at times but was inconsistent at others. He’s been underrated by some – at least in comparison to other rookie edge rushers, and he’s been overrated by others given he converted an unsustainably high 25% of his 42 pressures into ten sacks.

Lorenzo Carter underwhelmed yet again, and if the Giants are serious about improving this unit, he won’t be brought back. However, this would mean they need to add two new faces to this unit, as Oshane Ximines doesn’t deserve much playing time either.

Nobody else on the roster is capable or deserving of joining Martindale’s edge rotation.

OFF-BALL LINEBACKER

The return of Blake Martinez will be a considerable upgrade for a Giants defense that struggled with Tae Crowder in 2021. Martinez is a capable linebacker, whereas Crowder was terrible.

Crowder is the only linebacker of the remaining four players under contract for 2022. Reggie Ragland, Jaylon Smith, and Bernardrick McKinney are all set to leave the team.

Adding a project linebacker who has the potential to play well in coverage and who can sit behind Martinez for the season would be fantastic. Unfortunately, that’s a much sought-after commodity at linebacker for 31 other teams!

SAFETY

Sophomore safety Xavier McKinney performed well in his first full-time role. He was used as a deep safety more than he will be under Martindale. I’m excited to see how the youngster plays in his third year.

Veteran Logan Ryan amassed a career-high number of tackles. However, I think the converted safety is now on the downside of his career. His coverage ability has diminished.

Youngster Julian Love may be able to supplant Ryan at some point. If he can demonstrate more consistency, then he’ll leave the Giants with a decision to make this time next year as he’s due to be a free agent after 2022.

Jabrill Peppers is set to become a free agent.

CORNERBACK

James Bradberry took a step back after an impressive 2020 season. His coverage wasn’t quite as good, and his tackling remains a concern. Adoree Jackson played pretty well opposite and spoke of a better understanding and tough coaching as reasons for his improved performance.

Behind them, 2021 third-rounder Aaron Robinson and 2020 fourth-round pick Darnay Holmes both missed significant time with injuries. Holmes flashed some ability at times, but both players are still unproven.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

SALARY CAP SITUATION

The Eagles are projected to have approx. $8.5m in effective cap space for the 2022 season. They have some big-name players set to hit free agency, such as Derek Barnett, Anthony Harris, Steven Nelson, Rodney McLeod, and Alex Singleton. Still, judging each of these players on their performances in 2022, most of them are replaceable.

It helped that Brandon Brooks retired, as he was due a sizeable amount in 2022. Further changes could include a restructuring of the deal belonging to Fletcher Cox.

COACHING STAFF

Jonathan Gannon remains as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator despite interviewing elsewhere. His defense isn’t exhilarating; only the Las Vegas Raiders blitzed fewer than Philadelphia, and only five teams managed fewer takeaways. Eagles fans have a divided opinion about Gannon’s performance.

However, the truth is that the unit performed better than they probably should’ve done, and some of the credit for that must go to Gannon. They lacked contributors at certain positions, and their defensive roster was in a state of transition.

The defensive personnel, at least, seem to be happy that Gannon is returning.

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE

Javon Hargrave had an excellent season. It wasn’t a massive surprise; the former Steelers lineman had threatened to perform on that level for a few years. He did, however, maintain his level of production despite playing more snaps. I wrote about him in more detail here.

The continuity provided by Gannon’s return helps Hargrave as much as anyone else on the roster.

Fletcher Cox has had a fantastic career. He provided a disruptive presence for the Eagles defense for many years and deserved all the plaudits for his achievements. However, at 32 years old, the veteran defensive tackle isn’t the same player any longer. He’ll be back in 2022, but fantasy managers should temper expectations.

Milton Williams may be the beneficiary if Cox declines further in 2022 and beyond.

EDGE

In September, Brandon Graham ruptured his Achilles tendon, opening the door for Josh Sweat to play more snaps than he might have done otherwise. In truth, the younger Sweat had already started to eat into the snap share of both Graham and Derek Barnett.

The Eagles may need more firepower at the position in 2022. Barnett is a free agent. Graham is coming off a significant injury and will be 34 to start the season. And Sweat still smacks more of potential than he does production.

OFF-BALL LINEBACKER

Can anyone explain why Alex Singleton played such a prominent role for so long? No? OK then. Granted, Singleton was a tackling machine, but he simply occupied a productive spot on the defense. Thankfully, Singleton is due to be a free agent.

T.J. Edwards was similarly productive but played much better than Singleton overall. He was given more snaps from the midway point of the season, and his performances shored up a position that, until that point, had been a weakness. I think he’s an underrated IDP asset.

I’m much less convinced about Davion Taylor. I liked his potential coming into the league, but I haven’t seen anything at the pro level to get excited about whatsoever. He may get another chance, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Eagles brought in another body.

SAFETY

Replacing and upgrading their safeties should be a priority for the Eagles.

Anthony Harris looks nothing like the player who played so well for the Vikings in 2018 and 2019. In his defense, he wasn’t being used to his strengths. Regardless, he’s a free agent.

Rodney McLeod didn’t play well to start the season. He improved later in the year but may not have done enough to justify bringing him back in 2022. He’s also a free agent.

Like McLeod, Marcus Epps also showed improvement in the second half of the season. At 26, he presents an intriguing option. He could be capable of assuming one of the possibly vacant safety positions, but the proposition of Epps as a full-time starter does not excite me.

K’Von Wallace does not appear ready to play a more significant role.

CORNERBACK

The cornerback position is in a healthier state. Darius Slay remains an excellent cover corner on the outside. Slot corner Avonte Maddox took a huge step forward and was a bright spot in the secondary.

Steven Nelson’s coverage abilities deteriorated for the second consecutive year. He’s an excellent tackler, but that doesn’t make up for his deficiencies in pass defense. The Eagles may choose to move on from him as he’s a pending FA.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

SALARY CAP SITUATION

After signing Carson Wentz, the Commanders are projected to have $1.5m in effective cap space. They have some holes on defense, but they arguably need to prioritize their offense by upgrading the quarterback position and, possibly, bringing back free-agent-to-be guard Brandon Scherff.

Scherff is joined on the list of notable Washington free agents by Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ricky Seals-Jones, Bobby McCain, Cornelius Lucas, and J.D. McKissic.

The Commanders may look to restructure or trade Landon Collins.

COACHING STAFF

Jack Del Rio will enter his third season as the defensive coordinator of the Commanders. The defensive unit’s performance has been anything but consistent during his tenure; they followed up a stellar 2020 with a disappointing year in 2021.

The Commanders can point to injuries to key players as the reason for the decline in performance, but every team contends with injuries. In this case, the key players who suffered injuries were not in good form anyway.

There is a reason for optimism in 2022. This defense has many of the pieces they need to produce far better than they did last season. They only need a couple of things to go their way.

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE

Jonathan Allen stepped up in the absence of Young and Sweat. The former Alabama defensive tackle led the team with 67 pressures and ten sacks, registering new career highs in both categories.

Daron Payne showed improvement as a pass rusher, generating a career-best 47 pressures, but he’s not on Allen’s level and regressed as a run defender. 2022 is the last remaining year on his rookie deal, so it will be interesting to see what the team chooses to do.

Matt Ioannidis probably returns for at least one more year in 2022. I’m a little higher on him as a pass rusher than many, but his fantasy value is limited while playing behind a healthy Allen and Payne.

Tim Settle has been a name that has intrigued IDP degenerates for a while. He may get a chance to play more elsewhere, as he’s due to become a free agent.

EDGE

What happened to Chase Young? The gifted young edge rusher was among the leaders in pass rush attempts before his injury, yet he wasn’t producing close to the expected level. There’s a lot of pressure on him to deliver in 2022.

Injuries also affected Young’s pass rush partner, Montez Sweat, after he fractured his jaw against the Broncos in week eight. However, even before the injury, he wasn’t as effective at getting after the quarterback as he was in 2020.

OFF-BALL LINEBACKER

There was one full-time linebacker spot available in Del Rio’s scheme in 2021, and many of us got excited about the prospect that rookie Jamin Davis could assume that role.

We were wrong. Incumbent starter Cole Holcomb surpassed the magical 1000 snaps mark, playing 100% of the snaps every week apart from one (well, two if you include the game he missed in week 16). Thus, Davis was relegated to a part-time role.

Holcomb was productive, but he didn’t play at a level that makes him irreplaceable. We could see a camp battle to decide their roles.

Unless you’re in very, very deep IDP leagues, there are no other Commanders’ linebackers worth rostering.

SAFETY

Much was made in the build-up to the 2022 season about how Kamren Curl and Landon Collins would be used. Both are capable safeties who are better suited to playing near the line of scrimmage and were viewed as interchangeable in many respects.

In the end, both players were accommodated. Each routinely played between 75% and 100% of the snaps. The only exception was the games Collins missed due to injury.

Bobby McCain played more snaps than either Collins or Curl, lining up in what was predominantly a deeper role. Unless he’s extended, he’ll leave the team with a gaping hole on the defense’s back end.

CORNERBACK

At cornerback, the Commanders have a bit of a mixed bag. Kendall Fuller is a capable player in the prime of his career. Only the Saints Marshon Lattimore broke up more passes last season.

William Jackson III was a disappointment. The 30-year-old’s multi-year contract suddenly looks like a heavy chain around the neck of the franchise. He’s played well in three of his five seasons in the league; It’s possible that Jackson can bounce back.

There are holes behind Fuller and Jackson III, as Danny Johnson and Darryl Roberts are the wrong side of 30, and both are free agents. The team should look for some depth. A youngster would make sense, given they have Fuller and Jackson under contract for 2022.

IDP Off-Season Outlook: NFC East