IDP News Update - August 22, 2024

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With the NFL regular season steadily approaching, this article aims to touch on IDP-relevant news and topics during training camps and preseason games. We'll look at injuries, contract situations, camp battles, rookie buzz, and other pertinent IDP topics. The plan is to have this article ready for your viewing every Thursday until the season kicks off. Thanks for tuning in; let's get to it!

IDP News: S Justin Simmons, Atlanta

Justin Simmons signs a one-year, $8 million deal with Atlanta.

After upgrading their pass rush by trading for Matthew Judon, Atlanta added another savvy veteran, bringing in Justin Simmons on a one-year deal. We were waiting to see where Simmons would end up, as his name continued to be floated around teams who needed safety reinforcements. While we assume Simmons will pair with Jessie Bates III in the starting lineup, it sounds like Atlanta still wants to find ways to get Richie Grant involved. However, Grant can be left on the waiver wire. Safety DeMarcco Hellams (ankle) is set to miss extended time and will serve as depth when he returns. The Falcons potentially deploying some three safety looks will be something to keep an eye on, with alignments and linebacker usage being points of interest for IDP purposes.

IDP News: CB Stephon Gilmore, Minnesota

The Vikings bring in Stephon Gilmore, signing him to a one-year, $10 million deal.

Gilmore finds a new home in Minnesota but has familiarity with defensive coordinator Brian Flores from their previous time together in New England. Gilmore brings some much-needed help at cornerback for the Vikings, as he and Shaq Griffin, who just returned from his hamstring injury, will likely play outside. Byron Murphy II has outside ability but is likely to see time at the nickel spot as well, making him a possible in-season streaming option in deeper IDP true-position or CB-required formats.

IDP News: EDGE Arden Key, Tennessee

Arden Key gets his six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s PED policy overturned.

After initially thought to be out the first six weeks, Arden Key appears to be back in the mix for the Tennesee defense, after winning his appeal to get his suspension overturned. In his first season with the Titans in 2023, Key played all 17 games (9 starts), playing a career-high 728 defensive snaps (63%) and compiling 30 tackles (17 solos), six sacks, and 12 quarterback hits. Key should bookend Harold Landry III as the Tennesee starting edge duo. As my esteemed colleague Tripp Brebner pointed out in his Reading The New Defense article on the Titans defense, Key is a potential value to consider in the latter rounds of deep IDP leagues. 

IDP News: Buffalo Linebackers

The Matt Milano injury fallout; who is Joe Andreessen?

With Matt Milano set to miss significant time after suffering an unfortunate torn bicep injury, there are snaps for the taking next to Terrel Bernard. Bernard was held out of action this week in Buffalo’s preseason game against Pittsburgh, leaving Dorian Williams and undrafted rookie Joe Andreessen as the starters at linebacker. Williams played 24 snaps, while Andreessen, who donned the green dot, got a bit more run, seeing 44 snaps. 

While Williams is the leading candidate to get the first shot at starting next to Bernard, Andreessen stole the show this week. Andreessen was all over the field, showing his speed and tenacity while piling up 12 tackles (7 solos) and two tackles for loss with his extended playing time. Williams is the preferred choice at the moment if you’re looking for a Buffalo linebacker after Bernard. Still, Andreessen at least needs to be on your watchlist after his impressive performance this past week. What’s better than an undrafted rookie linebacker making some noise, right?