It’s that time of year again. The time when Franchise Tag deadlines have passed and NFL rookie fever is in full effect. Before we get to the 2024 NFL Draft and see which high-profile rookies are going to which team, let’s take a look at which veteran free agents are the best at their position. Here are the Top 10 Defensive Back Free Agents for 2024. For our complete list of 2024 rankings, check out our Rankings Page. Our list will include the average annual value of the player’s contract for 2023 (AAV) as well as their projected free agent market value as per www.spotrac.com.
10. Jordan Whitehead, NYJ (Signed with TB)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $5,250,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$31,004,401
Jordan Whitehead has established himself as a reliable defensive back in the NFL, initially with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Throughout his early career, Whitehead showcased his versatility and playmaking ability, contributing to the Buccaneers’ defense with his tackling prowess and coverage skills. Despite facing challenges such as injuries and adjusting to the NFL level, Whitehead’s fantasy football production was notable, as he consistently generated tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
Recently, with the New York Jets, Whitehead has continued to demonstrate his value as a defensive back, showcasing his ability to make impactful plays and contribute to the team’s defense. Despite playing for a struggling Jets team, Whitehead’s fantasy production remained solid, further solidifying his status as a reliable option for fantasy managers. In free agency, a team like the Los Angeles Rams could offer an ideal destination for Whitehead to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive core and a scheme that maximizes his strengths as a coverage safety and run defender, Whitehead could thrive in a significant role. With the Rams’ aggressive defensive approach and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Whitehead could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
9. Jordan Fuller, LAR (Signed with CAR)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $2,740,100
2024 Market Value: 4 years/$39,400,300
Jordan Fuller has had an impressive NFL career as a defensive back for the Los Angeles Rams. Known for his versatility and football IQ, Fuller has quickly become a key contributor to the Rams’ defense. Throughout his tenure, he has consistently delivered solid fantasy football production, accumulating tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the New England Patriots could provide an ideal destination for Fuller to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive tradition and a scheme that emphasizes his strengths as a coverage safety and run defender, Fuller could thrive in a significant role. With the Patriots’ defensive philosophy and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Fuller could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
8. Julian Blackmon, IND
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $2,743,000
2024 Market Value: 5 years/$49,410,700
Julian Blackmon has made a significant impact in the NFL as a defensive back for the Indianapolis Colts. Since entering the league, Blackmon has showcased his versatility and playmaking ability, quickly becoming a key contributor to the Colts’ defense. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered solid fantasy football production, accumulating tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the Buffalo Bills could offer an ideal destination for Blackmon to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive core and a scheme that emphasizes his strengths as a coverage safety and run defender, Blackmon could thrive in a significant role. With the Bills’ aggressive defensive approach and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Blackmon could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
7. Xavier McKinney, NYG (Signed with GB)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $1,754,234
2024 Market Value: 5 years/$52,400,090
Xavier McKinney has made strides in the NFL as a defensive back for the New York Giants. Since joining the league, McKinney has showcased his versatility and playmaking ability, quickly becoming a key component of the Giants’ defense. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered solid fantasy football production, accumulating tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the Arizona Cardinals could offer an ideal destination for McKinney to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive core and a scheme that emphasizes his strengths as a coverage safety and playmaker, McKinney could thrive in a significant role. With the Cardinals’ aggressive defensive approach and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, McKinney could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
6. Kenny Moore, IND (Re-Signed with IND)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $8,325,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$31,812,200
Kenny Moore has established himself as a standout defensive back in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. Since entering the league, Moore has displayed his versatility and playmaking ability, becoming a cornerstone of the Colts’ defense. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered impressive fantasy football production, accumulating tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the New Orleans Saints could offer an enticing destination for Moore to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive tradition and a scheme that emphasizes his strengths as a coverage cornerback and playmaker, Moore could thrive in a significant role. With the Saints’ aggressive defensive approach and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Moore could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
5. Steven Nelson, HOU
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $1,134,000
2024 Market Value: 2 year/$9,100,210
Steven Nelson has had a remarkable NFL career as a defensive back, notably showcasing his skills with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs. Recently, with the Houston Texans, Nelson continued to demonstrate his proficiency in coverage and playmaking ability. Despite the Texans’ challenges, Nelson’s solid performance has remained consistent, making tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups, thus proving to be a reliable option for fantasy football managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the New York Jets could provide an ideal destination for Nelson to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a developing defense and a scheme that emphasizes his strengths as a coverage cornerback, Nelson could thrive in a prominent role. With the Jets’ defensive philosophy and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Nelson could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
4. Stephon Gilmore, DAL
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $10,000,000
2024 Market Value: 1 year/$11,164,440
Stephon Gilmore has had a storied NFL career, initially making his mark as one of the league’s premier defensive players with the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills. During his prime years, Gilmore earned accolades as a shutdown cornerback, consistently making tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups. However, as age caught up with him, Gilmore’s productivity declined with stints with the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, and ultimately the Dallas Cowboys, where he struggled to replicate his earlier success.
In free agency, the Los Angeles Chargers could provide an ideal destination for Gilmore to rejuvenate his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive core and a scheme that emphasizes his strengths as a coverage cornerback, Gilmore could thrive in a prominent role. With the Chargers’ defensive philosophy and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Gilmore could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
3. Chidobe Awuzie, CIN (Signed with TEN)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $7,250,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$34,850,712
Chidobe Awuzie has navigated an NFL career that began with the Dallas Cowboys before joining the Cincinnati Bengals. Known for his versatility and coverage skills, Awuzie has been a consistent presence in the secondary, contributing tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups throughout his tenure. Despite facing challenges and injuries, Awuzie’s fantasy football production has remained solid, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders could offer an enticing destination for Awuzie to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive core and a scheme that emphasizes his strengths as a coverage cornerback, Awuzie could thrive in a significant role. With the Raiders’ defensive philosophy and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Awuzie could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
2. Kamren Curl, WSH (Signed with LAR)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $2,992,000
2024 Market Value: 4 years/$42,402,800
Kamren Curl has forged a promising NFL career as a defensive back for the Washington Commanders. Known for his versatility and playmaking ability, Curl has become a key contributor to the Commanders’ defense. Throughout his tenure, he has consistently delivered solid fantasy football production, accumulating tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the Denver Broncos could offer an ideal destination for Curl to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive tradition and a scheme that emphasizes his strengths as a coverage safety and run defender, Curl could thrive in a significant role. With the Broncos’ aggressive defensive approach and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Curl could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
1. Kendall Fuller, WSH(Signed with MIA)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $10,000,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$42,355,776
Kendall Fuller has had a distinguished NFL career, primarily as a defensive back for the Washington Commanders. Renowned for his versatility and coverage skills, Fuller has been a linchpin of the Commanders’ secondary, consistently making impactful plays. Throughout his tenure, Fuller has amassed impressive fantasy football production, accumulating tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups, cementing his status as a reliable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the Los Angeles Rams could offer an enticing destination for Fuller to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive core and a scheme that emphasizes his strengths as a coverage cornerback, Fuller could thrive in a significant role. With the Rams’ aggressive defensive approach and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Fuller could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
