Instant IDP Analysis: Analyzing Giants' Old and New Linebackers

The Giants surprised some people today and signed free agent LB Keith Bulluck to a one-year contract worth up to $2.5 million.

Bulluck is 33 years old and coming off a nasty ACL tear. The Giants agree he’s way ahead of his recovery schedule after going under the knife just seven months ago.

Many pundits out there expected Bulluck to continue his career with Jeff Fisher in Tennessee, but that obviously won’t happen now.

This transaction may seem inconsequential, but it does create some possible shockwaves in IDP dynasty leagues.  Here are some players whose values have just changed:

Keith Bulluck, LB, NY Giants

Bulluck is an absolute tackle machine, with 1,057 stops in his 10-year career.

His health concerns are the only thing stopping him from guaranteed production from a coveted middle linebacker spot in a 4-3 defense. That spot is typically a fantasy goldmine.

If you’re a competing team, it’s time to get out to the wire and snatch up Bulluck.

This is a dream scenario for him if it works out. It’s a big “if,” but this could be the IDP coup of the summer so far.

Jonathan Goff, LB, NY Giants

Many people (including us at DLF) thought Jonathan Goff had the inside track to that position to be the long-term replacement to Antonio Pierce.

While he still may be the long-term answer for the Giants, his short term value will take a serious hit if Bulluck stays healthy and starts the season at MLB.

It’s a disappointing day for Goff owners. He should still be rostered in deeper leagues, though.

Phillip Dillard, LB, NY Giants

Dillard was the only other real candidate on the Giants team to compete for that coveted MLB spot.

With Bulluck’s addition, it’s not likely he sees much action there any time soon.

Tennessee LBs

Now that Bulluck is out of the picture, the values of Stephen Tulloch, Will Witherspoon, Gerald McRath, and David Thornton all just got a little bump up.

SUMMARY

Bulluck is a borderline No. 1 linebacker and a solid No. 2 at worst when healthy and placed in the right situation.

There probably weren’t too many landing spots much better than this one.

It’s still very possible Bulluck doesn’t make it through camp as the starter, given the severity of his injury.

However, if he’s a free agent in your IDP Dynasty league, you run, don’t walk, to the computer to pick him up.

Stop reading this article.

Go get him now.

Article written by Ken Kelly
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