Formerly a dry period for the NFL, springtime has become one of the most exciting periods on the league calendar. Free agency, which began in the early 1990s, has blossomed into a two-week stream of big signings and team-altering acquisitions. And when the dust begins to settle, NFL fans turn their attention to the draft and the subsequent signing of undrafted rookies.
Championships are won in mid-winter, but the seeds of those championships are sewn in the spring. You don’t have to go back too far in history to see the significance of free agency. Just four years ago, the Buccaneers made one of the biggest offseason signings in history when they inked Tom Brady to a two-year contract. Less than a year later, “Tampa Tom” and his new teammates hoisted a celebratory boat parade.
Brady is just one of many examples of free agents who helped change the fortune of their new franchises. With the 2024 free agency season nearly concluded as we head into training camps, let’s take a look at the best all-time free agent signing for all 32 teams.
Best signing: QB Kurt Warner (2005)
After a storybook run with the Rams, Warner inked a one-year deal with the Cardinals following a single season with the Giants. After two so-so seasons in Arizona, Warner replaced Matt Leinart as the starter during the 2007 season. In 2008, Warner threw for 4,583 yards and 30 touchdowns while helping lead the Cardinals to a division title. He then helped the Cardinals win three playoff games to clinch the franchise’s first Super Bowl berth. Warner led the Cardinals to the divisional round of the 2009 playoffs before retiring during the offseason.
Worst signing: QB Sam Bradford (2018)
Bradford went 0-3 as the Cardinals’ quarterback after receiving $15 million guaranteed. He lost his starting job to then-rookie Josh Rosen, who went 3-10 that season.
Best signing: RB Michael Turner (2008)
It was close, but…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-free-agency-every-nfl-teams-best-worst-free-agent-signing-nick-foles-makes-list-twice/
Author : Bryan DeArdo
Publish date : 2024-03-04 14:53:01
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