Several NFL teams took advantage of free agency and injected new talent into their organizations.
This offseason, NFL free agency moved at a slow pace because of the pandemic and a large amount of uncertainty regarding how COVID-19 could impact the salary cap. Nevertheless, teams pursued and locked up their top free agent targets. Some signings stand out as particularly noteworthy and impressive.
This article only considers players who entered free agency or were released early in the offseason and switched teams. Plenty of high-ranking free agents either re-signed with their former teams or received franchise tags. While those are still interesting topics, it’s more fun to analyze how additions and subtractions shake up the NFL hierarchy.
Signings received their rankings based on three factors: how cap-friendly the contract is, how talented the free agent is, and how the signing immediately makes the team better. These factors almost entirely eliminate role player signings and put high-risk, high-reward deals at a disadvantage.
The three factors eliminated a lot of contracts that still deserve mentioning. So, we’ll cover several honorable mentions before getting into the top ten free agent signings of 2020 so far.
Best NFL free agency signings: Honorable Mentions
Atlanta takes a chance on Todd Gurley
The Los Angeles Rams cut Gurley loose after he struggled last season. With the former All-Pro’s longevity in question, the Atlanta Falcons swooped in and signed him to a one-year, $5.5 million deal. It’s a low-risk, high-reward scenario that should boost Atlanta’s ground game.
Cam Newton aims to prove the world wrong in New England
Speaking of low-risk, high-reward contracts, New England reached a one-year, $1.75 million deal with Newton. It’s a genius contract that proves why the Patriots are such a successful franchise. Newton missed 14 games last year before the Carolina Panthers cut him earlier this offseason.
Dante Fowler reaches a deal with the Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons tied for the second-fewest sacks in the NFL this past season with 28. For reference, the Pittsburgh Steelers led the league with 54. Fowler is fresh off a career year where he posted 11.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and 58 tackles. His deal is for three years and $45 million.
Desperate Cowboys add Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
With plenty of holes opening in the secondary, Dallas desperately needed cheap, experienced defensive backs. Luckily, they landed Clinton-Dix on a one-year, $3.75 million deal. Clinton-Dix spent last season in Chicago, where he played better than any of Dallas’ safeties.
Emmanuel Sanders signs with the New Orleans Saints
At 33 years old, Sanders no longer warrants a top-ten spot for signing with a new team. However, he gives New Orleans the second receiver they desperately need alongside Michael Thomas. Sanders played a crucial role in San Francisco’s offense last season. His deal is for two years and $24 million.
Jameis Winston packs his bags for New Orleans
Depending on his ability to learn from and grow under the tutelage of Drew Brees, Winston’s one-year, $1.1 million deal is arguably a horrible contract for the former first overall pick. However, it’s a great deal for the Saints. New Orleans gets a 5,000-yard passer at a ridiculous discount to backup a 41-year-old star.
Philip Rivers signs with the Indianapolis Colts
Rivers gives the Colts an upgrade over Jacoby Brissett, but how much of an upgrade is he? The 38-year-old signed a one-year, $25 million deal with Indianapolis. Last season, Rivers threw for 23 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, and went 5-11 as a starter.
Teddy Bridgewater becomes Carolina’s new starter
Bridgewater went 5-0 with the Saints last season, which earned him a three-year, $63 million deal with the rebuilding Carolina Panthers. It’s a considerable risk for the Panthers and basically the opposite of New Orleans’ deal with Winston. Bridgewater only started six games over the past four years.