2022 NFL Free Agency: Top 5 under the radar signings so far

The 2022 NFL Free Agency period got off to a hot start with some superstars changing homes but some of the under-the-radar signings could be just as impactful

We have all seen the big names change teams during 2022 NFL free agency, although the biggest splashes have come via trade with Russell Wilson going to the Denver Broncos and Davante Adams heading to the Las Vegas Raiders.

However, there have been some superstars who moved on in free agency. Von Miller is headed to the Buffalo Bills, Allen Robinson is going to the Los Angeles Rams, and J.C. Jackson is heading to the Los Angeles Chargers — just to name a few moves.

While each of those players is expected to have an impact there were some underrated signings that deserve some attention as well. Here we identify the top five under-the0radar signings that could have a huge impact in 2022.

NFL Free Agency under the radar signing No. 5: Tim Settle, DT, Buffalo Bills

Tim Settle had some solid output in 2020 when he racked up five sacks for the Washington Commanders (who were the Football Team at the time) but didn’t do a lot outside of that. Then again, he was on the same line as players such as Matt Ioannidis, Daron Payne, and Jon Allen.

Naturally, he was a forgotten man but he’s still immensely talented as the Buffalo Bills landed themselves a 308-pounder who can eat up blocks and is just 24-years of age. This one could look brilliant before too long, especially once he’s put on the same line as Von Miller who will also occupy a lot of attention from the opposing offensive line.

NFL Free Agency under the radar signing No. 4: Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert, RB, Miami Dolphins

When Mike McDaniel left his post as the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers to take the head coaching job with the Miami Dolphins, it was apparent he would need to add more running backs. He’s worked with Kyle Shanahan for years and their scheme revolves around a solid running game that makes things easier on the quarterback and wide receiver when they do drop back to pass.

In free agency, they did that already as they signed a former member of his team in San Francisco, Raheem Mostert, as well as a former rival in Chase Edmonds. And here, the two are a package deal as the No. 4 under-the-radar move in free agency.

Mostert gives them a player who can flip the field in an instant with his speed — and happens to know the system. His best season was in 2019 when he ran for 772 yards and averaged 5.6 yards per carry while rushing eight touchdowns. The only question is whether or not he can stay healthy but if he does, they have a stud.

They also protected themselves with Edmonds who had 592 yards last season with the Arizona Cardinals. He’s also a weapon in the passing game with 96 receptions for 713 yards over the past two seasons. Miami suddenly has competent running backs and this scheme can do a lot with that.

NFL Free Agency under the radar signing No. 3: Russell Gage, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had three great wideouts in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown. Of course, Brown ended up leaving the Bucs in the middle of a game, which unsurprisingly led to his release.

With him out, the Bucs also thought they were about to be without Tom Brady as the future Hall of Fame quarterback had announced his retirement. However, just a couple of months later, TB12 decided he was already bored and wanted to come back.

Tampa Bay did retain the remaining two star receivers after agreeing to an extension with Chris Godwin. As for the No. 3 spot, they brought in a divisional rival as Tampa Bay signed Russell Gage away from the Atlanta Falcons.

Gage is coming off a 770-yard season and had 786 the year prior for Atlanta. He also scored eight touchdowns combined in those two seasons, proving to be a valuable member of the Falcons attack.

At first glance, it might seem as though he’s giving up targets leaving Atlanta — where there are no real weapons — and heading to Tampa where Evans and Godwin are. But that won’t be the case since Tom Brady likes to pass. A lot.

Gage will get plenty of opportunities in 2022 and with the attention Evans and Godwin get, he will also have his share of huge moments as well.

NFL Free Agency under the radar signing No. 2: Tyrod Taylor, QB, New York Giants

Daniel Jones is entering a critical season. It’s year four for the New York Giants starting quarterback and Jones has yet to prove he’s the guy to take this team back to the top. He had a great rookie season with 24 touchdowns and just 12 picks but since then, things have gone south.

Jones has put up less than 3,000-yards in each of the past two seasons while missing a combined eight games. He also has just 22 touchdowns against 17 picks in those 25 games. As for the team’s success, there has been next to none as they’re 12-25 when Jones starts under center.

New York has done a solid job trying to bring in talent to help him including the signing of Kenny Golladay last season, but now they’re going a different route. This offseason, they elected to bring in Tyrod Taylor, who could end up pushing Jones.

Taylor has appeared in 78 career games and has 53 starts. He boasts a 26-25-1 record in his career as well — showing he can get it done when called upon. He’s also a dual-threat who ran for 151 yards and three touchdowns in six games for the Houston Texans in 2021.

He might not be the long-term answer but Taylor gives new head coach Brian Daboll a player who can run the offense and not cost them games — should he be called upon that is.

NFL Free Agency under the radar signing No. 1: Cedrick Wilson, WR, Miami Dolphins

The Dallas Cowboys’ mistake is the Miami Dolphins’ gain. Dallas traded Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns as they tried to free up some cap space to keep more of their offensive weapons together. They did use the room to extend Michael Gallup but then lost Cedrick Wilson who signed with the Dolphins on a three-year deal worth $22 million.

Wilson isn’t going to come to Miami and be the No. 1 guy but what he can do is give them a versatile player who can do a lot of things very well. A former sixth-round pick from Boise State back in 2018, Wilson broke out in 2021 with 45 receptions for 602 yards and six touchdowns.

He added 11 yards on two rushes but also showed off his arm as he was 3-of-3 for 88 yards when faking the run and throwing the ball. In his career, he’s now 5-of-5 passing and as stated by the NFL Twitter page, he brings a new wrinkle to this offense.

Mike McDaniel is an offensive genius who has been working with Kyle Shanahan for many years. He’s also using the same formula we saw in San Francisco where they’re not going out and adding huge names but rather picking up players who can do things that fit well in their offense.

Cedrick Wilson is one such player who seems to be tailor-made for McDaniel. He might not ever be a Pro Bowl player but he’s going to make a mark in Miami and prove to be a steal, even if his signing went largely under the radar.