Every Team’s All-Time Greatest and Most Disastrous Free Agent Signings Revealed
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Free agency is where dreams are made—or shattered—with massive contracts that can build dynasties or bury franchises in cap hell. We’re talking Hall of Famers who changed teams and dominated, versus busts who cashed big checks but delivered duds.
We’ll go through all 32 NFL teams in alphabetical order, highlighting the best signing that paid off huge and the worst that still haunts fans. These picks span decades, from undrafted gems to modern mega-deals, based on impact, value, and legacy. With free agency always evolving—hello, 2026 cap spikes—this list reminds us why GMs earn the big bucks… or get fired. Let’s dive in.
Who are the best and worst free agency signings for each NFL team?
Arizona Cardinals: Best – Kurt Warner, Worst – Sam Bradford
This NFL team’s best all-time free agent signing is quarterback Kurt Warner in 2005. The former grocery store clerk and Rams legend joined Arizona on a modest deal after a down year in New York. Warner revived his career, leading the Cards to their first Super Bowl in 2008 with 4,583 yards and 30 touchdowns. Over five seasons, he threw for over 15,000 yards, earned two Pro Bowls, and transformed a perennial loser into a contender. It’s the ultimate rags-to-riches value signing.
On the flip side, the worst is quarterback Sam Bradford in 2018. Fresh off a Vikings stint, Bradford signed a one-year, $20 million deal with $15 million guaranteed. He went 0-3 as a starter, throwing for just 400 yards, two touchdowns, and four picks before getting benched for rookie Josh Rosen. Injuries and poor play made this a cap-killing disaster, epitomizing Arizona’s QB carousel woes.
Atlanta Falcons: Best – Michael Turner, Worst – Dante Fowler
Best signing: Running back Michael Turner in 2008. After backing up LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego, Turner inked a six-year, $34.5 million deal and exploded for 1,699 yards and 10 touchdowns in Year 1. Over five seasons, he rushed for over 6,000 yards, made two Pro Bowls, and powered Atlanta’s offense during their Matt Ryan era rise. “The Burner” was a steal for his production.
Worst: Outside linebacker Dante Fowler in 2020. Coming off 11.5 sacks with the Rams, Fowler signed a three-year, $45 million contract but managed just 7.5 sacks in two underwhelming seasons. Injuries and inconsistency led to his release, wasting cap space during Atlanta’s rebuild and highlighting their edge rusher struggles.
Baltimore Ravens: Best – Michael McCrary, Worst – Earl Thomas
Best: Defensive end Michael McCrary in 1997. Signed from Seattle on a four-year deal, McCrary became a pass-rush force, recording 51.5 sacks over six seasons, including a career-high 13.5 in 1998. He earned two Pro Bowls and was key to Baltimore’s dominant defenses, providing elite value on a budget.
Worst: Safety Earl Thomas in 2019. After a messy Seattle exit, Thomas signed a four-year, $55 million deal but played just one season, punching a teammate and getting released. His 2.5 sacks and one pick didn’t justify the $32 million cap hit, a rare miss for GM Eric DeCosta.
Buffalo Bills: Best – Steve Tasker, Worst – Derrick Dockery
Best: Wide receiver Steve Tasker in 1986. Claimed off waivers from Houston, Tasker became a special teams legend, earning seven Pro Bowls and revolutionizing the gunner role in the NFL. His blocks and tackles helped Buffalo’s Super Bowl runs, making him a Hall of Fame special teamer on a zero-cost acquisition.
Worst: Guard Derrick Dockery in 2007. Signed to a seven-year, $49 million deal after Washington’s success, Dockery started just 15 games over two seasons before being cut. Poor play and injuries made this a cap disaster during Buffalo’s drought years.
Carolina Panthers: Best – Sam Mills, Worst – Chuck Smith
Best: Linebacker Sam Mills in 1995. Signed from New Orleans, Mills anchored Carolina’s expansion defense, earning a Pro Bowl in 1996 and leading tackles for years. His leadership and 1,265 career stops (many post-30) made him a Panthers icon and Hall of Famer.
Worst: Defensive end Chuck Smith in 2000. After 10 sacks in Atlanta, Smith signed a five-year, $21 million deal but recorded zero sacks in nine games before retiring due to knee issues. A total flop for a young franchise.
Chicago Bears: Best – Steve McMichael, Worst – Mike Glennon
Best: Defensive tackle Steve McMichael in 1981. Signed from New England, “Mongo” became a Bears legend, earning two All-Pros and 92.5 sacks over 13 seasons. Key to the 1985 Super Bowl shuffle defense, he was a steal for his durability.
Worst: Quarterback Mike Glennon in 2017. Inked to a three-year, $45 million deal, Glennon went 1-3 with five touchdowns and eight picks before Mitch Trubisky took over. Released after one year, it’s an infamous Bears QB blunder.
Cincinnati Bengals: Best – Trey Hendrickson, Worst – Trae Waynes
Best: Defensive end Trey Hendrickson in 2021. Signed from New Orleans on a four-year, $60 million deal, Hendrickson exploded with 13.5 sacks in Year 1 and has 45 sacks since, earning three Pro Bowls and powering Cincy’s Super Bowl run. But his future right now is murky.
Worst: Cornerback Trae Waynes in 2020. A three-year, $42 million signing from Minnesota, Waynes played just 14 snaps over two injury-plagued seasons before retiring. Zero value for big money for this NFL team.
Cleveland Browns: Best – Lou Groza, Worst – Jeff Garcia
Best: Offensive lineman/kicker Lou Groza in 1946. Signed as a free agent post-WWII, “The Toe” played 21 seasons, earning nine Pro Bowls and kicking the winning field goal in the 1950 NFL Championship. A Browns legend.
Worst: Quarterback Jeff Garcia in 2004. Signed to a four-year, $25 million deal, Garcia threw for 1,731 yards, 10 touchdowns, and nine picks in 10 starts before being cut. A forgettable stop in Cleveland’s QB carousel.
Dallas Cowboys: Best – Jay Novacek, Worst – Mike Vanderjagt
Best: Tight end Jay Novacek in 1990. Signed from Phoenix, Novacek became Troy Aikman’s go-to, earning five Pro Bowls and three Super Bowl rings with over 3,500 yards. Key to the 90s dynasty.
Worst: Kicker Mike Vanderjagt in 2006. The “most accurate kicker ever” signed a three-year deal but missed crucial kicks, going 13-of-18 before release. A rare special teams bust for Dallas.
Denver Broncos: Best – Peyton Manning, Worst – Ja’Wuan James
Best: Quarterback Peyton Manning in 2012. Signed post-neck surgery on a five-year, $96 million deal, Manning threw for 17,112 yards and 140 touchdowns in four seasons, winning Super Bowl 50. GOAT-level impact.
Worst: Offensive lineman Ja’Wuan James in 2019. A four-year, $51 million signing, James played just 63 snaps over two seasons due to injuries and opt-outs, costing Denver millions in dead cap.
Detroit Lions: Best – Dick LeBeau, Worst – Trey Flowers
Best: Cornerback Dick LeBeau in 1959. Signed as a free agent from Cleveland, LeBeau played 14 seasons, earning three Pro Bowls and 62 interceptions. A Lions Hall of Famer who later coached legends.
Worst: Defensive end Trey Flowers in 2019. Signed from New England on a five-year, $90 million deal, Flowers had 21.5 sacks over three injury-shortened seasons before release. Overpaid for moderate production for this NFL team.
Green Bay Packers: Best – Reggie White, Worst – Jimmy Graham
Best: Defensive end Reggie White in 1993. The first big free agent splash, White signed a four-year, $17 million deal and recorded 68.5 sacks over six seasons, winning Super Bowl XXXI. Transformed Green Bay.
Worst: Tight end Jimmy Graham in 2018. A three-year, $30 million signing, Graham caught 93 passes for 1,083 yards and five touchdowns in two seasons, underperforming his All-Pro pedigree before release.
Houston Texans: Best – Arian Foster, Worst – Ahman Green
Best: Running back Arian Foster in 2009. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Foster led the NFL in rushing in 2010 with 1,616 yards, earning four Pro Bowls and over 6,000 yards in eight seasons.
Worst: Running back Ahman Green in 2007. Signed from Green Bay on a four-year, $23 million deal, Green rushed for just 554 yards in two injury-plagued years. A bust for Houston’s early offense.
Indianapolis Colts: Best – Johnny Unitas, Worst – Devin Funchess
Best: Quarterback Johnny Unitas in 1956. Signed after Baltimore’s release, “Johnny U” won three championships, three MVPs, and threw for 40,239 yards. The golden arm of Colts history.
Worst: Wide receiver Devin Funchess in 2019. A one-year, $10 million deal yielded zero catches due to injury. A wasted swing in Indy’s receiver room.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Best – Jimmy Smith, Worst – Nick Foles
Jacksonville Jaguars. Best: Wide receiver Jimmy Smith in 1995. Signed as a free agent post-Dallas injury, Smith exploded for over 8,000 yards and 67 touchdowns in 11 seasons, earning five Pro Bowls.
Worst: Quarterback Nick Foles in 2019. Fresh off Super Bowl MVP, Foles signed a four-year, $88 million deal, but broke his clavicle in Week 1, going 0-4 as a starter before the trade. “Big Nick Energy” fizzled fast for this NFL team.
Kansas City Chiefs: Best – Len Dawson, Worst – Lin Elliott
Best: Quarterback Len Dawson in 1962. Signed from Dallas, Dawson led KC to three AFL titles and Super Bowl IV MVP, earning Hall of Fame with pinpoint accuracy.
Worst: Kicker Lin Elliott in 1994. Signed mid-season, Elliott missed key field goals in playoff losses, including three in the 1995 divisional round. Infamous for choking under pressure.
Las Vegas Raiders: Best – Jim Plunkett, Worst – Cory Littleton
Best: Quarterback Jim Plunkett in 1978. Signed post-Patriots release, Plunkett won two Super Bowls as a starter, including MVP in XV. Revival story supreme.
Worst: Linebacker Cory Littleton in 2020. A three-year, $35.25 million deal from the Rams, Littleton had zero sacks and poor coverage in two seasons before his release. Defensive dud.
Los Angeles Chargers: Best – Antonio Gates, Worst – J.C. Jackson
Best: Tight end Antonio Gates in 2003. Undrafted from basketball, Gates became an eight-time Pro Bowler with 116 touchdowns, redefining the position.
Worst: Cornerback J.C. Jackson in 2022. Five-year, $82.5 million from New England, Jackson allowed five touchdowns in five games before being benched and traded. Massive bust for this NFL team.
Los Angeles Rams: Best – Kurt Warner, Worst – Allen Robinson II
Best: Quarterback Kurt Warner in 1997. Signed as undrafted, Warner won Super Bowl XXXIV MVP and two league MVPs, throwing for over 12,000 yards in six seasons. Even a movie was made out of it.
Worst: Wide receiver Allen Robinson II in 2022. Three-year, $46.5 million deal yielded 33 catches for 339 yards in one season before trade. Injury and fit issues tanked it.
Miami Dolphins: Best – Jim Langer, Worst – Chad Johnson
Best: Offensive lineman Jim Langer in 1970. Signed from Cleveland, Langer earned six Pro Bowls and anchored the undefeated 1972 line. Hall of Famer.
Worst: Wide receiver Chad Johnson in 2012. One-year deal flopped with just one catch before release amid off-field issues. “Ochocinco” era ended badly.
Minnesota Vikings: Best – John Randle, Worst – Greg Jennings
Best: Defensive end John Randle in 1990. Undrafted, Randle earned six Pro Bowls, 137.5 sacks, and Hall of Fame terrorizing QBs.
Worst: Wide receiver Greg Jennings in 2013. Five-year, $47.5 million from Green Bay, Jennings had 1,546 yards in two seasons before his release. Rivalry flop.
New England Patriots: Best – Mike Vrabel, Worst – Antonio Brown
Best: Linebacker Mike Vrabel in 2001. Signed from Pittsburgh, Vrabel won three Super Bowls, earned a Pro Bowl, and scored as a goal-line TE.
Worst: Wide receiver Antonio Brown in 2019. A one-year, $15 million deal lasted one game (four catches) before release amid scandals. Toxic distraction.
New Orleans Saints: Best – Drew Brees, Worst – Jarius Byrd
Best: Quarterback Drew Brees in 2006. Signed post-shoulder injury, Brees won Super Bowl XLIV MVP, set records with 80,358 yards. Franchise savior until his retirement.
Worst: Safety Jarius Byrd in 2014. Six-year, $54 million deal from Buffalo, Byrd played 34 games with three picks before his release. Injury-plagued bust for this NFL team.
New York Giants: Best – Emlen Tunnell, Worst – Kenny Golladay
Best: Defensive back Emlen Tunnell in 1948. First Black player signed, Tunnell earned nine Pro Bowls and 79 interceptions. Pioneer Hall of Famer.
Worst: Wide receiver Kenny Golladay in 2021. Four-year, $72 million deal yielded 37 catches for 521 yards in two seasons. One of the worst contracts ever.
New York Jets: Best – Curtis Martin, Worst – Neil O’Donnell
Best: Running back Curtis Martin in 1998. Signed via offer sheet from New England, Martin rushed for over 10,000 yards and earned Hall of Fame honors.
Worst: Quarterback Neil O’Donnell in 1996. Five-year, $25 million deal flopped with 17 touchdowns and 14 picks in two seasons. Post-Steelers dud.
Philadelphia Eagles: Best – Saquon Barkley, Worst – Malik Jackson
Best: Running back Saquon Barkley in 2024. Three-year, $37.75 million from the Giants, Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards in Year 1, earning MVP buzz and powering a Super Bowl run.
Worst: Defensive tackle Malik Jackson in 2019. Three-year, $30 million deal yielded 2.5 sacks in one season before release. Post-Jags disappointment.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Best – Donnie Shell, Worst – Ladarius Green
Best: Safety Donnie Shell in 1974. Undrafted, Shell won four Super Bowls, earned five Pro Bowls, and had 51 interceptions. Steel Curtain staple.
Worst: Tight end Ladarius Green in 2016. Four-year, $20 million from the Chargers, Green played zero games due to concussions and retired. Total waste of time for this NFL team.
San Francisco 49ers: Best – Deion Sanders, Worst – Jonas Jennings
Best: Cornerback Deion Sanders in 1994. One-year deal led to Super Bowl XXIX win, eight picks, and Defensive Player of the Year. Prime Time magic.
Worst: Offensive tackle Jonas Jennings in 2005. Seven-year, $36 million deal from Buffalo, Jennings started 14 games over four injury-riddled years.
Seattle Seahawks: Best – Michael Bennett, Worst – Franco Harris
Best: Defensive end Michael Bennett in 2013. Four-year deal sparked Legion of Boom, with 39 sacks and two Super Bowl appearances.
Worst: Running back Franco Harris in 1984. Signed post-Steelers, Harris rushed for 170 yards in eight games. Sad end for a Hall of Famer.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Best – Tom Brady, Worst – Julio Jones
Best: Quarterback Tom Brady in 2020. A two-year, $50 million deal brought Super Bowl LV win and three playoff runs. GOAT coup.
Worst: Wide receiver Julio Jones in 2022. One-year deal yielded 24 catches for 299 yards. Injury-hampered farewell tour.
Tennessee Titans: Best – Kevin Mawae, Worst – Vic Beasley
Best: Center Kevin Mawae in 2006. Signed from the Jets, Mawae earned three Pro Bowls and anchored lines for Chris Johnson’s 2,000-yard season. Best scoop for this NFL team.
Worst: Edge rusher Vic Beasley in 2020. A one-year, $9.5 million deal produced zero sacks in five games before release. Pandemic-era flop.
Washington Commanders: Best – Doug Williams, Worst – William Jackson III
Best: Quarterback Doug Williams in 1986. Signed from the USFL, Williams won Super Bowl XXII MVP, throwing four touchdowns. Trailblazer.
Worst: Cornerback William Jackson III in 2021. Three-year, $40.5 million from the Bengals, Jackson allowed six touchdowns in 16 starts before the trade. Coverage nightmare.
