Top 10 Free-Agent Signings in NFL History

Free agency means optimism for every NFL team. Super Bowl contenders look to sign that missing piece, while playoff hopefuls are trying to add players to make them championship-caliber teams.  But it doesn’t always work out for some teams, as history has shown us, the open market ends up being very expensive for teams that make mistakes. Here’s our top ten of the best NFL free agent signings of all-time.

10. Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots (2017)

Stephon Gilmore played five seasons with the Bills before signing with the AFC rival Patriots.  Buffalo’s loss became a massive gain for New England as he was named a first-team All-Pro in his second season with the Pats.  He would do it again the following year after six interceptions and 20 pass defenses, earning the AP Defensive Player of the Year.  In the 2018 playoffs, Gilmore recorded two picks, including one in Super Bowl LIII, when the Pats defeated the Rams.

Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens (2024)

When the Titans decided they were rebuilding and didn’t want to pay for an aging running back, 

Derrick Henry decided to hit the open market.  The Baltimore Ravens snagged the big back and signed him to a two-year, $16 million deal.  In his first season with the Ravens, Henry set a personal best of nearly 6 yards per carry on his way to 1,921 yards and an NFL-leading 16 rushing touchdowns.  The following season, Henry signed an extension and racked up 1,595 yards and 16 more touchdowns in 2025.

Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles (2017)

The Nick Foles 2017 Super Bowl MVP run with Eagles remains one of the most remarkable backup-quarterback stories in NFL history. Foles signed a modest two-year, $11 million contract with the Eagles and would start 13 games.  But his signing was the key to a Super Bowl win as he replaced an injured Carson Wentz in 2017 and carried Philadelphia to a championship, including being named Super Bowl MVP. Foles had 373 passing yards and four total touchdowns against the Patriots, not bad for a guy who was signed as an insurance policy by the Eagles. 

Andrew Whitworth, Los Angeles Rams (2017)

After playing 11 years with the Bengals and missing less than 10 games overall, Andrew Whitworth took his talents to Los Angeles, signing a three-year, $36 million deal.  The Rams were desperate for a left tackle to protect Jared Goff.  Whitworth was the perfect fit as he would help the Rams reach the Super Bowl (lost to NE).  He would solidify the offensive line, dropping from 49 sacks allowed to just 28.  He would play five seasons with L.A. and would finally win a Super Bowl in 2021 before retiring and moving into the broadcast booth.

Deion Sanders to the 49ers and the Cowboys, 1994 and 1995

Deion Sanders was a two-sport athlete, so why not have him in this spot after signing two free-agent deals?  After his contract expired with the Falcons, Sanders signed a one-year discount deal with the 49ers and went on to win a Super Bowl, had an interception in that game, and was named Defensive Player of the Year.  Primetime then left San Francisco and signed a seven-year, $56 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys in 1995.  He spent five seasons there, making four  All-Pro teams and winning a Super Bowl in his first year as a Cowboy.

Tom Brady to the Buccaneers, 2020

No one expected Tom Brady to play for any other team than the Patriots.  But after 20 seasons, three MVPs, six Super Bowls, and 14 Pro Bowls, Brady left New England and signed with Tampa Bay in 2020 at age 42.  And the signing paid off in a big way as Brady led the Buccaneers to a championship in his first season and would finish his time in Tampa with three straight division titles. And at age 44, led the NFL with 5,316 passing yards and 43 touchdowns. 

Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles (2024)

After being told by management in New York to test the free agent market, Saquon Barkley signed with division rivals, Philadelphia, and had an incredible first season with the Eagles.  

He ran for 2,005 yards and caught 33 passes for 278 yards with 15 total touchdowns, 

earned first-team All-Pro honors, was named Offensive Player of the Year, and finished third in MVP voting.  Oh, and he went on to help Philly win the Super Bowl.  While his 2025 season wasn’t as great, Barkley’s signing reignited the conversation of paying a running back big dollars, something that wasn’t happening as much before his defection.

Peyton Manning to Broncos, 2012

Peyton Manning’s Hall of Fame career with the Colts came to an end after dealing with a season-ending neck injury but he was still the big fish in the 2012 free agency class.  Manning would sign with Denver and despite some poor play, he managed to lead the Broncos to a 45-12 record over four seasons, which included an MVP, 2 trips to the Super Bowl and one championship, which was mostly carried by the defense.  Still, Denver’s gamble on an older Manning paid off in the end.

Reggie White to Packers, 1993

In eight seasons with the Eagles, Reggie White was named to the Pro Bowl seven times and recorded double-digit sacks in all eight seasons.  He was already on the path to being a first-ballot Hall of Famer.   The current-day free agency format started in 1993 and White was the premier signing.  Surprisingly, he chose Green Bay,  and his legacy as one of the greatest defenders was cemented.  In six seasons with the Packers, White won his second Defensive Player of the Year award and made the Pro Bowl and an All-Pro team in every season. He played a massive role in the Packers Super Bowl 31 victory and remains one of the all-time greats.

Drew Brees to Saints, 2006

After five seasons in San Diego, Drew Brees’ time with the Chargers was in jeopardy after the team drafted Philip Rivers in 2004.  While he would play two more seasons with the Chargers, Brees would eventually turn over the starting job to Rivers and signed a six-year, $60 million deal with the New Orleans Saints in 2006.   His first season in the Big Easy, Brees led the Saints to  the NFC Championship Game. During his 15 years with the Saints,  Brees made 12 Pro Bowls and led them to a Super Bowl victory. He ranks second in NFL history in passing yards and passing touchdowns, and he retired after 2020 with a 142-86 record as New Orleans’ starting quarterback.