NFL Free-Agent Signings: Ranking Every Day 3 Signing

The number of NFL free agents continues to get smaller as teams scurried on Day 3 to sign players to NFL contracts.

While pickings may have been slimmer, one team—the Buffalo Bills—got the biggest return on their search into the talent pool when they signed defensive star Mario Williams. 

Other teams may not have been able to reel in a huge fish like Williams, but there was still enough activity to make it seem as though teams were finding the right fits for their offenses and defenses.

Here is a look at what happened on Day 3 and who struck gold.

All information in this slideshow regarding reports, contracts and terms of deals were researched through NFL.com.

Steve Hutchinson, Guard, Tennessee

This is the move the Titans are hoping will help lure Peyton Manning to Tennessee.

Hutchinson is still a good get with 11 years of experience.

Tennessee had some issues with its offensive line, but Hutchinson can help this team with its run game.

GRADE - B+

Richard Marshall, Cornerback, Miami

He was in Arizona last year and now he travels southeast to another warmer-climate state.

Marshall is a nice player who will help Miami's secondary.

The deal was reported to be for three years and $16 million.

GRADE - B-

Brandon Merriweather, Defensive Back, Washington

On Day 1, the Redskins signed players to help the offense.

On Day 3, they signed Merriweather to help the defense.

What Merriweather does is give the secondary youth, speed and a good cover defender. He will also be valuable on special teams.

GRADE - B

Juqua Parker, Defensive End, Cleveland

They signed Frostee Rucker yesterday and came to terms with Parker today.

According to the report, the deal is for one year and is worth $3 million.

Parker helps as another body on the defensive line.

GRADE - B

Steve Slaton, Running Back, Miami

Do you get the feeling the Dolphins have a crowded backfield?

Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas and now Steve Slaton.

The small back is key to the third-down success of this team because he is a dependable pass receiver out of the backfield.

GRADE - C-

Rock Cartwright, Special Teams, San Francisco 49ers

This signing is bigger than you think.

With the issues the 49ers had in the NFC Championship Game with special teams, Cartwright's signing becomes a nice coup.

He was a special teams ace with the Oakland Raiders.

GRADE - A-

Brodney Pool, Defensive Back, Dallas Cowboys

Dallas added another piece to the puzzle in their secondary.

Pool played for the Jets last season, but was originally a second-round pick by Cleveland.

He will play against the Giants and Redskins twice a year. Both teams have multiple receivers who can hurt you on offense.

GRADE- B-

Peyton Hillis, Running Back, Kansas City

I like this pickup by the Chiefs.

While Jamaal Charles is still the team's leading back, Hillis is a bruising change-of-pace runner who reminds me of Larry Csonka and Mark van Eeghen rolled into one.

He will be a benefit at the goal line for the Chiefs.

GRADE - A-

Le'Ron McClain, Fullback, San Diego

His main goal will be to block for Ryan Mathews.

The fact he moves from Kansas City to a division rival should prove to be interesting when the two teams face each other twice next season.

GRADE - B

Paul Soliai, Nose Tackle, Miami

For a team that has a new head coach, and will have a new quarterback and possibly new receivers, the Dolphins solidified the defense by re-signing Soliai.

Soliai has started 26 games over the past two seasons for the Dolphins.

GRADE - B

Dan Connolly, Center, New England Patriots

It's a good move for New England to re-sign their starting center.

While the Patriots have worked to find pass-rushers in the this free-agent class, signing their own free agents is just as important to the stability and continuity of the organization.

GRADE - B

Mario Williams, Defensive End, Buffalo Bills

The Bills started a dialogue with Williams from the first day of free agency and did not let up until the defensive prize of this free-agent class signed with the Bills.

What Williams does is add a tremendous edge pass-rusher to the team. His deal as reported by NFL.com, was for six years and $96 million.

There is nothing you can say about this move other than bravo!

GRADE- A+