NFL Free Agent Signings: Who Was Worth the Big Bucks?

There is a saying that the NFL is so popular and lucrative, that the league prints its own money. Plenty of NFL free agents must have stopped by the league office to pick up their share because it was flying around.

Former Texans defensive end Mario Williams received $96 million from the Bills. The team that decides to break the bank for Manning is coming soon, possibly in 24 hours. So the possibility that there is some buyer’s remorse with Manning by mid-season if he’s not healthy, some will wonder if he’ll be worth the risk and money.

I would classify this as necessary and smart on Buffalo’s part. The team wanted a speed rusher, they got him Mario Williams. He wanted a big contract, but because Houston said no, he found a team that was willing to say yes.

He’ll be around for at least the next five years, and then we’ll have a better chance to grade the contract.

Cornerback Brandon Carr received a pretty large contract from the Cowboys. Dallas needs help in the defensive backfield and Carr was the next thing available to aid them in the secondary. His deal is front loaded and depending on play may be re-negotiated down the road to alleviate some cap space for Dallas.

The Rams picked up former Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan for a cool $50 million. Being short-sighted, I’m not sure if Finnegan was worth that much money for a team rebuilding. He’s still young enough to participate, but I did not think the Rams would go that far with him.

The deal isn’t awful and they gained a really solid cornerback.

Guard Carl Nicks got some of what he was looking for with the Bucs. His contract is worth $47.5 million, but I’m not sure if a guard is worth that much money. Tampa Bay also signed receiver Vincent Jackson to a $55 million contract. Tampa is dreaming big and spending that way as well. But I’m not so sure the team didn’t over spend for both players.

Washington’s $42 million deal to receiver Pierre Garcon was far fetched to me as well. Garcon was good with Manning, but how good will he be with a rookie quarterback?

Teams wanting to improve themselves immediately, like the Bucs, brought their checkbook and plenty of pens at the start of free agency. However, just because a team spends does not guarantee success. Just ask the Redskins.