2012 NFC East Free Agency: Best Value Signings so Far

There has been a lot of discussion about value regarding the free agency dealings of NFC East teams. DeSean Jackson's hefty new contract seems like a risky investment, given the player's previous behavioral issues.

While many still feel as though the Washington Redskins grossly overpaid for former Indianapolis Colt Pierre Garcon.

However, NFC East teams have also made some smart, low-key pickups whose potential for good production this season make them excellent value.

Here are the four best value free-agent signings made by NFC East teams so far:

Dan Connor, ILB, Dallas Cowboys

Adding a savvy run-plugger like Dan Connor on a two-year deal for $6.5 million, is a great value signing by the Cowboys.

Connor improves the Cowboys' inside linebacker rotation by making them younger at the position. The 26-year-old can use his expertise against the run to stay at home and protect the front, while the ultra-athletic Sean Lee uses his keen instincts to freelance and make plays.

Connor is a perfect fit for the Cowboys and, at a projected base salary of $800,000 for 2012, represents superb value.

Martellus Bennett, TE, New York Giants

Martellus Bennett addresses a major need for the Giants as a young tight end with tremendous potential. Bennett has the all-around blocking and receiving skills to be an asset for Big Blue's offense.

True, the four-year pro has been maddeningly inconsistent for the majority of his career. However, the G-Men covered themselves against Bennett failing to produce by signing him to a one-year, low-risk deal, paying only $2.5 million.

At 25 and in the kind of environment the Giants experienced, disciplined players and coaches can offer, he has a great chance to get better.

Josh Morgan, WR, Washington Redskins

Josh Morgan signed a two-year deal worth up to $12 million, but only $7.5 million is guaranteed. That's a smart way to structure the contact given Morgan's injury issues in 2011 which saw him miss 10 games.

Morgan is a great pickup by the Redskins. He is a crafty and deceptively quick wide receiver who excels at venturing across the middle. The 26-year-old will provide Robert Griffin III with a reliable outlet.

The way the deal is set up, the Redskins have provided some insurance against any further injury issues and still ensured the capture of an underrated pass catcher who will surprise many this season.

Lawrence Vickers, FB, Dallas Cowboys

Acquiring a fullback as capable as Lawrence Vickers for a mere $2.4 million over two years, is a superb low-cost, high-value move.

Vickers is a fearsome and powerful lead blocker, who plays with a tenacious appetite for a collision. In 2011 he helped knock open holes for Arian Foster and the Houston Texans rushing offense which ranked second in the league.

Prior to that the 6'0", 250-pounder was a member of the Cleveland Browns and led the way for Peyton Hillis during his explosive 2010 campaign.

Vickers is a cheaper and arguably better alternative to Tony Fiametta. The 28-year-old can key an improvement in the Dallas ground game and might even encourage Jason Garrett to feature the run more often.