NFL Free-Agent Signings 2015: Examining Impact of Thursday's Biggest Deals

Following the NFL's salary cap increase, teams seem to be spending a bit more than usual during this year's free-agency period, filling more roster voids via free agents than in previous years. That, of course, led to many familiar faces in new places just as the new league year began.

Although the frenzied activity we saw during the first two days of the 2015 free-agency period slowed down a bit Thursday, many teams were still willing to spend money on the right players, leading to some very intriguing deals.

After sorting through all of the deals that took place during Day 3 of the free-agency period, here's a look at the three that will provide the biggest impact.

DeMarco Murray to Philadelphia Eagles

In arguably the most notable deal of the day, the Eagles continued their spending spree by bringing in the NFL's reigning rushing leader DeMarco Murray. A former Dallas Cowboy, Murray is very familiar with Philadelphia's offensive philosophy, and the running back relayed why he chose the team during a press conference, via Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com:

"

I felt that this was a great opportunity for me to win a Super Bowl, at the end of the day. It wasn't about financial security or anything like that. Obviously, you want something that you deserve, something that is respectful. Those two things are important to me, and I was able to accomplish that. I think the Eagles have a great chance to win a Super Bowl.

"

So, how much did Philadelphia spend to get free agency's most coveted ball-carrier? Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com tweeted the details:

Murray thinks the Eagles have what it takes to win a Super Bowl, and he may be right. While there's still some uncertainty at the quarterback position—Chip Kelly must still have Marcus Mariota's number on speed dial—a bolstered secondary and the addition of a north-south running back make this team increasingly dangerous on both sides of the ball.

There's one other takeaway from this deal. Before Murray signed, former San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews agreed to a deal with Philadelphia; however, he had yet to sign. Well, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, via Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com, Mathews will still be joining the Eagles this season.

Philadelphia's revamped backfield now includes Murray, Mathews, Darren Sproles and Chris Polk. Not too shabby.

Antrel Rolle to Chicago Bears

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

The Bears finally added some help in the secondary. Chicago has been dreadful in that department in recent years, finishing the 2014 season ranked 30th in the NFL, allowing an average of 264.4 passing yards per game. That number is likely to improve this year.

Pro Football Talk tweeted the numbers of a deal between the Bears and former New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle:

Rolle has been very productive over his 12 NFL seasons, and he continued to post solid numbers in 2014, racking up 87 tackles, one forced fumble, three interceptions and nine passes defensed. The veteran isn't known for his ability to help out in run support, but he remains solid in coverage, possessing the speed and agility to play center field and make up ground in a hurry when necessary.

If the Bears are to climb up the ladder in the competitive NFC North, improving the secondary to combat the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford was necessary. Signing Rolle is a very solid start to John Fox's regime.

Rahim Moore to Houston Texans

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Speaking of teams that needed some major help in the secondary, the Texans finished the 2014 season ranked 21st in the league, allowing 243.1 passing yards per game. With Danieal Manning hitting the open market, Houston needed to make a move in a hurry. The team did exactly that on Thursday, signing former Denver Broncos safety Rahim Moore.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle tweeted the details:

This is a very solid signing for the Texans. While most people remember Moore from his infamous busted coverage in the 2013 playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens, he's still just 25 years of age and has become a very solid player.

Last season, Moore recorded 49 tackles, two forced fumbles, four interceptions and five passes defensed. He is a huge asset in coverage and rarely draws penalties. Acquiring his services for $12 million could turn out to be a steal for Houston if Moore continues to develop and hit his ceiling.