NFL Free Agency 2011: Top 50 Signings in NFL History
Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, arguably the best defensive player in the NFL, became a free agent because of a stipulation in his contract earlier this offseason.
Despite the current lockout, we all expect free agency to take place, and it could happen sooner than we think. When transactions resume, the No. 1 player on every team’s short list will be the former Oakland superstar.
Asomugha can still decide to stay with the Raiders, but he could very well bolt for another team with a greater chance at winning a Super Bowl in 2011.
The New York Jets, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles are among many teams who will be lining up to offer Asomugha a contract.
Whichever team lands the “Black Hole” corner will be grinning from ear to ear until the season begins because they know they have an opportunity to win a Super Bowl with his services.
Yes, Asomugha is that good.
And when we look back, he may very well be one of the greatest free-agent signings of all time. As Asomugha, and the rest of us football fanatics, impatiently wait for free agency to begin, let's run down 50 of the best free-agent signings in NFL history.
50. Brandon Lloyd, WR, Denver Broncos 2009
1 of 49
Two-years, $2.05 million
Don’t ask Lloyd what he thinks about telling his former teams if you have virgin ears. Lloyd erupted in his second season with the Broncos. He caught 77 catches for 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns to earn his first Pro Bowl selection.
49. Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE, Tennessee Titans 2005
2 of 49
One-year, $450,000
After a stint with the Arizona Cardinals, the Titans took a chance on Vanden Bosch. He went on to become a stout, powerhouse of a defensive end in his first season, which resulted in a Pro Bowl selection as a reserve. His stellar debut landed him a four-year extension.
48. Mike Williams, WR, Seattle Seahawks 2010
3 of 49
One-year, $545,000
Candidate for 2010 Comeback Player of the Year, Mike Williams was the breakout star for the Seattle Seahawks this season, helping them win the NFC West. He caught 65 passes for 751 yards and two touchdowns.
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47. Donnie Edwards, LB, San Diego Chargers 2002
4 of 49
Five-years, $18.75 million
Averaged over 146 tackles per season in his five-year tenure with the Chargers and brought them to the top of the AFC West. He made the Pro Bowl with the team in 2003 and was often considered one of the best players in the league.
46. Joe Horn, WR, New Orleans Saints 2000
5 of 49
Four-years, $11.2 million
Joe Horn quickly became the Saints’ most prolific receiver in team history. He was a charismatic showman but played at a high level throughout his tenure in New Orleans. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and set the Saints’ single-season receiving yards and touchdown records.
45. Kerry Collins, QB, New York Giants 1999
6 of 49
Four-years, $16 million
Kerry Collins is once again a free agent this year, but has been successful ever since signing with the Giants in 1999. In 2000, he helped lead the team to the Super Bowl against the Baltimore Ravens. Although the team lost, he was the quarterback that got them back to the Promised Land.
44. Ricky Watters, RB, Philadelphia Eagles 1995
7 of 49
Three-years, $6.9 million
Watters was selected to three straight Pro Bowls as he was one of the better all-around running backs in the league during his tenure with Eagles. Although he only played with Philly for three seasons, he led the team to two playoff appearances.
45. Trent Dilfer, QB, Baltimore Ravens 2000
8 of 49
One-year, $1 million
Although not the most talented, Dilfer was a very good game-managing quarterback. Under his leadership, the Ravens went on to win Super Bowl XXXV. He made everyone realize that the position is not all about talent—but quality decision making.
42. Asante Samuel, CB, Philadelphia Eagles 2008
9 of 49
Six-years, $56 million
Samuel was the best free agent of his class and was easily the most coveted cornerback. Although not the best tackler, he was a shutdown cornerback. One has to wonder, though, if he would have stayed in New England had he won a third Super Bowl ring. He’s been named to two Pro Bowls with the Eagles.
41. Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings 2009
10 of 49
Two-years, $25 million
Favre had a career season in his debut with the Vikings, throwing 4,202 yards, 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He led Minnesota all the way to the NFC Championship, losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints.
40. Brad Johnson, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2001
11 of 49
Five-years, $28 million
Johnson was the quarterback that led the Buccaneers to their Super Bowl victory over the Oakland Raiders in 2002-2003. He set the team record for touchdowns with 22 that season.
39. Jon Runyan, OT, Philadelphia Eagles 2000
12 of 49
Six-years, $30.5 million
Runyan started in 128 consecutive regular season games as he was one of the most durable players in the league. The Eagles won at least 11 games in each of his first five seasons and went to numerous NFC Championship games as well as the Super Bowl.
38. Troy Vincent, DB, Philadelphia Eagles 1996
13 of 49
Five-years, $15 million
Vincent was a complete corner for the Eagles, tallying 28 interceptions and 519 tackles in Philadelphia en route to five Pro Bowl appearances from 1998 to 2003. He is currently a member of the top 50 Eagles players of all time and was the recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2002.
37. Michael McCrary, DE, Baltimore Ravens 1997
14 of 49
Three-years, $6 million
McCrary was an integral part in the Ravens defense, which was the main reason they won the Super Bowl. In 1998, McCrary tallied 14.5 sacks and averaged 8.5 sacks throughout his tenure with the Ravens.
36. Terrell Owens, WR, Dallas Cowboys 2006
15 of 49
Three-years, $25 million
“The Player” dominated from the receiver position with the Dallas Cowboys. Although he suffered from the case of the dropsies often, he was among the league leaders in touchdowns during his time in Dallas and helped lead the Cowboys to the playoffs for three straight seasons.
35. Lorenzo Neal, FB, San Diego Chargers, 2003
16 of 49
Three-years, $4.5 million
Easily one of the greatest run blocking fullbacks in NFL history, Neal helped paved the way for LaDainian Tomlinson’s all-time great career, which included six straight seasons rushing for 1,000 yards and setting an NFL record in 2006 with 29 rushing touchdowns.
34. Bart Scott, LB, New York Jets 2009
17 of 49
Six-years, $48 million
Scott followed Rex Ryan to the Jets in 2009 and became an instant leader on the team. He is a fantastic linebacker and has helped lead the team to two straight AFC Championship appearance. Everyone would agree he has been worth every penny.
33. Sean Jones, DE, Green Bay Packers 1994
18 of 49
Three-years, $7.8 million
Totaled 24.5 sacks in three years, helping the Packers go to three straight playoff appearances including their Super Bowl championship in 1996. He was a two-time All-Pro with the Packers, 1994 and 1995.
32. Antonio Pierce, LB, New York Giants 2005
19 of 49
Six-years, $26 million
In his first season, Pierce was named the defensive captain. Pierce was instrumental in the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII victory over the New England Patriots. He was a motivational leader in the locker room and has still yet to be replaced.
31. Stephen Davis, RB, Carolina Panthers 2003
20 of 49
Five-years, $15.5 million
Davis rushed for 1,444 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season. He was the driving force behind the Panthers reaching the Super Bowl, where they eventually lost to the New England Patriots.
30. Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles 2009
21 of 49
One-year, $1.6 million
After being used sparingly, Vick would go on to become the 2010 Comeback Player of the Year and rival Tom Brady for most of the season for league MVP. He greatly improved as a passer and led the Eagles to the top of the NFC East and into the playoffs.
29. Plaxico Burress, WR, New York Giants 2005
22 of 49
Six-years, $25 million
Despite how he ended his tenure with the Giants, Plaxico was one of the biggest free-agent signings in the history of the team. He was a dominant receiver for New York and helped lead the team to its Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots in 2008.
28. Ed McCaffrey, WR, Denver Broncos 1995
23 of 49
McCaffrey became the reliable target for John Elway and was an integral piece in the Broncos’ two Super Bowl championships. He was selected to a Pro Bowl in 1998 and was part of only the second duo in league history to record 100 receptions each with Rod Smith in 1999.
27. Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons 2008
24 of 49
Six-years, $34.5 million
Turner helped lead the Falcons to three straight winning seasons. He scored 17 touchdowns in his debut campaign with Atlanta. Matt Ryan is the face of the franchise, but Turner is the driving force behind the Falcons' recent dominance. He rushed for 220 yards in his Falcons debut.
26. James Farrior, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers 2002
25 of 49
Three-years, $5.4 million
An integral part of the Steelers defense, Farrior has helped lead Pittsburgh to two more Super Bowl wins. He was announced to two Pro Bowls in 2004 and 2008 and has accumulated more than 1,000 tackles in his career.
25. Adam Timmerman, OL, St. Louis Rams 1999
26 of 49
Five-years, $19 million
Timmerman was the best offensive lineman for the “Greatest Show on Turf” St. Louis Rams team that went to two Super Bowls, winning one over the Tennessee Titans. He was elected to two Pro Bowls, 1999 and 2001, with the Rams, and was an alternate in 2000 and 2002.
24. Bryce Paup, DE, Buffalo Bills 1995
27 of 49
Three-years, $7.6 million
Paup led the league with 17.5 sacks and won the defensive MVP award in 1995. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in all three seasons with the Bills. He only played for three seasons, but he was incredibly productive during his stint.
23. Julius Peppers, DE, Chicago Bears 2010
28 of 49
Six-years, $91.5 million
Peppers is one of the most talented defensive lineman in the history of the league. He is extremely athletic with freak-like abilities. He joined a top-level defense, but turned it elite, leading the team to the NFC Championship while making the Pro Bowl in 2010.
22. Sam Adams, DT, Baltimore Ravens 2000
29 of 49
Four-years, $20 million
The two-time Pro Bowler helped the Ravens win the Super Bowl in XXXV. He was also named to the Pro Bowl in 2001. His impact on and off the field for the Ravens was invaluable.
21. Steve Hutchinson, OL, Minnesota Vikings 2006
30 of 49
Seven-years, $49 million
Steve Hutchinson was one of the most dominant offensive lineman during his prime. For some odd reason, the Seahawks decided to let him go. Hutchinson would go on to continue his dominance with the Vikings as he was selected to a Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons with the team.
20. Simeon Rice, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2001
31 of 49
Five-years, $30 million
Rice was one of the most dominant defensive ends in the game during his prime. He quickly led the Bucs to become one of the best defenses in the league and a Super Bowl Championship over the Raiders in 2002.
19. Jerry Rice, WR, Oakland Raiders 2001
32 of 49
The greatest receiver of all-time stays local and joins the Black and Silver. He still dominates and helps lead the team to the Super Bowl in 2002 during a Pro Bowl season. He is the only player to catch a touchdown pass in four different Super Bowls.
18. Rod Woodson, S, Baltimore Ravens 1998
33 of 49
One of the greatest defensive players of all-time, Rod Woodson was a driving force in the Ravens’ Super Bowl victory over the Giants in 2000. He signed and quickly became one of the leaders of the team, while remaining one of the top players in the entire league as he was selected to three Pro Bowls during his tenure.
17. Adam Vinatieri, K, Indianapolis Colts 2006
34 of 49
Five-years, $12 million
The clutch kicker of all-time, Vinatieri was the difference maker in Peyton Manning’s first Super Bowl winning season. He finished that postseason with an NFL record 49 points and 14 field goals, which included three in the Super Bowl victory over the Chicago Bears.
16. Marcus Allen, RB, Kansas City Chiefs 1993
35 of 49
Allen won the 1993 Comeback Player of the Year award and was elected to the Pro Bowl as he rushed for 12 touchdowns and led the Chiefs to the AFC Championship. He went on to lead the team in rushing for the following three seasons.
15. Mark Schlereth, OL, Denver Broncos 1995
36 of 49
Three-years, $2.4 million
Schlereth was a driving force behind the Denver Broncos’ Championship runs. Terrell Davis gets most of the credit, but it was Schlereth leading the offensive line to create the running lanes and protect John Elway. A two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Broncos, he was elected to the Pro Bowl in 1998.
14. Charles Woodson, CB, Green Bay Packers 2006
37 of 49
Seven-years, up to $52.7 million
Woodson is one of the top cornerbacks in the league and has been named to three Pro Bowls during his time in Green Bay. In 2009, he was the Defensive Player of the Year. He finally won a Super Bowl with the team this year after he was one of the best defensive players of the year.
13. Rodney Harrison, S, New England Patriots 2003
38 of 49
Six-years, $14.5 million
Harrison was one of the toughest and hardest hitting safeties during his prime. He was a leader and vital piece for Bill Belichick’s defense and posted 140 tackles in his first season with the team. He helped lead the Patriots to three Super Bowl appearances, coming away with two rings.
12. Mike Vrabel, LB, New England Patriots 2001
39 of 49
Vrabel would play eight seasons with the Patriots and become a vital piece to the organization. A leader on and off the field, Vrabel helped lead the team to three Super Bowl Championships. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007, but his shining moment came in the Super Bowl win over the Carolina Panthers when he rivaled Tom Brady for the game MVP award.
11. Kevin Mawae, C, New York Jets 1998
40 of 49
Five-years, 16.8 million
Arguably the greatest center of all-time, Mawae was also one of the toughest players in the league. He was a five-time Pro Bowler in New York and anchored an offensive line that paved the way to the playoffs multiple times.
10. Darren Sharper, S, New Orleans Saints 2009
41 of 49
One-year, $1.7 million
Sharper was elected to the Pro Bowl in his first season with the Saints. He won the Super Bowl in his first season as he was the best player on the defense.
8. Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals 2005
42 of 49
One-year, $4 million
Warner rejuvenated his career in the Arizona desert. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2008. He led the team to the Super Bowl, falling seconds short of becoming a two-time Super Bowl Champion.
7. Rich Gannon, QB, Oakland Raiders 1999
43 of 49
Four-years, $16 million
Rich Gannon was the best quarterback the Raiders had in the new millennium. He was elected to the Pro Bowl for three-straight seasons and was named the 2002 NFL MVP. He threw five interceptions in the Super Bowl—but at least he took the team to the Super Bowl.
6. Jake Delhomme, QB, Carolina Panthers 2003
44 of 49
Two-years, $4 million
Delhomme went undrafted and spent time in Europe before eventually finding a home with the Carolina Panthers in 2003. Deemed the future of the franchise, nobody knew it would come that same year as he led the Panthers to Super Bowl XXXVIII.
5. Curtis Martin, RB, New York Jets 1998
45 of 49
Six-years, $36 million
Martin signed with the Jets and became one of the most reliable and durable running backs in the history of the game. He was elected to three Pro Bowls and became one of the greatest Jets players of all-time after he finished the 2004 season as the league leader in rush yards.
4. Deion Sanders, CB, Dallas Cowboys 1995
46 of 49
Seven-years, $35 million
Sanders was named to three Pro Bowls with the Cowboys and helped the team win a Super Bowl Championship. He was a driving face of the franchise as he helped Dallas become “America’s Team.”
3. Deion Sanders, CB, San Francisco 49ers 1994
47 of 49
One-year, $1.2 million
Although only with the team for one season, he may have had the best season of his career with the 49ers. He was the Defensive Player of the Year and intercepted a pass in the team’s Super Bowl victory that season.
2. Reggie White, DE, Green Bay Packers 1993
48 of 49
Four-years, $17 million
Although he was on the downside of his career, White was still the driving force behind the Green Bay Packers defense. He accumulated almost 70 total sacks in his career, won Super Bowl XXXI, and was named to six-straight Pro Bowls and won the Defensive Player of the Year in 1998—worthy every last penny.
1. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints 2006
49 of 49
Six-years, $60 million
Brees led the Saints to their first Super Bowl victory in 2009-2010 after rejuvenating the New Orleans in 2006 following Hurricane Katrina. He has been arguably the most consistent player in the league since joining the Saints and has made them a legitimate Super Bowl contender in recent years.
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