NFL Free Agency: 5 Smartest Deals of Last 5 Years

In the NFL, smart free agent signings are keys to turning a teams around and creating Super Bowl Champions. 

Whether it is minor deals that make major impacts or huge free deals with lucrative contracts going to great players, savvy roster moves create champions.

The past five NFL Offseasons have had some of those major, championship-winning moves and here is a list of the smartest five.

5. Julius Peppers

The Chicago Bears signed Julies Peppers to a hefty six year contract worth up to 91 million dollars.

While Peppers is an aging defensive end who may be in the twilight of his prime, he still is a freak athlete who can do almost everything on defense.

Peppers turned the Bears back into contenders and turned Chicago's defense back into one of the best in the league.

By the end of this contract Peppers will be in his late 30s and may be overpaid but the front end of this deal makes it smart and worth the money.

Because Peppers is locking up one defensive end spot and demanding double teams, GM Jerry Angelo will be able to add less expensive pieces who still produce to the defense and add a bolster of youth to the already veteran laced group.

4. Michael Turner

The Atlanta Falcons signed running back Michael Turner to a six year 34.5 million dollar deal during the 2007 Offseason and it set them up to have one of the best offenses in the league for years to come.

Turner not only came with a bargain of a contract but also produced great numbers in his first season as a Falcon rushing for 1699 yard and scoring 17 touchdowns.

One can also credit Turner with helping the development of young quarterback Matt Ryan because of his veteran leadership and overall rushing ability.

A great running game is a young quarterbacks best friend and that exactly what Turner gave Ryan.

Turner solidified the running back position for the Falcons for years to come and allowed them to gather other great offensive skill position players to turn their offense into what it is today.

Combined with the likes of Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, and Matt Ryan; Michael Turner and the Falcons offense will have Atlanta hoping for a Super Bowl for a long time.

3. Nnamdi Asomugha

While Nnamdi Asomugha hasn't signed with a team yet this Offseason, whoever chooses to sign him will be making one of the smartest free agency moves in history.

Asomugha is the definition of a "shutdown corner" and will shut down one side of the field every Sunday.

Nnamdi Asomugha is a high character guy who any franchise will trust giving a lucrative deal to. He works hard and won't check out after he gets a big pay day.

If Asomugha can land on a team with a solid defense with a hole at corner he could instantly turn that team into one of the best defenses in the league and a Super Bowl contending defense.

2. Charles Woodson

After coming off a series of injuries to end his Oakland Raider career, Charles Woodson signed a seven year, 52.7 million dollar contract with the Green Bay Packers hoping to revive his career.

Woodson did that, and more and has become one of the best defenders in football.

Woodson helped lead the Packers to a Super Bowl title and won a Defensive Player of the Year award.

Woodson is a veteran and while he is going to be highly paid at the end of his career, he has been worth every penny of that deal so far.

1. Drew Brees

The New Orleans Saints signed Drew Brees to a six-year, $60 million contract in 2006 and have not looked back.

Brees was coming off a major shoulder injury and many teams didn't think he could return to form as a great NFL quarterback.

The Saints signed him anyway, and when Brees proved his doubters wrong, New Orleans had made one of the smartest free-agent signings of all time.

Brees is always near the top of the league in all quarterback statistical categories, and more importantly, he's a winner.

Brees led the Saints to their first championship in Super Bowl XLIV and won Super Bowl MVP honors.

The Saints built a Super Bowl championship team around their steal of a free agent in Brees, and they are set for years to come.