NFL 2011 Free Agents: 5 Signings No One Is Talking About, but Should

With so many free-agent signings happening in a rush, it's easy to miss some of them.

As it's one of the most bizarre offseasons ever, if not the most bizarre, there's a good chance that some signings could either be missed or under-appreciated.

Here's a quick look at five that might measure up to mean more than the press they're currently garnering.

No. 5: Mario Harvey, Steelers

Harvey was an undrafted free agent out of Marshall. He was nicknamed the "thumper" for his characteristic ferocious tackling.

And as an aspiring NFL linebacker, what better place to sign then with the Steelers? He certainly could develop down the road. Great signing.

No. 4: Larry Izzo, Giants Coaching Staff

The Giants special teams cost them enormously last year, like when Desean Jackson crushed Giants fans with a punt-return touchdown with no time remaining in the pivotal division game last year.

So bringing in one of the great special teams players of all time to help coach the Giants third unit could be a masterstroke.

If he can help them improve at all, then it might be the difference for the G-men in one of football's most competitive divisions.

No. 3: DeAngelo Williams, Panthers

The Panthers went along way toward helping their young No. 1 pick Cam Newton with this signing.

Last year, Williams had a down year but not because his production fell off dramatically.

Along with Jonathan Stewart, he forms a fearsome running game. If only the Panthers can avoid some of their turnover problems from last year, Williams could have a resurgent year.

No. 2: Eric Weddle, Chargers

The theme has been the resigning that's dominating the smarter moves in my opinion.

And the Chargers resigning safety Eric Weddle is another example of that.

He's not the flashiest member of their team, but Weddle has been a consistent member of their secondary, and he hustles relentlessly.

After losing so many of their team's defensive players over the years, he's finally one that they kept.

No. 1: Charles Johnson

I know, how can he be a signing no one is talking about when everyone has in fact been talking about this?

It's all about timing.

In a few days, he'll be an afterthought. But he's a crucial part of any plans the Panthers have to imrpove their defense.

Had they lost him, it would have been back to the drawing board for Carolina. Now, they have a young and extremely talented building block in place for the prime of his career.

Sure, it's a lot of money. But with all the reworking of contracts going on nowadays, why wouldn't the Panthers be able to adjust his deal if need be? It's not like he won't be millions of dollars rich anyway.