With NFL free agency set to begin on March 11, the article highlights the greatest free-agent signing in history for every NFL team. These players either won championships, transformed franchises, or delivered Hall of Fame careers after signing.
Here are the top signings by team:
Arizona Cardinals – Kurt Warner: Led the franchise to its only Super Bowl appearance.
Atlanta Falcons – Michael Turner: Became an elite rusher after signing in 2008.
Baltimore Ravens – Rod Woodson: Key leader of the 2000 Super Bowl defense.
Buffalo Bills – Bryce Paup: Won Defensive Player of the Year in his first season.
Carolina Panthers – Sam Mills: Helped lead the team to the NFC Championship.
Chicago Bears – Steve McMichael: Hall of Famer and dominant pass rusher.
Cincinnati Bengals – Trey Hendrickson: Elevated their pass rush and helped reach a Super Bowl.
Cleveland Browns – Phil Dawson: Reliable scorer for 14 seasons.
Dallas Cowboys – Deion Sanders: Helped win Super Bowl XXX.
Denver Broncos – Peyton Manning: Won MVP and a Super Bowl after signing.
Detroit Lions – Dick LeBeau: Hall of Fame career in Detroit.
Green Bay Packers – Reggie White: Defensive legend and Super Bowl champion.
Houston Texans – Arian Foster: One of the league’s most dynamic backs in his prime.
Indianapolis Colts – Johnny Unitas: Three-time MVP and championship winner.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Jimmy Smith: Nine 1,000-yard seasons.
Kansas City Chiefs – Priest Holmes: Dominant peak seasons in early 2000s.
Las Vegas Raiders – Jim Plunkett: Led team to two Super Bowl titles.
Los Angeles Chargers – Antonio Gates: One of the greatest tight ends ever.
Los Angeles Rams – Kurt Warner: MVP and Super Bowl winner.
Miami Dolphins – Jim Langer: Key part of back-to-back Super Bowls.
Minnesota Vikings – John Randle: 137.5 career sacks.
New England Patriots – Mike Vrabel: Helped win three Super Bowls.
New Orleans Saints – Drew Brees: Led franchise to its first Super Bowl.
New York Giants – Kerry Collins: Took team to Super Bowl in 2000.
New York Jets – Curtis Martin: Hall of Fame-level production.
Philadelphia Eagles – Saquon Barkley: Immediate Super Bowl impact.
Pittsburgh Steelers – James Farrior: Defensive anchor for two titles.
San Francisco 49ers – Deion Sanders: Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl champ.
Seattle Seahawks – Michael Bennett: Key piece of Super Bowl defense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tom Brady: Delivered a Super Bowl in his first season.
Tennessee Titans – Kevin Mawae: Hall of Fame lineman who anchored offense.
Washington Commanders – Doug Williams: First Black QB to win Super Bowl MVP.
Overall, the list shows how free agency has shaped NFL history, with many of these signings leading directly to championships and Hall of Fame careers.