Best and Worst Free Agent Value Signings: 1st Wave Edition
There’s nothing like a fresh start to the NFL’s calendar year. Every fan is filled with hope that their team will make the right moves or a big splash, but some are left sadly disappointed. With the first wave of free agency coming to a close, let’s take a look at some of the best and worst signings around the league thus far.
Best
Mike Iupati, Arizona Cardinals
Ranking fifth among all guards according to Pro Football Focus, Iupati is a huge upgrade for Arizona. His new contract makes him the third highest paid guard in the league, and he is well worth it. Also, nabbing him away from division rival San Fransisco is a huge plus.
Darrelle Revis, New York Jets
He’s baaaaack. After short stays in Tampa Bay and New England, the NFL’s top corner is back in green and white. Even though they did spend A LOT for him, it is definitely money well spent. Paired with another free agent signing in Antonio Cromartie and outstanding former defensive coordinator Todd Bowles as head coach, the Jets are going to have a very special defensive backfield next season.
Pernell McPhee, Chicago Bears
Surrounded by many other talented linebackers during his time with Baltimore, McPhee was a bit overlooked despite putting up equal or better numbers. He was Pro Football Focus’ second-ranked 3-4 outside linebacker, behind only Justin Houston. With the Bears switching to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, McPhee is a perfect fit for the Bears who struggled mightily on defense last year.
Worst
Julius Thomas, Jacksonville Jaguars
Come on people! Everyone should know by now that whoever Peyton Manning is throwing to at tight end almost always puts up big numbers. Thomas is now the highest paid tight end in the league which is pretty ridiculous, but for the sake of Jacksonville fans sanity, I hope the signing works out for the best.
Dwayne Harris, New York Giants
This might have not been one of the bigger signings of free agency so far, but boy was it dumb. Over the next five years, the Giants will be forking over $17 million to a guy who is primarily to a return specialist. Oh and if things couldn’t get any worse already, the contract also includes over $7 million guaranteed. I would say the Giants way overpaid for a guy who is best known for his dreadlocks that make him look like predator.
Jeremy Maclin, Kansas City Chiefs
By now, almost everyone has heard the same stat that the Chiefs receivers did not have a single touchdown reception in 2014. Jeremy Maclin is a good receiver and should help out the Chiefs offense, but is he worth $11 million a year over the next five years? He did have eighty five receptions last year, but I would not pay a guy $1 million for every eight catches he makes. The Chiefs would have been better off drafting a receiver in the 1st or 2nd round and spending that money elsewhere to fill other needs.