When creating a championship team in the NFL, free agency has grown in importance. A strategic acquisition might make the difference between a club winning the Super Bowl and not making the postseason at all. The 2023 season looks to be no different from the various free agency signings that have altered NFL history throughout the years.
Three-time first-team All-Pro and five-time pro bowler DeAndre Hopkins is currently the biggest name within the free agency pool. He recently left the Arizona Cardinals following a dismal campaign at State Farm Stadium last season in which The Cards won just four games all season and finished the campaign by losing seven straight on the spin. He is joined in the free agency pool by the likes of EDGE rushers Leonard Floyd, Jadeveon Clowney, and Frank Clark, as well as running back Kareem Hunt.
It remains to be seen who snaps up the current prized assets within the world of free agency, but one thing remains clear: there is a single overwhelming front-runner for the Lombardi this season. That, of course, is the Kansas City Chiefs. Spearheaded by quarterback sensation Patrick Mahomes, the Missouri-based outfit has reached the AFC Championship game in each of the last five seasons, converting two of those appearances into Super Bowl Championships. They have been made the +700 favorite for more success this season by OddsChecker, and they are expected to be run close by fellow AFC sides the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills.
In this article, however, we will take a closer look at three of the best free agency signings in NFL history, all of whom, just like the aforementioned Mahomes, are quarterback sensations.
Tom Brady to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady shocked the NFL world in 2020 when he signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after spending two decades with the New England Patriots. Many folks were doubtful about the 43-year-old quarterback’s performance in a new scheme, but Brady proved them wrong by throwing for 4,633 yards and 40 touchdowns in his inaugural season with the Bucs. Thanks to his swift integration with the team and elite prowess on the field, Brady is considered one of the top free-agent signings in NFL history. Plus, he helped lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Nick Foles to the Philadelphia Eagles
Nick Foles was an underdog before he joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. But boy, did he ever make a name for himself! When Carson Wentz got hurt, the backup quarterback swooped in and took over the game. Foles’ performance was nothing short of amazing – he led his team to the Super Bowl and went on to throw for 373 yards and three touchdowns in the big game, leading the Eagles to a thrilling victory over the Patriots and a maiden Lombardi. Not to mention, he played incredibly well in the postseason, stacking up 971 yards and six touchdowns in just three games. Talk about impressive. It’s no wonder Foles is today recognized as one of the top free-agent acquisitions in NFL history.
Peyton Manning to the Denver Broncos
Future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning joined the Denver Broncos in 2012 as a member. Manning silenced his detractors in his debut season with the franchise by tossing 4,659 yards and 37 touchdowns, dispelling doubts about his performance after missing the 2011 season due to injury. He continued to dazzle the next year, leading Denver to a Super Bowl trip in 2013 and setting an NFL record with 55 touchdowns. Manning became one of the best free-agent signings in NFL history thanks to his outstanding performance to the Broncos.
In Conclusion
Fans always look forward to the NFL free agency season because they can’t wait to see who their favorite teams will sign. While not all free agent signings are successful, the three players mentioned in this article showed that timing is everything when it comes to making a difference. For their new clubs, Tom Brady, Nick Foles, and Peyton Manning all put forth outstanding performances that helped them win Super Bowls and secure their places in NFL history.
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