Top 7 Free Agent Signings in the NFL from 2024 | Who were the best signings?

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, one of the most critical steps a team can take to maintain long-term success is making strategic moves during free agency. While it’s tempting to chase big names or flashy stats, the most impactful acquisitions are those who fit seamlessly into a team’s existing scheme and culture.

Signing players who are tailor-made for your system—whether it’s a 4-3 defense, a West Coast offense, or a zone-blocking run game—allows your team to maximize the strengths of both the individual and the collective. When a player is able to understand and thrive in the scheme, they can elevate the play of those around them and quickly integrate into the team dynamics. This synergy is key to creating consistency on the field, reducing the learning curve, and allowing coaches to implement their strategies with confidence.

In contrast, signing players who are mismatched to your system not only wastes potential but also disrupts team chemistry, leading to inconsistent performances and the need for constant adjustments. It’s about building a cohesive unit, where every player’s role and strengths align with the broader vision of the coaching staff.

In free agency, it’s not just about filling a position—it’s about ensuring that the player you sign will complement and enhance what you already do well. The true value in free agency comes from smart, calculated decisions that bolster your team’s identity, and ultimately, lead to sustained success on the field.

So we are going to recognize the Top 7 Free Agent Signings of the 2024 Off-Season, Let’s Go!!!

1. Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings signed Sam Darnold to a 1 year deal worth 10 million dollars in the off-season and while many thought it was a bad move, Darnold has become a star. The Vikings are playing extremely well right now and they are playoff bound.
2. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles paid good money for Barkley who landed a 37.8-million-dollar contract and he has been worth it. He is over 2000 yards on the year and would likely break the rushing record if he was not held out in week 18 against the team who decided to let him walk.
3. Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens – Yes, another running back on the list. Henry and Lamar Jackson have been trouble. People were saying Herny lost a step, but that is not the case, the old running back is absolutely crushing the AFC North this year.
4. Xavier McKinney, S, Green Bay Packers – Are you kidding me the guy is a freaking machine in the secondary. McKinney has seven interceptions on the year and is a ball hawk who leads the Packers secondary which is pretty amazing right now.
5. Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers – Josh Jacobs is a top five running back in the NFL right now. The standout running back has 1,285 yards on the season and does not look to be slowing down. The Packers have a balanced attack with Jacobs.
6. Zack Baun, LB, Philadelphia Eagles – Baun has become the leader of the Eagles defense, and was a free agent signing. I love this kids ball skills. He is all over the place and has been terrorizing offenses. He has 151 tackles this year.
7. Russell Wilson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers are paying 1.2 million dollars for Russell Wilson, and they are locked into the playoffs. Wilson was a great value signing. When you consider the 10 million Sam Darnold was paid, Russell Wilson was the Goodwill version and is doing great things for the Steel Curtain.

A player who was very close for me was Jonnu Smith. The Dolphins struck gold with him, and he could be on his way to the Pro Bowl. The former Titans pass catcher is having a career year.