NFL free agency has been responsible for some of the most game-changing signings in league history. While many free agents fail to justify their massive contracts, a select few have transformed franchises, delivered championships, and shattered records. Saquon Barkley’s electrifying first season with the Philadelphia Eagles has already placed him among the most impactful free-agent signings ever, but how does he compare to the all-time greats?
Here are the five most influential free-agent additions in NFL history.
5) RB Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles (2024)
It’s not often that a running back completely changes the fate of a franchise in today’s NFL, but Saquon Barkley’s 2024 season with the Eagles was nothing short of historic. After signing a three-year, $37.75 million deal, he wasted no time making an impact, finishing the season with 2,005 rushing yards and 2,283 scrimmage yards, both single-season records for the Eagles.
Barkley became just the ninth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. Including the playoffs, his 2,447 rushing yards were just 30 yards shy of Terrell Davis’ all-time record (2,476 in 1998). His explosiveness was on full display, setting a new single-season record with seven touchdowns of 60+ yards, surpassing Chris Johnson’s previous mark of six in 2009.
When the postseason arrived, Barkley was unstoppable. He rushed for over 300 yards combined in the Eagles’ victories over the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders, helping lead Philadelphia to Super Bowl 59.
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4) QB Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos (2012)
After 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, four MVP awards, and a Super Bowl victory, Peyton Manning’s career was in limbo due to a serious neck injury that sidelined him for the entire 2011 season. The Colts moved on, releasing him and setting the stage for one of the most high-profile free-agent moves in NFL history.
After 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, four MVP awards, and a Super Bowl victory, Peyton Manning’s career was in limbo due to a serious neck injury that sidelined him for the entire 2011 season. The Colts moved on, releasing him and setting the stage for one of the most high-profile free-agent moves in NFL history.
Manning signed a five-year, $96 million contract with the Denver Broncos, and his impact was immediate. In just his second season, he delivered a record-breaking performance, throwing for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns, both single-season records, while leading the Broncos to a Super Bowl 48 appearance. Though Denver fell to the Seattle Seahawks, Manning rebounded by winning his fifth MVP award that season.
By 2015, despite battling injuries, Manning led the Broncos to a 12-4 record and helped them secure a victory in Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. Even as his stats declined in his final year, his leadership and experience were instrumental in guiding Denver to its first championship since John Elway’s playing days. When he retired, Manning held an NFL-record 200 career wins (including playoffs), securing his place as one of the most impactful free-agent signings ever.
3) DE Reggie White, Green Bay Packers (1993)
Reggie White was the first true superstar to take advantage of NFL free agency. After dominating for eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he recorded 124 sacks, White signed a four-year, $17 million deal with the Green Bay Packers in 1993, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the league at the time.
His presence was immediately felt. In his first season, White recorded 13 sacks and helped lead the Packers to the playoffs. Over six years in Green Bay, he amassed 68.5 sacks and earned six Pro Bowl selections. His defining moment came in Super Bowl 31 when he delivered a legendary performance, racking up three sacks to set a then-record for most sacks in a Super Bowl, leading the Packers to their first championship since 1967.
In 1998, at age 37, White won his second Defensive Player of the Year award after tallying 16 sacks. He retired as the NFL’s all-time sack leader with 198, a record later broken by Bruce Smith, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
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2) QB Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020)
Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots after 20 seasons was one of the most shocking moves in NFL history. At 43 years old, with six Super Bowl rings, many questioned whether he could win without Bill Belichick’s system.
Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots after 20 seasons was one of the most shocking moves in NFL history. At 43 years old, with six Super Bowl rings, many questioned whether he could win without Bill Belichick’s system.
Brady silenced all doubts. Signing a two-year, $50 million deal with a Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise that hadn’t made the playoffs in 12 years, he immediately elevated the team to championship contenders. He threw for 4,633 yards and 40 touchdowns in his first season while leading Tampa Bay to a dominant playoff run. In Super Bowl 55, he outdueled Patrick Mahomes, throwing for 201 yards and three touchdowns to secure a 31-9 victory, earning his seventh ring and fifth Super Bowl MVP award.
Even at 44, Brady continued to defy age, leading the NFL in passing yards (5,316) and touchdowns (43) in 2021. Under his leadership, the Buccaneers won back-to-back NFC South titles and made multiple deep playoff runs. Over three seasons in Tampa Bay, he threw for 14,643 yards and 108 touchdowns.
1) QB Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (2006)
When Drew Brees decided to sign with the New Orleans Saints in 2006, it changed both the team and the entire NFL. After a serious shoulder injury in 2005, the San Diego Chargers chose not to keep him, offering only a deal that depended on how well he played. The Miami Dolphins also passed on him, worried about his health, which allowed the Saints to offer him a six-year, $60 million contract.
Right away, Brees showed he was still one of the best. In his first year with the Saints, he led the NFL with 4,418 passing yards and helped the team make it to their first-ever NFC Championship Game. Over the years, he continued to dominate, leading the league in passing yards five times (2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2016) and in touchdowns four times (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012). His crowning achievement came in Super Bowl 44, where he threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Saints to their first championship. He set a Super Bowl record by completing 32 passes and was named MVP.
By the time he retired in 2020, Brees had thrown for 80,358 yards and 571 touchdowns, ranking second and third in NFL history. He completely turned around the Saints, taking them from a struggling team to regular contenders. His accuracy was remarkable, holding five of the top 10 highest completion percentages in NFL history. Given his longevity and the way he turned around a historically underperforming team, Brees remains the greatest free-agent signing ever.
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