Free agency is one of the most important times of the year for some NFL teams, especially those that are just one or two players away from being contenders. There have been some free agent signings that have put teams over the top and it has produced a Super Bowl season. Let's look at my top free agent signings of all-time.
1. Deion Sanders- San Francisco (1994) Dallas (1995)
"Primetime" Deion Sanders joined the 49ers after the 1993 season and his impact on that Super Team put them back on top of the NFL. It only lasted for one season, until he signed with the Cowboys the following season winning back to back titles with two different teams.
2. Reggie White- Green Bay (1993)
White was the defensive leader of the Eagles, but Philly let him walk after 7 seasons and he took full advantage of his move. He finally got his first ring after the '96 season, cementing his place in Canton. It was the very first season that featured free agency.
3. Peyton Manning- Denver (2012)
He could have been the biggest steal in free agency since 2000. One of the best to ever play, he broke the single season passing touchdown mark (55) and passing yards (5,477). Did I mention he won comeback player of the year after a career threatening neck injury that forced him out of Indy.
4. Drew Brees- New Orleans (2006)
Like Manning, an injury forced Brees out of San Diego, but it was a blessing in disguise. He led the Saints to their first Super Bowl title in 2009 and he ranks top 5 in all major passing categories.
5. Jimmy Smith- Jacksonville (1995)
I never see Jimmy on anyone's list but this free agent signing from Dallas set the bar high in the Jaguars record books. His 11 seasons were some of the best in NFL history, Jimmy recorded 862 catches for 12,287 and 67 touchdowns. He would have a chance at Canton if it weren't for off-the-field issues.
6. Charles Woodson- Green Bay (2006)
Woodson resurrected his career in Green Bay after not living up to his Heisman status in Oakland. He re-tooled his game as a CB/S, then he won 2009 defensive player of the year and a championship the following season.
7. Michael Turner- Atlanta (2008)
Michael "The Burner" Turner was probably the most talented back in the league while in San Diego, but when his number was called he put a show. His first season in Atlanta he set the record for rushing yards (1,699) and touchdowns (17).
8. Simeon Rice- Tampa Bay (2001)
Rice was a first round pick in Arizona, but free agency led him to the best fit for his talent as the Bucs Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks put this team at the top. Rice recorded 5 consecutive seasons with double digit sacks, even two in the Super Bowl, when they would spank the Raiders by 27.
9. Jerry Rice- Oakland Raiders (2001)
This was maybe the most inspiring signing of all time as Jerry Rice moved to the other side of the Bay Area. He set NFL records in San Francisco, but he proved to the 49ers and the NFL that he was far from done. Rice posted two 1,000 seasons and 18 touchdowns while in the Silver and black.
10. Kurt Warner- Arizona (2005)
Kurt Warner was an undrafted free agent that led one of the best offenses in NFL history to a championship (St. Louis Rams) and nearly did it Arizona too. He set a Super Bowl record for passing yards in the big game but the Steelers pulled out the last second victory.
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