Top 5 NFL free agent signings

This NFL offseason has brought us almost everything. Trades being backed out of, retirements, and, most importantly, free agency. Many teams were able to reload after making some big-time moves. Let’s take a look at the top five best signings teams made during this free agency cycle.

5. Malik Willis: Quarterback, Miami Dolphins

If you had told me a year ago that former Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis would be the most sought-after quarterback in free agency this year, I would have called you crazy. But after rightfully getting rid of former first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa, I am a fan of the move.

After struggling in his first two seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Willis had a drastic turnaround in Green Bay. In his first season as the backup behind Jordan Love, Willis completed 74.1% of his passes for 550 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions.

In his second and final season in Green Bay, Willis took another step forward. In the 2025-26 season, Willis completed 85.7% of his passes and accumulated 422 yards and once again had three touchdowns to zero picks.

While the Dolphins have a new starting quarterback, I love this deal much more for Willis. The Dolphins signed Willis to a three-year deal worth $67.5 million with $45 million guaranteed. In addition, since the Dolphins cut Tagovailoa, the organization has to eat a dead cap hit of $99.2 million.

Willis is really in a win-win situation. If he plays well, he will make every dollar and will likely earn himself an extension. If he does not play well, he still makes an immense amount of money, and the Dolphins are at a huge loss.

4. Rico Dowdle: Running back, Pittsburgh Steelers

Ever since the departure of Najee Harris to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Steelers’ rushing attack has been good, but the organization is looking to take it to another level. For the Steelers, they believe that the answer is in former Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle.

This past season, Steelers’ starting running back Jaylen Warren ran for 958 yards (19th in the league) and six touchdowns (T-24th) on 211 carries (21st). Despite a solid campaign, Warren was outperformed by Dowdle. Last season, Dowdle had 1,076 yards (14th) and six touchdowns (T-24th) on 236 carries (15th).

Both Warren and Dowdle are 27 years old, so neither of them will be the RB1 for an extremely long period of time. But I think this move is great for both parties. For Dowdle, he has the opportunity to earn the starting job. For the Steelers offense, it is an opportunity to have a lethal one-two punch in the backfield.

On top of that, Dowdle’s deal isn’t too financially taxing, with his contract being two years for $12.25 million.

3. Mike Evans: Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers

With Brandon Aiyuk’s situation worsening and running back Christian McCaffery being the 49ers' leading receiver in yards (924), the 49ers were desperate for a wide receiver. And the organization believes they now have that in former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Evans.

Despite having his first non-1,000-yard season in his entire 12-year career due to injury, Evans has proven his longevity and his ability to continue to produce even though he is 32 years old.

Additionally, Evans can be a great mentor to the 49ers' 2024 first-round receiver Ricky Pearsall. Then, Evans is being paired with one of, if not the best, tight ends in the entire league, George Kittle. When I look at this, I immediately think that the Niners receiving core will be dangerous.

Now, a three-year $42.5 million deal with $16.3 million may be considered a bit of an overpay by some, but if Mike Evans continues to play like Mike Evans into his mid-30s, the deal will be more than worth it.

2. Kenneth Walker III: Running Back, Kansas City Chiefs

Just when we thought the Chiefs' dynasty was over, they decided to go out and get the best running back in free agency: Kenneth Walker III.

Walker is coming off the second-best season of his career statistically. During 2025-26, Walker had 1,027 yards and five touchdowns on 221 carries. To cap off the season, Walker was a key component to the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl win as he took home Super Bowl MVP.

The biggest problem for Walker this season, and one that I personally believe held him back, was that he was splitting carries with Zach Charbonnet until the playoffs. That, I assume, was a driving factor during his time as a free agent.

Now, with Kansas City, Walker, without a doubt, will be the feature back. And with that, I love the deal for Kansas City. Walker has earned every penny of the $45 million. The length of the deal is also perfect. Running backs have built up a reputation of not having long careers. And Walker, being 25, has a perfect deal to take him into the later stages of his career.

1. Kyler Murray: Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings

Kyler Murray to the Vikings was, no questions asked, the biggest signing in the 2026 free agency cycle. Murray has had an up-and-down career in Arizona with more downs than ups.

Murray is coming off the most underwhelming season of his career, where he completed 63.8% of his passes for just 962 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions through only five games played.

Murray’s stardom seems to still be riding on his 2018 Heisman-winning season at Oklahoma. Don’t get me wrong, he has been good in the NFL, but there is still much to be desired. Murray’s biggest issue is turnovers, as Murray has recorded double-digit interception totals in four of his seven total seasons.

But he is a huge step up for Minnesota. The Vikings are coming off a 9-8 season that was overshadowed by pathetic quarterback play.

The source of this struggle at the quarterback position was mainly J.J. McCarthy, who, in his first year as a starter after missing all of his rookie season due to injury, completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

For the Vikings, this deal is a dream come true. Murray signed a one-year contract with all $1.3 million fully guaranteed. Additionally, Murray is set to earn $36.8 million from the Cardinals following his release. For Minnesota, it can either be a cheap one-year rental or a new franchise quarterback. For Murray, it may be his last shot.

Even though free agency is winding down, teams will still have an opportunity to bolster their rosters. The 2026 NFL draft in Pittsburgh, PA, will be April 23rd-25. The draft will be broadcast on ESPN.

Max Malec is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email mvm7264@psu.edu.