Every offseason, teams set out to improve their roster in any way they can. Whether it’s landing a top free agent or uncovering a hidden gem in the draft. These are key decisions that can define a team’s season.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Top 10 Free Agent Signings, according to NFL.com. Examining these players impact with their new teams.
(Note: This is not a ranking based on play. The Ranking in the article is where they were placed based on the top 100 according to NFL.Com.)
NFL.com Ranked 1: Milton Williams
At just 25 years old and fresh off a dominant playoff run, Milton Williams was due for a major payday. Early reports linked him to the Carolina Panthers, but it was the New England Patriots who swooped in, signing the rising defensive star to a four-year, $104 million deal.
So far, Williams has been everything the Patriots hoped for. His impact has been immediate and undeniable. A year ago, New England’s defense allowed 131.4 rushing yards per game. This season, that number has plummeted to an impressive 83.5. Individually, Williams has shined with a 16% pass-rush win rate, 2.5 sacks, and 17 pressures.
Beyond the stats, Williams has quickly emerged as a tone-setter in the locker room. After learning under veterans like Brandon Graham in Philadelphia, he’s brought that same professionalism and championship mindset to Foxborough. Just last week, Williams battled through a fever over 100 degrees. Refusing to sit out and helping lead the Patriots to a hard-fought win over the New Orleans Saints.
With Williams teaming up alongside Christian Barmore, the Patriots now boast one of the most dominant interior defensive duos in the NFL. A foundation that’s redefining New England’s defensive identity.
NFL.com Ranked 4: Sam Darnold
What more can you say about Sam Darnold? After reviving his career in Minnesota, Darnold entered free agency as one of the offseason’s biggest question marks. A talented but unpredictable option. Teams wondered whether his breakout season was a product of a perfect situation or the start of something real.
The Seattle Seahawks decided to find out. Following the trade of veteran Geno Smith to Las Vegas, Seattle handed Darnold a three-year, $100.5 million contract with $55 million guaranteed. So far, he’s been every bit worth the investment. Darnold currently ranks top five in passing yards, touchdowns, and quarterback rating and per PFF, he’s the highest-graded quarterback in football with an elite 93.7 overall mark.
What’s most impressive, though, is his downfield success. Darnold leads the league in yards per attempt (9.6), while Jaxon Smith-Njigba paces all receivers with 13 catches of 20-plus yards. Which is a direct reflection of Darnold’s aggressiveness and precision.
After lighting up the league last season, Sam Darnold is proving it wasn’t a fluke. He’s doing it again, firmly putting himself in the MVP conversation.
NFL.com Ranked 5: Josh Sweat
Heading into the offseason, the Arizona Cardinals knew improving their pass rush had to be a top priority. With Josh Sweat available on the open market, they decided to go all in. Signing the 28-year-old edge rusher to a four-year, $76.4 million deal with $41 million guaranteed.
The move reunited Sweat with his former defensive coordinator, now Cardinals head coach, Jonathan Gannon. And so far, the familiarity has paid off. Sweat, who’s recorded at least six sacks in each of the past six seasons, is already off to a hot start with five sacks. Already matching last year’s team leader, Zaven Collins.
But Sweat isn’t just falling into these numbers; he’s creating them. His 26% pass-rush win rate ranks fourth among all edge defenders, showing just how dominant he’s been off the line.
Unfortunately, Arizona’s record doesn’t reflect his individual success. The Cardinals have dropped three games on last-second field goals, and while Sweat continues to wreak havoc up front, the offense needs to find answers quickly, or risk falling behind in a highly competitive NFC West.
NFL.com Ranked 7: Carlton Davis
After spending his entire career in Tampa Bay, Carlton Davis was traded to the Detroit Lions. Where he had the best season of his career. In man coverage, he allowed zero touchdowns and ranked as the 7th-highest rated corner in the NFL, holding opponents to just a 45.2% completion rate when targeted.
That performance positioned Davis as the top cornerback in free agency, and the New England Patriots wasted no time filling a key need. Looking for a proven veteran to pair with young star Christian Gonzalez, New England signed Davis to a three-year, $60 million contract.
So far, the move has paid off. Davis, allowing just 29 receiving yards per game, even while battling through minor injuries. Once fully healthy, his production could climb even higher.
There were questions about making Davis one of the league’s highest-paid corners, but he’s continued to justify the investment. With the Patriots boasting the most cap space in the NFL and the luxury of quarterback Drake Maye still on a rookie deal, the timing for aggressive signings was perfect.
By adding both Milton Williams and Carlton Davis, New England hasn’t just patched holes. They’ve built the foundation of a defense capable of contending for years to come.
NFL.com Ranked 8: Charvarius Ward
Amid months of quarterback controversy in Indianapolis, the signing of Charvarius Ward didn’t get nearly the attention it deserved. After years as a top cornerback on some of the NFL’s best defenses, Ward hit free agency as one of the premier names on the market. The Colts seized the opportunity, signing him to a three-year, $60 million deal with $35 million guaranteed — and so far, he’s been worth every penny.
This season, Ward has been lockdown. He’s allowed just 10 receptions total and hasn’t surrendered more than 27 yards to any receiver he’s faced. According to PFF, he ranks as the 4th-best cornerback in football with an 83.4 overall grade, giving Indianapolis the true shutdown presence, they’ve lacked on the outside.
Beyond his on-field production, Ward’s leadership has been invaluable for a young Colts secondary. He’s set the tone in the film room and on the practice field, helping players like Mekhi Blackmon take noticeable steps forward.
The only concern has been availability. Ward has missed two games due to separate concussions, one suffered pregame after an unfortunate collision with a teammate. The Colts are expected to prioritize his long-term health, meaning he may miss another week.
Still, when Ward’s on the field, few corners are playing better. His presence has completely elevated the Colts’ secondary, and he’s proving once again why he’s one of the most consistent defensive backs in the league.
NFL.com Ranked 9: D.J. Reed
Another cornerback cracks the top ten, and for good reason. After letting Carlton Davis walk in free agency, the Detroit Lions were in desperate need of a veteran presence in their secondary. They found it in D.J. Reed, signing the versatile defensive back to a three-year, $48 million deal with $32 million guaranteed.
Reed has been one of the league’s most consistent and underrated corners over the past few seasons, capable of lining up both outside and in the slot. For a young Lions secondary, his leadership and reliability were exactly what the unit needed.
Through the first four games, Reed looked every bit the part of a No. 1 corner. He posted a 61.3 passer rating when targeted, 10th-best in the NFL and recorded one of the best interceptions of the young season. Unfortunately, a brutal hamstring injury cut that momentum short. While the injury initially appeared season-ending, recent reports suggest he’ll return later this year. For now, though, he’s missed two games and could be headed to injured reserve.
The Lions remain one of the NFC’s top contenders, but Reed’s absence has been felt. Last week against the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes threw for 257 yards with only eight incompletions, exposing the gaps left in Detroit’s secondary. With an upcoming matchup against MVP front-runner Baker Mayfield, the Lions can’t afford another breakdown on the back end.
When healthy, D.J. Reed has proven to be a difference-maker. As well as providing veteran presence who gives Detroit’s defense both versatility and confidence.
NFL.com Ranked 10: Davante Adams
The past few years haven’t been ideal for Davante Adams. After going from Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay to a carousel of quarterbacks in Las Vegas, Adams finally reunited with Rodgers in New York — only for the Jets to finish 5–12 before he hit free agency. Even with his best years likely behind him, Adams remained one of the most coveted receivers on the market, drawing interest from multiple contenders. Ultimately, he signed a two-year, $46 million deal with $26 million guaranteed to join the Los Angeles Rams.
The signing immediately gave L.A. one of the best wide receiver duos in football. Paired with rising star Puka Nacua, the two have lived up to the hype. Nacua currently ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards, while Adams sits 11th. They’re the only teammates in the league both ranked inside the top 20, a testament to the Rams’ balanced and explosive passing attack.
While Nacua has stolen much of the spotlight, Adams has been his usual reliable self, topping 50 yards in five of six games this season. For comparison, Cooper Kupp managed only seven such games all last year. And if Nacua were to miss time, Adams has shown he can seamlessly step into the WR1 role without the offense missing a beat.
Still one of the league’s premier route runners, Davante Adams has been instrumental to the Rams’ 4–2 start, proving that elite consistency doesn’t fade with age. In a crowded NFC race, his presence could be the difference between a playoff run and a championship push.
NFL.com Rankied 12: Drew Dalman
After a season in which Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times, tied for the third most in NFL history. Bears GM Ryan Poles made rebuilding the offensive line his top priority. Chicago traded for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, adding stability to a group that had struggled mightily in pass protection. The next step was addressing the revolving door at center.
Enter Drew Dalman. It’s rare for a 27-year-old offensive lineman playing at Dalman’s level to hit the open market. Though he appeared in just nine games last season, his impact in Atlanta was undeniable. When Dalman was off the field, Bijan Robinson averaged a 3.7 EPA. With Dalman back in the lineup for the final six games, that number jumped to 12.7. A testament to his run-blocking and communication skills.
Recognizing his value, the Bears signed Dalman to a three-year, $42 million deal with $28 million guaranteed, solidifying the final piece of their rebuilt interior line.
So far, the results have been everything Chicago hoped for. Dalman has anchored the middle of the line, helping the Bears rank third in the NFL in run block win rate (75%). But perhaps his biggest contribution has been intangible. His experience and ability to assist Williams with pre-snap reads and protection calls, reducing the miscues that plagued the offense last season.
With Dalman in the mix, the Bears finally have stability in the trenches, and their franchise quarterback is reaping the rewards.
NFL.com Ranked 14: Dre Greenlaw
Despite playing just two games last season while recovering from a torn Achilles, Dre Greenlaw still entered free agency as one of the most coveted linebackers on the market. When healthy, Greenlaw is the complete package. A rangy, instinctive defender with elite tackling and coverage skills. His back-to-back 120+ tackle seasons in 2022 and 2023 proved just how impactful he can be at full strength.
It’s that proven production that earned him a big payday this offseason. Unfortunately, an offseason quad injury has delayed his 2025 debut. The team has taken a cautious approach, allowing Greenlaw the time he needs to get back to 100%.
Now, with his return looming, expectations are sky-high. Once he’s back in the lineup, Greenlaw has the potential to elevate what’s already one of the best defenses in the NFL to an even higher level.
NFL.com Ranked 15: Jevon Holland
Just a few seasons ago, Jevon Holland looked like a future All-Pro in Miami. A dynamic, do-it-all safety who could line up anywhere on the field. But after what many labeled a “down year” in 2024. Despite setting career highs in passer rating allowed and completion percentage, the Dolphins chose to let him walk. The New York Giants wasted no time, signing Holland to a three-year, $45.3 million deal with $30.3 million guaranteed.
Early in the season, that investment didn’t seem to be paying off. The Giants stumbled out of the gate, and Holland struggled to make his presence felt. But over the past few weeks, both he and the defense have found their rhythm. Holland has posted a career-best 21% completion rate allowed and delivered several key plays. Including a critical end-zone pass breakup in New York’s 34–17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Holland has always had the talent and instincts to be among the NFL’s top safeties. The key is putting him in position to succeed. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Holland thrives when used in multiple roles, disguising blitzes, covering tight ends, and roaming near the line of scrimmage. However, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has primarily deployed him as a deep safety, which may limit his overall impact.
If Bowen can unlock that versatility and expand Holland’s role as the season progresses, the Giants may have found themselves a true difference-maker on the back end.
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