There have been numerous big name free agent signings in the short history of free agency. I was wondering what player was the best free agent signing of all time?
Deion Sanders: Has signed with lots of teams Redskins, Ravens, 49ers, and Cowboys. I'm mainly talking about his signings with the Cowboys and 49ers where he helped both teams win the Super Bowl.
Rich Gannon: Signed with the Raiders in 1999, made the probowl every year from 1999 to 2003, was the 2002 MVP, and helped them reach the Super Bowl.
Priest Holmes: Signed with the Chiefs in 2001. During his 7 years in KC he was a Pro Bowl and All Pro selection 3 times and 2002 NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Drew Brees: Signed with the Saints in 2006. 2 time Pro Bowl selection, 2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and has his team undefeated this year and looking like a Super Bowl front runner.
Curtis Martin: Signed with the Jets in 1998. He made 3 Pro Bowls as a Jet, Led the league in rushing in 2004, and had over 1000 yards from 1998 to 2004.
Reggie White: Signed with the Packers in 1993. In his 6 seasons with the Packers he was a Pro Bowler every year, 1998 Defensive Player of the Year, and helped the Packers to 2 Super Bowls winning 1.
I know the popular pick is going to be Reggie White but I'm not so sure he is the best free agent signing of all-time, he was definately the guy who got things going in free agency.
If Priest Holmes didn't have the hip and the neck injury which ultimately forced him to retire I think he would be the front runner.
My vote is for Curtis Martin but this may change in the next few years if Drew Brees keeps putting up the numbers he has and leads the Saints to a Super Bowl.
Stephen Davis: Signed with the Panthers in 2003 and helped them reach the Super Bowl.
Shannon Sharpe: Signed with the Racens befor the 200 season and helped them win a Super Bowl.
Bryce Paup: Signed with the Bills in 1995. Led the league in sacks with 17.5 that season, was Defensive Player of the Year, and made the Pro Bowl all 3 years as a Bill.
Well it's early but with 37 votes in here's how it looks:
Reggie White 41% Drew Brees 30% Curtis Martin 11% Other 8% but no one wrote in a legitimate player Rich Gannon 5% Deion Sanders and Priest Holmes tied at 3%
Has anyone thought of Marshall Faulk. He became a great all purpose back and re-enforced his name into the Hall of Fame. He was still in his prime and helped give the St. Louis Rams a Super Bowl Ring. Nobody in the NFL gave their new team as much of an impact as Marshall Faulk. With what he do for that team, I can't believe nobody voted for him. I'm glad I was the first, now maybe others will join me.
How did Deion Sanders make the list. When he went to the Cowboys it was through trade. In terms of being added through free agency, he didn't have that much of a impact.
Perhaps the acquisition of Brees was more meaningful. He took a franchise that was a dumpster fire and single handedly breathed life into it. He is more important to the Saints than Reggie was with the Pack. Dammit I cant change my vote now
How did Deion Sanders make the list. When he went to the Cowboys it was through trade. In terms of being added through free agency, he didn't have that much of a impact.
In 1994 he signed as a free agent with the 49ers for 1 year. After that year was over he hit the market again and signed as a free agent with the Cowboys for 7 years 35 million.
