Top 10 Free Agent Signings of All Time

SI Staff | Mar 1, 2007

Top 10 Free Agent Signings of All Time

Stephen Davis

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He didn't fit into Steve Spurrier's offense in Washington, but the burly running back was exactly what the Panthers needed in 2003. Davis ran for 1,444 yards and eight touchdowns to help Carolina reach Super Bowl XXXVIII, where it fell to New England.

Bryce Paup

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He signed with the Bills for big money in 1995 and instantly delivered, leading the league with 17 1/2 sacks and winning the defensive MVP award. He was a Pro Bowl defensive end in all three of his seasons in Buffalo.

Sam Adams

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The massive defensive tackle signed with the Ravens in 2000 and immediately helped them forge one of the greatest defenses in NFL history. With Adams taking up multiple blockers up front, the Ravens' linebackers and defensive backs had clean shots at the player with the ball. Adams helped Baltimore win Super Bowl XXXV and was named to the Pro Bowl in '00 and '01.

Rich Gannon

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After being a part-time starter most of his career, Gannon immediately hit his stride when the Raiders signed him in 1999. A master of the dink-and-dunk passing game, Gannon made the Pro Bowl every season from 1999 to 2003, was named the 2002 MVP and helped Oakland reach Super Bowl XXXVII.

Keenan McCardell

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The Jags signed McCardell, who hadn't really blossomed after four years in Cleveland, for $6 million over three years in 1996. McCardell went on to join Jimmy Smith as part of the most consistent receiving duo of the late '90s and first part of this decade. A solid possession receiver, McCardell caught 85 balls or more in four of his six years in Jacksonville.

Priest Holmes

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The Chiefs signed Holmes away from the Ravens in 2001 for a very inexpensive contract, considering the star running back's lofty achievements in K.C. In 2002 and 2003, Holmes ran for a combined 48 touchdowns and was the most dominant running back in the game.

Deion Sanders

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After one of his longer stints in baseball, Sanders signed with the 49ers in 1994, became the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and helped San Francisco win Super Bowl XXIX. The following season the talented cornerback and return man signed with the Cowboys and helped them win Super Bowl XXX. Later in his career, Sanders was a disappointment in Washington and Baltimore, but his achievements in Dallas and San Francisco speak for themselves.

Drew Brees

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The Saints went after Brees despite a shoulder injury he had suffered at the end of the previous season. Brees threw 26 touchdowns and just 11 picks in 2006 and led New Orleans to the NFC Championship Game.

Curtis Martin

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He was a restricted free agent when the Jets signed him in 1998, so they had to give up a first- and third-round pick to the Patriots. At the time, coach Bill Parcells said there was no player he could pick at No. 18 in the first round that would match Martin, and he was right. Martin rushed for over 1,000 yards every year from 1998 through 2004.

Reggie White

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The Packers signed White for $17 million over four years in 1993 -- one of the three highest salaries in the NFL at the time. And the Minister of Defense delivered, transforming the defense and becoming the leader of a team that would win Super Bowl XXXI in 1997.