New Orleans Saints

2016 NFL Season: Ranking The 5 Best Free Agent Signings

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Sep 25, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) celebrates a touchdown catch during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The first quarter of the 2016 NFL season is in the book. While most will focus on the progress of the draft picks, what about the big free agent names?

Free agency may not get the same hype as the draft but it can be just as crucial to the success of a franchise if executed properly. Ask the Saints about Drew Brees or the Packers about Reggie White. It doesn’t always have to be a blockbuster signing either. Some can prove to be enormous steals at reasonable prices. So with four games done, who are the five best free agent signings thus far this year?

#5:  Marvin Jones

The Detroit Lions were put in a very difficult position by the decision of Calvin Johnson to retire. His exit left a huge void in their passing game. So they frantically sought out alternatives in free agency. Their solution came in the form of Marvin Jones. Many people scoffed at the idea that the former Bengal receiver who was the wing man to A.J. Green could replace was Megatron did. In truth that wasn’t why he was signed, but it hasn’t stopped him from doing a great impression.

https://twitter.com/CatchLikeCalvin/status/780574936716939268

Jones has been easily the biggest playmaker for the Lions offense through the first month of the season. He has 482 receiving yards and two touchdowns in four games on just 23 catches. That averages out to 21 yards per catch. In Green Bay he torched a very good Packers secondary for 205 yards. People expected Jones to be productive, just not this productive. It’s a tip of the cap to the front office for recognizing the potential.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;New York Giants defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) sacks New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) in the 1st half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

#4:  Damon Harrison

It was a surprise when the New York Giants were able to sign the man with the best nickname in the NFL. Everybody expected Damon “Snacks” Harrison to remain with the New York Jets back in March. Then out of the blue it was revealed the G-men had added him to their revamped defensive front. It was clear from the outset that they were intent on finding somebody who could improve what has been a porous run defense in recent years.

Ever so quietly, that is just what the big defensive tackle has done. Going into Monday Night, the Giants have the 4th toughest run defense in the NFL, allowing just 77.3 yards per game. That is a significant improvement from where they were a year ago, ranking 24th. Given the average group of linebackers they have, that only enhances the impact Harrison is having. Just goes to show that pass rushing isn’t everything in this league.

Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) reacts after making a tackle against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

#3:  Jerrell Freeman

Danny Trevathan was supposed to be the hot name linebacker the Chicago Bears would build their new defense around. He’s the younger guy. He has the ring. Heck, he even had a connection to the head coach. Instead he’s been on the sideline with a bad thumb injury and it’s been veteran Jerrell Freeman who has taken over command control of that unit. The man has been absolutely everywhere for the Bears through the first four games.

He has 41 tackles so far on the season. Though his stats won’t show it in forced fumbles or interceptions, the reality is he’s been their most reliable defender. Many times he’s stuffed running backs on screens, covered tight ends across the middle and had a huge tackle at the goal line against Detroit in week four. A play that had a direct impact on Chicago getting its first win. If the defense continues to play well, he deserves Pro Bowl consideration.

Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

#2:  Josh Norman

Sometimes a team can tend to overthink itself when they secure a really good player. Initially the Washington Redskins had the idea of leaving Josh Norman on one side of the field so he could lock it down. Similar to what the Seattle Seahawks do with Richard Sherman. The thing is the Redskins don’t have the personnel to do what Seattle can, so the idea was misconceived from the start. They signed Norman to become a shutdown corner.

That meant his job should’ve been trailing the best receiver on the opposing team each week. Since the Redskins have adjusted to that style, things have settled down on defense. They’ve gotten some key stops the past few weeks to secure some big victories, getting them right back into the NFC East hunt. Teams not wanting to test Norman is part of that. On the flip side the Carolina Panthers are missing him more and more.

Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack (51) is introduced before a game against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

#1:  Alex Mack

The praise of center Alex Mack since he signed with the Atlanta Falcons has been universal. Teammates and coaches laud his intelligence to no ends. For a team that features Matt Ryan and Julio Jones to land a Pro Bowl center in his prime is borderline cheating. So far the 2016 season has reflected that. The Falcons offense is firing on on all cylinders. They rank first in points scored per game (38), first passing (354 yards) and sixth in rushing (124.5 yards).

Of course a lot of that has to do with the talent the Falcons have assembled on their roster over the past couple off-seasons. However, the blocking has been outstanding up front, especially along the interior. Its allowed Ryan to step up in the pocket and deliver strikes to Jones and other receivers. Its also opened several lanes for Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman on the ground. Much of that has become possible thanks to the stabilizing presence of Mack.

More from NFL Mocks

This article originally appeared on

share

Get more from New Orleans Saints Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

New Orleans Saints

National Football League