Worst NFL Free Agent Signings

Author: Jack Casabonne

Editor: Brian Symons

Free agency is always a welcome time, where fans and executives alike believe that their teams are getting better. With all the money spent on free agents, how could that not be true? Well, it all comes down to what decisions a front office makes in regards to the players they sign, their role on the team and the contracts handed out. So far through the 2021 NFL free agency cycle, I found 3 signings that I think are absolute liabilities for teams based upon fit, scheme, upside, and contractual details.

Chicago Bears sign Andy Dalton to 1 year $10 million contract

Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace are both on the hot seat going into the 2021 season, and their solution was to make a change at the quarterback position. Instead of trying to make a blockbuster trade for Russell Wilson, move up in the draft to take one of the draft-eligible quarterbacks, or taking a flyer on a young player like Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen, they decided to sign….. Andy Dalton. To be completely honest, this move just makes no sense. Dalton is not much of an upgrade over Nick Foles. He’s not a player that is going to move the needle at all for this team. Taking over for an injured Dak Prescott, Dalton had a very mediocre 2020 season in Dallas. Dalton finished 30th in DVOA, and had a passer rating of 87.3. For a team that lost two crucial defensive starters in Kyle Fuller and Akiem Hicks, the $10 million could have been spent in a much better place than a minuscule upgrade over Nick Foles.

Minnesota Vikings sign Patrick Peterson to 1 year $10 million contract

Another NFC North team here with a poor free agent signing. Make no mistake about it, Peterson will retire as one of the most decorated defensive backs of the 2010s. However, he’s not the same player he was when he was selected as a 3-time All-Pro. Turning 31 in July, Peterson has obviously lost a step in the past couple of seasons. 2019 was the first season Peterson wasn’t selected as a Pro Bowler, and also the first season he allowed an opponent passer rating over 100 in his career. He followed up this sub-par year with a 2020 season that might have been even worse. In 2020, Peterson led the league in penalties for a defensive back with 10. Additionally, he allowed 5 touchdowns and an opponent passer rating of 100.8 While Peterson has had an incredible career, he’s now well past his prime, which makes this $10 million investment seem careless by the Vikings’ front office

Las Vegas Raiders sign Kenyan Drake to 2 year $11 million contract

I’m a firm believer that running backs have little value in today’s NFL. A running back’s production is based upon so much more than just their talent. It’s based upon the ability of the offensive line, the offensive scheme, a quarterback’s ability, and playcalling. Not only does the former Arizona Cardinal play a position that has become increasingly devalued due to the higher frequency of passing, but the Raiders also spent a 2019 first-round pick at the position. Josh Jacobs has been a solid player for Jon Gruden’s squad, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his two seasons. Why spend significant money, with Drake’s contract containing incentives that can raise the price to $14.5 million, on a backup to Josh Jacobs? The contract puts Drake in the top-14 for highest-paid running backs in the NFL. Additionally, Drake has yet to have a 1,000 yard rushing season throughout 5 years. With significant holes on the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders are basically throwing away money with this signing.

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