15 Free-Agent Disasters That Shook The NFL To Its Core

The history of the NFL is filled with legendary players and awe-inspiring moments, but it also bears witness to some of the most ill-fated financial gambles. Big-money contracts meant to secure future victories often ended in disappointment, quickly becoming cautionary tales. This listicle delves into the biggest blunders in NFL free-agent history, where teams paid enormous sums for little return.

Whether due to injury, off-field issues, or simply a mismatch in expectations, these signings have left a mark for all the wrong reasons.

15. Andre Rison – Cleveland Browns

In 1995, the Browns signed Andre Rison to a five-year, $17 million contract, making him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Rison’s tenure was disastrous, lasting only one season with 47 receptions for 701 yards and 3 touchdowns. His poor performance and attitude issues led to his release, leaving a lasting impact on the franchise’s finances and future.

14. Dana Stubblefield – Washington Redskins

After a stellar career with the 49ers, Stubblefield signed a six-year, $36 million contract with Washington in 1998. His performance plummeted, recording only 7 sacks in three seasons compared to 15 in his final year in San Francisco. The Redskins released him in 2001, and he returned to the 49ers.

13. Chuck Smith – Carolina Panthers

In 2000, the Panthers signed Chuck Smith to a 5-year, $21 million contract with a $4.5 million signing bonus. The former Falcons star played just two games before an arthritic knee ended his career. This disastrous signing became a cautionary tale for NFL teams, highlighting the risks of big-money free agent deals.

12. Antonio Brown – New England Patriots

Antonio Brown’s stint with the Patriots in 2019 was brief and tumultuous. Signed to a one-year, $15 million deal, he played just one game before being released amid sexual assault allegations. The Patriots withheld his $9 million signing bonus, leading to a legal dispute. Brown’s off-field issues overshadowed his on-field potential, making this a costly mistake for New England.

11. Ahman Green – Houston Texans

In 2007, the Texans signed four-time Pro Bowler Ahman Green to a four-year, $23 million contract. However, injuries limited him to just 14 games over two seasons, where he rushed for a mere 554 yards and 5 touchdowns. Green’s stint in Houston was a costly disappointment, falling far short of expectations.

10. Deion Sanders – Washington Redskins

In 2000, Washington signed 33-year-old Deion Sanders to a seven-year, $56 million contract. “Prime Time” played just one disappointing season, recording 41 tackles and 4 interceptions before abruptly retiring. This ill-advised move exemplified Washington’s tendency for splashy but ineffective free-agent signings under owner Dan Snyder.

9. David Boston – San Diego Chargers

David Boston signed a lucrative 7-year, $47 million contract with the Chargers in 2003. Despite his Pro Bowl season in 2001, Boston’s tenure in San Diego was marred by injuries and off-field issues. He played only one season for the Chargers, recording 70 receptions for 880 yards and 7 touchdowns before being traded to Miami in 2004.

8. Neil O’Donnell – New York Jets

After leading the Steelers to Super Bowl XXX, O’Donnell signed a lucrative 5-year, $25 million contract with the Jets in 1996. His tenure was disastrous, lasting only two seasons. O’Donnell went 0-6 as a starter in his first year, throwing just 4 touchdowns against 7 interceptions before a shoulder injury ended his season.

7. Kenny Golladay – New York Giants

Kenny Golladay’s four-year, $72 million contract with the Giants in 2021 quickly became a disaster. The former Pro Bowler caught just 43 passes for 602 yards and one touchdown in two injury-plagued seasons before being released in 2023, leaving behind significant dead cap money.

6. Le’Veon Bell – New York Jets

Le’Veon Bell signed a four-year, $52.5 million contract with the Jets in 2019, making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL. However, he played only 17 games for the team, rushing for a mere 863 yards before being released in 2020. Bell’s Jets tenure was marred by poor performance and conflicts with the coaching staff.

5. DeMarco Murray – Philadelphia Eagles

After leading the NFL in rushing with Dallas in 2014, Murray signed a lucrative 5-year, $42 million deal with the Eagles in 2015. His production plummeted, rushing for just 702 yards and 6 touchdowns. Murray lasted only one disappointing season in Philadelphia before being traded to Tennessee in 2016.

4. Adam Archuleta – Washington Redskins

In 2006, the Redskins signed safety Adam Archuleta to a six-year, $30 million contract with a $10 million signing bonus. Despite being the highest-paid safety in NFL history at the time, Archuleta struggled in pass coverage and lost his starting job by Week 9. He was traded to the Chicago Bears after just one disappointing season in Washington.

3. Brock Osweiler – Houston Texans

In 2016, the Texans signed Osweiler to a four-year, $72 million contract with $37 million guaranteed. After just one disappointing season with 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, Houston traded Osweiler to Cleveland along with a second-round pick, essentially paying the Browns to take on his contract.

2. Nnamdi Asomugha – Philadelphia Eagles

Nnamdi Asomugha signed a lucrative 5-year, $60 million contract with the Eagles in 2011, making him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in NFL history. However, his performance declined dramatically, and he was released after just two seasons. Asomugha’s stint in Philadelphia is considered one of the most disappointing free-agent signings ever.

1. Albert Haynesworth – Washington Redskins

In 2009, the Redskins signed Albert Haynesworth to a seven-year, $100 million contract with $41 million guaranteed. Despite his previous success, Haynesworth’s performance plummeted in Washington. He played only 20 games over two seasons, exhibiting laziness and ineffectiveness. The deal is widely considered one of the worst free-agent signings in NFL history.