Free agency in the NFL can be a gamble, sometimes teams drop huge money on a bust, and other times, a low-cost signing turns into a game-changer. Over the last decade, a handful of under-the-radar pickups have turned into All-Pros, Pro Bowlers, and even Super Bowl heroes.
These are the players who outperformed their contracts and delivered serious value. Let’s count down the top 5 biggest free agency steals of the last 10 years.
5. Jason Peters – Philadelphia Eagles (2014)
Multi-time Pro Bowler, veteran anchor on Super Bowl LII team. Peters’ longevity and leadership on the offensive line made him one of the Eagles’ smartest investments. Though not technically a “new” signing in 2014, re-upping him at a modest price was a steal for a team that needed elite protection.
- Contract: 4-year extension after joining via trade and free agency structure
4. James Bradberry – Philadelphia Eagles (2022)
Second-Team All-Pro, crucial to NFC title run. Cut by the Giants for cap reasons, Bradberry signed with a division rival and instantly became one of the best cornerbacks in football that season. His lockdown play helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII.
- Contract: 1-year, $7.25M deal
3. Emmanuel Sanders – Denver Broncos (2014)
3,500+ receiving yards over 3 years, Super Bowl 50 champ. After being overlooked by other teams, Sanders became Peyton Manning’s favorite deep threat. He was a key piece in Denver’s offensive surge and Super Bowl run, at a bargain price.
- Contract: 3 years, $15 million
2. Darrelle Revis – New England Patriots (2014)
All-Pro season, won Super Bowl XLIX. Revis returned to dominance in his lone season with the Patriots. He completely elevated New England’s secondary and helped shut down top receivers en route to a title. Short-term deal, massive return.
- Contract: 1 year, $12 million
1. Shaquil Barrett – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019)
Led NFL in sacks (19.5), Super Bowl LV champion. Signed as a rotational pass rusher, Barrett exploded in Tampa, becoming the league’s sack leader in 2019 and a foundational piece of a Super Bowl-winning defense. No one saw it coming, and no one’s forgetting it.
- 1 year, $4 million
Free agency is often about splashy names, but these five players proved that value and impact matter more than headlines. Whether they were overlooked, released, or simply underestimated, these free agents became franchise cornerstones, and ultimate steals.
