By Marvin Moore August 17, 2023
The NFL free-agent marketplace is a high-stakes business littered with hits and misses. While free agency is a much-needed system that helps teams upgrade their rosters, this quick-fix approach often leads to a trail of disappointment, regret, and horror stories.
The Arizona Cardinals signed free-agent quarterback Sam Bradford in 2018 to a two-year contract worth up to $20 million the first year with $15 million guaranteed. The former Heisman Trophy winner and top overall pick went 0-3 before getting benched and released midseason in what is considered one of the worst free-agent signings in league history.
Here are seven free agents who will make GMs think twice before doling out big-money contracts next offseason:
Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants
Jones parlayed a mediocre 2022 season into a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the Giants. Despite throwing just 15 touchdowns in 16 games a year ago, the 26-year-old was rewarded with the league’s ninth-highest deal with an annual salary of $40 million. Jones and the Giants will play an array of top defenses this upcoming season, including the Cowboys (2), Eagles (2), 49ers, Bills, Patriots, and Jets. Second-year head coach Brian Daboll limited Jones’ turnovers last season with designed quarterback runs and low-risk passing schemes. Jones has tossed only 60 touchdowns in 53 starts but has tallied a whopping 57 turnovers. His contract will go down as one of the worst deals in league history.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, New England Patriots
Smith-Schuster signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Patriots after a productive 2022 season with the Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old reeled in 78 passes for 933 yards and three scores to earn a Super Bowl ring and a hefty pay raise. This season the former USC standout will be catching passes from Mac Jones instead of Patrick Mahomes. Smith-Schuster will also operate in New England’s run-first offense instead of Andy Reid’s high-octane passing attack. It is doubtful that the former wideout will play three seasons in Foxborough.
Miles Sanders, RB, Carolina Panthers
Sanders inked a four-year, $25.4 million contract with the Panthers after a breakout 2022 campaign that saw the 26-year-old set career highs in carries (259), rushing yards (1,269), and touchdowns (11). The Penn State product will be the featured back in a Carolina offense directed by top overall pick Bryce Young. Rookie quarterbacks struggle in their maiden professional season, which means defensive coordinators will look to stop the Panthers’ rushing attack and force Young to put the ball in the air.
Carolina does not have the offensive arsenal that resides in Philadelphia and aided Sander’s impressive numbers last year. It’s possible that Sanders will be released after just two seasons with the Panthers.
Dalton Schultz, TE, Houston Texans
Schultz agreed to a deal with the Houston Texans worth “up to” $9 million with incentives after turning down a massive three-year, $36 million contract from the Dallas Cowboys. Ouch! The 27-year-old became one of Dak Prescott’s favorite targets and tallied 198 receptions for 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns over the past three seasons. This year, Schultz will be a security blanket for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud in a Texan offense that will look to establish the running game. It’s highly doubtful the Stanford product will put up big numbers this season that will be worthy of a lucrative free agent deal next offseason.
Allen Lazard, WR, New York Jets
Lazard inked a four-year, $44 million contract with the Jets and will be reunited with future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The 27-year-old caught 60 balls last year for 788 yards and six scores a year ago as Rodger’s top target. However, New York boasts an impressive cast of offensive playmakers, including reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson. The Jets also have a pair of dynamic running backs in Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook. Lazard will have a role in the passing game, but Wilson is the top dawg when Rodgers puts the ball in the air.
Connor McGovern, OL, Buffalo Bills
McGovern signed a 3-year, $22.35 million contract with the Bills to bolster a position that sorely needed improving. The 25-year-old is a solid pass blocker with a Pro Football Focus rating of 74.8 last season with the Dallas Cowboys. However, his run blocking was an ugly 42.7. The Penn State product has always been an enormous liability as a run blocker and is more suited for a backup role. Pro Football Network ranked the Bills’ signing of McGovern as one of the worst contracts handed out during the first weeks of free agency. The smart money has Buffalo releasing the guard after just one season.
Mike Gesicki, TE, New England Patriots
Gesicki signed a one-year deal worth up to $9 million with the Patriots. The former second-round pick posted his worst season since his rookie campaign in 2022, with 32 catches for 362 yards and five touchdowns. Gesicki will team up with Hunter Henry in the Patriots’ dual tight-end offensive schemes but will be hard-pressed to earn a significant role in the passing game.
