The Legendary Free Agent Signings in NFL History

Free agency in the NFL has long been a crucial component of team success and fan enthusiasm. From Johnny Unitas to Deion Sanders, some of the most significant moves in NFL history have been strategic, visionary, and transformative.

Finding the Beacon: Notable Free Agent Signing Stories

Over the years, teams have made bold decisions to sign players who could drastically alter the course of their teams. Here are some of the most impactful free agent signings in NFL history:

1. The Signing of Johnny Unitas

In 1955, what would become known as the Colts signed a semi-pro QB who was making just $6 a game at the time. This QB, Johnny Unitas, went on to electrify the NFL and become one of the greatest passers of all time. Unitas' career spanned into the 1970s, and he has been regarded as possibly the best quarterback ever, consistently placed in the top five in discussions of all-time quarterbacks.

2. Dick Night Train Lane and the Lions Turnaround

Another significant move comes from the early days of the NFL. Dick Night Train Lane walked into the Lions' tryouts, and within his rookie year, he picked off 14 passes in just 12 games. This is often cited as one of the most historic draft days and free agent signing in NFL history. Lane's impact was so significant that it marked a huge turnaround and improvement for the Lions.

3. 1946 Cleveland Browns and Two Hall of Famers

The 1946 AAFL Cleveland Browns made a historic move by only signing two Hall of Fame players in a single offseason: RB Marion Motley and QB Otto Graham. Motley was a powerhouse runner who averaged 5.7 yards per carry over his career, and Graham was a five-time NFL champion and ten-time division champion with an impressive 104-17-1 record over his playing career. Graham is often considered one of the best quarterbacks of the 1940s.

4. Warren Moon's CFL Transfer

In the 1980s, the Houston Oilers made a bold move by signing Warren Moon from the Canadian Football League (CFL). Moon had won five CFL titles before he joined the NFL and had a stellar career, becoming one of the greatest passers in NFL history. He challenged the stereotypes of black quarterbacks and helped open doors for future black players, like Douglas Williams, who also ended a racist idea about black quarterbacking ability.

5. John Randle and the Vikings

The Vikings drafted John Randle as an undrafted free agent in 1990 and turned him into an NFL legend. Randle set an all-time record for sacks by an interior defensive lineman, racking up 137 sacks in his career. Randle's impact was so significant that even Warren Sapp, a legendary defensive tackle, could not surpass him. This free agent signing was one of the most transformative in Vikings' history.

6. Kurt Warner and the Rams

Let's not forget the signing of Kurt Warner in 1998 by the St. Louis Rams. Warner began his career with a Super Bowl victory in 2001 by leading the Rams to a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He won two NFL MVP Awards before struggling in New York and then leading the Phoenix Cardinals to near Super Bowl greatness in 2008. This signing was groundbreaking and remains one of the most memorable and impactful free agent signings in NFL history.

7. Deion Sanders and the Dallas Cowboys

In 1995, the Dallas Cowboys signed Deion Sanders, who led the team to a Super Bowl victory in his first season. Sanders' impact on the team was immense, as he helped the Cowboys surpass the San Francisco 49ers and claim the championship.

Other Notable Free Agent Signings

Some recent free agent signings have also made significant impacts:

Although many free agent signings have had a profound effect on teams, it's worth noting that not every move panned out. These uniblished signings can serve as a valuable lesson for today's teams, who must balance risk and reward in their free agent strategies.