The off-season in the NFL produces two of the biggest events in the NFL's year-round traditions: the NFL draft, and free agency. With both events, teams capitalize on improving their teams significantly, whether this be through rookies or veterans. In the case of these veterans, free agency is the time to score the contract one has always wanted, signing on the dotted line to receive millions upon millions in guaranteed money. Are all these contracts worth it in the end? Of course not (see: Laurent Robinson)! However, teams thrive off taking the chance on some of the most notable names in the NFL today, and risk an absurd amount of money a lot of the time to get these behemoth's to join their squad. So far this off-season, many players have abandoned ship and switched to another team entirely. We now have men such as Paul Kruger going from the Super Bowl winning Baltimore Ravens to their rival team, the Cleveland Browns. Even trades have occurred, including the Minnesota Vikings sending star wide receiver Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks. As big and news worthy as these moves were, though, the question still stands: were these the best moves in free agency? Or were there more that were under-the-radar that we just didn't realize could make a substantial impact? Here, then, are the 5 best free agent signings:
5. Wes Welker
New England Patriots fans haven't been too happy about this one. Wes Welker, Tom Brady's go-to man in the slot, signed with the Denver Broncos on a 2 year contract, worth $12 million, after rejecting the Patriot's offer. While this might hurt for Patriot's fans and New England's offense (though they did sign Danny Amendola), this could be an absolute steal for Peyton Manning and his Denver Broncos. Think about it: Manning now has Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas on the outside, both who exceeded 1000 yards last season, and Wes Welker, who also exceeded 1000 yards, in the slot? Combine that with a formidable running back to take some of the pressure off the passing unit, and you have yourself a superb offense. Expect Wes Welker to go over 1000 yards once more, in what could become the most powerful offense in the NFL this season.