Free agency always has the headline deals that everyone argues about – who went where, who got the bag, did they deserve it? But then it also has the moves that quietly decide whether your season is legit or a dumpster fire. Free agency essentially kicked off Monday, and these are the under-the-radar signings, both the good and the bad ones.
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Good:
Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III (31) runs with the ball after making an interception against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Patriots – S Kevin Byard (1 year, $9M): New England getting an All-Pro-caliber safety on a one-year deal is robbery. Byard just led the NFL in interceptions, and the Bears still let him hit the market. This is exactly how contenders build – they buy elite production without stressing the cap.
Chiefs – WR Tyquan Thornton (2 years, $11M): Kansas City re-upped a speed monster for a price that doesn’t pinch. And speed in that offense is basically a cheat code. If he hits, it’s a steal. If he doesn’t… still not Kansas City’s problem.
Dolphins – EDGE Josh Uche (1 year, likely cheap): Miami needed pressure help without more financial insanity – Uche is a low-risk add who can juice a rotation and survive on passing downs. This is the kind of signing smart teams make – which is why it’s shocking Miami did it.
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Bad:
Dec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
Dolphins – QB Malik Willis (3 years, $67.5M, $45M guaranteed): That’s real-money commitment for big uncertainty, and Miami already lives in that space. I like that the kid is getting a shot. But if he’s not the guy, the Dolphins don’t just miss – they trap themselves… again.
Patriots – WR Romeo Doubs (4 years, roughly $70M, up to $80M): That’s a monster deal for a receiver who has never cleared 724 yards in a season. Yes, that matters. Paying for upside is fine – paying like it’s certain is how you end up regretting it on the unemployment line.
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Titans – WR Wan’Dale Robinson (4 years, $78M): Nice player – not a market-reset player – and Tennessee paid like it was bidding against a fake team on a fake deadline. Nice addition, scheme fit, but it’s the price tag for me.
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