Do big NFL free agent signings pay off? Sorting recent deals

Few things are more exciting for NFL teams than landing a star free agent. It’s cause for celebration between executives, coaches and fans alike. That first social media post hinting at the news? The official announcement? The photo op? The excited tweets from new teammates? It’s literally in the name: Who doesn’t want to get something for free? It’s fun, sure. But are these splashy moves always a good idea? How often do premium free agents really work out? In recent years, key signings have turned the tide for Super Bowl winners. Saquon Barkley and Zack Baun were superstars for the 2024 Eagles. Sam Darnold put together dominant stretches for the 2025 Seahawks. In the big picture, though,...