Fansided

Best free agent signing by every team in NFL history

By Mike Phillips

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks to pass during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks to pass during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 29: Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers yells prior to the snap against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium on November 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 29: Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers yells prior to the snap against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium on November 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons: RB Michael Turner

Sometimes a good free agent signing simply comes from giving a backup an opportunity to get more playing time. That was the case with Turner, who backed up LaDainian Tomlinson for the Chargers before coming to Atlanta in 2008. Turner became a key part of the Falcons’ offense immediately, making two Pro Bowls and rushing for over 1,300 yards on three separate occasions, including a career-high 1,699 yards in 2008.

Carolina Panthers: QB Jake Delhomme

The same mantra applies to Delhomme, who spent five years as a backup quarterback in New Orleans before landing in Carolina. Delhomme took over for Rodney Peete early in 2003 and became a star, leading the Panthers all the way to the Super Bowl. Carolina made the playoffs three times under Delhomme, who made the Pro Bowl in 2005.

New Orleans Saints: QB Drew Brees

This one was a no brainer as the Saints’ history changed with the signing of Brees. A shoulder injury depressed Brees’ market as a free agent in 2005, leaving him with a choice between the Saints and Miami Dolphins. Brees ended up in New Orleans, won a Super Bowl, and became one of the best quarterbacks in football history.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE Simeon Rice

Playing for a losing team can often lead talented players out of town in search of success. This was the case with Rice, who starred in Arizona before departing for Tampa Bay as a free agent in 2001. Rice added some pass-rushing punch to the Buccaneers’ defense and helped the franchise win Super Bowl XXXVII.

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