Fansided

Each NFL team’s worst free-agent signing

By Jarrett Bailey

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 14: Nnamdi Asomugha #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with teammate Brandon Boykin #22 after intercepting a pass against the Detroit Lions during the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 14, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Lions won 26-23 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 14: Nnamdi Asomugha #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with teammate Brandon Boykin #22 after intercepting a pass against the Detroit Lions during the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 14, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Lions won 26-23 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 32
Next
Elvis Grbac (Photo by RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images)
Elvis Grbac (Photo by RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images) /

Baltimore Ravens: Elvis Grbac

The Ravens made history following the 2000 season, becoming the first team to not re-sign their quarterback after winning the Lombardi Trophy. While Trent Dilfer wasn’t anything spectacular, he didn’t necessarily have to be. The Ravens fielded arguably the best defense in history in 2000, and Dilfer was the textbook definition of a game manager.

Regardless, though, Baltimore signed Elvis Grbac, who was coming off a Pro Bowl season in Kansas City. Grbac threw for over 4,100 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2000, by far his best year as a pro. On the surface, this made sense for Baltimore- a talented gunslinger paired with that defense almost guaranteed another Super Bowl if all went well.

Unfortunately for Baltimore, it didn’t go as planned. Grbac threw just 15 touchdowns to 18 interceptions. The Ravens were still a playoff team at 10-6, but were humiliated by the Steelers in the Divisional Round. Grbac threw three interceptions in the game, and after signing a five-year, $30 million contract, he was gone from Baltimore following the 2001 season.

This was a signing that had all the makings of a great pairing, but crashed and burned, leaving Baltimore fans wondering if they should have kept Trent Dilfer around.

Home/NFL