Total Pro Sports
NFL free agency has been responsible for some of the most game-changing signings in league history. While many free agents fail to justify their massive contracts, a select few have transformed franchises, delivered championships, and shattered records. Saquon Barkley’s electrifying first season with the Philadelphia Eagles has already placed him among the most impactful free-agent signings ever, but how does he compare to the all-time greats?
Here are the five most influential free-agent additions in NFL history.
It’s not often that a running back completely changes the fate of a franchise in today’s NFL, but Saquon Barkley’s 2024 season with the Eagles was nothing short of historic. After signing a three-year, $37.75 million deal, he wasted no time making an impact, finishing the season with 2,005 rushing yards and 2,283 scrimmage yards, both single-season records for the Eagles.
Barkley became just the ninth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. Including the playoffs, his 2,447 rushing yards were just 30 yards shy of Terrell Davis’ all-time record (2,476 in 1998). His explosiveness was on full display, setting a new single-season record with seven touchdowns of 60+ yards, surpassing Chris Johnson’s previous mark of six in 2009.
When the postseason arrived, Barkley was unstoppable. He rushed for over 300 yards combined in the Eagles’ victories over the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders, helping lead Philadelphia to Super Bowl 59.
Also Read: Ranking All The Best NFL Players To Sadly Never Win A Super Bowl
After 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, four MVP awards, and a Super Bowl victory, Peyton Manning’s career was in limbo due to a serious neck injury that sidelined him for the entire 2011 season. The Colts moved on, releasing him and setting the stage for one of the most high-profile free-agent moves in NFL history.
After 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, four MVP awards, and a Super Bowl victory, Peyton Manning’s career was in limbo due to a serious neck injury that sidelined him for the entire 2011 season. The Colts moved on, releasing him and setting the stage for one of the most high-profile free-agent moves in NFL history.
Manning signed a five-year, $96 million contract with the Denver Broncos, and his impact was immediate. In just his second season, he delivered a record-breaking performance, throwing for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns, both single-season records, while leading the Broncos to a Super Bowl 48 appearance. Though Denver fell to the Seattle Seahawks, Manning rebounded by winning his fifth MVP award that season.
By 2015, despite battling injuries, Manning led the Broncos to a 12-4 record and helped them secure a victory in Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. Even as his stats declined in his final year, his leadership and experience were instrumental in guiding Denver to its first championship since John Elway’s playing days. When he retired, Manning...
