Written by Joel Corey at CBS Sports.com
For every free-agent signing that makes a big difference, it seems like there are twice as many that don’t. This might be because the disappointments are memorable due to the type of money typically associated with these signings.
The 2016 Giants are one of the rare instances when a spending spree in free agency pays big dividends. Three consecutive losing seasons spurred general manager Jerry Reese to overhaul a defense that ranked last in the NFL in total and pass defense during the 2015 season. He committed almost $200 million with over $105 million in guarantees to three big-ticket defensive items (defensive tackle Damon Harrison, cornerback Janoris Jenkins and defensive end Olivier Vernon) in 2016. The Giants made the playoffs last season as a wild-card team and were responsible for two of the Cowboys’ three regular-season losses.
The Jaguars are the epitome of futility in the open market. There’s very little to show for doling out almost $500 million in contracts in free agency during the past three years. Jacksonville’s 11 wins are the fewest in the NFL during the 2014 through 2016 seasons. Undeterred by past free agency failures, the Jaguars were again big spenders in the offseason.
Here’s a look at the good, bad and ugly of 2017 free agency at the quarter mark of the NFL season:
The Good
Deal: $60 million/4 years
Campbell couldn’t have had a better debut with the Jaguars. His career-high and franchise-record four sacks against the Texans led to him being named the initial AFC Defensive Player of the Week this season. Campbell is tied for second in the NFL with 5½ sacks.
Deal: $33.75 million/3 years (worth up to $36 million with incentives)
Whitworth has helped solidify an offensive line that ranked 31st in sacks allowed last season with 49. The Rams have given up only four sacks this season, which is tied for second best in the NFL. Father Time isn’t catching up with the 35-year-old Whitworth. He has allowed only one quarterback pressure (combined sacks, quarterback hurries and quarterback hits) in four games.
Deal: $13 million/4 years (worth up to $15.9 million through salary escalators and incentives)
Poyer has been the surprise of a revamped secondary where more-heralded free agent signee Micah Hyde is tied for the NFL lead with three interceptions and 2017 first round pick Tre’Davious White was named September’s NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month. His 2016 season with the Browns was cut short after six games because of a lacerated kidney. Poyer was named to Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week for both Week 1 and Week 2 this season. His two sacks and five passes defensed are tied for the NFL lead among safeties.
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