Best -- and worst -- big-money signing. Team that moved up a tier. Departure that will be felt the most. Bargain signing that will pay off.
We asked our panel of five NFL Insiders to weigh in on the first few days of free agency and answer some hard-hitting questions.
What will be the best big-money signing from this free-agent class?
Matt Bowen, NFL writer: Cornerback Logan Ryan (three years, $30 million) not only fills a desperate need for the Tennessee Titans, but he's also a really good fit for the defensive coaching staff. A technician at the point of attack, Ryan brings on-the-ball production (13 interceptions in four seasons) and toughness to the Titans' secondary. If you are going to spend early in free agency, then land a player like Ryan who is just entering his prime playing years with the arrow pointing up on his overall game.
Dan Graziano, national NFL insider: I don't like any of the "big-money" signings. I like the shorter-term wide receiver deals. My favorite is Brandon Marshall to the New York Giants, but at $5 million guaranteed that's hardly big money these days. I also like Alshon Jeffery's deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, which was reported as a $14 million deal but actually guarantees him only $9.5 million. So if I have to pick a big-money deal, I'll say DeSean Jackson's three-year, $33.5 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which guarantees him $20 million at signing and should radically change the Bucs' passing game by forcing defenses to play deeper than they've played so far against Jameis Winston since he entered the league.
