Five under-the-radar NFC free-agent additions

Cade Mays, OL, Detroit Lions (3 years, $25 million)

Detroit's offensive line has been in flux since center Frank Ragnow's retirement. Enter Mays, the 2022 sixth-rounder who stepped in as an emergency starter for Carolina and looked like a decade-long veteran. 

Mays allowed zero sacks over his past 21 starts (including playoffs) and excelled in pass protection and run blocking. At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, Mays embodies Detroit's smash-mouth identity under head coach Dan Campbell. 

Mays is a low-cost stabilizer who will allow young talents like Tate Ratledge (predominantly a guard) stay in their natural spots. In a stacked NFC North, this addition could be the difference in keeping QB Jared Goff upright and powering another playoff push. 

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Two years, $14M)

Tampa Bay's offense hit a midseason wall in 2025, so adding a versatile, reliable back should be a huge plus for QB Baker Mayfield. Gainwell, fresh off leading the Steelers in receptions (73 for 486 yards), fits that bill perfectly. He's no stranger to committee backfields — whether sharing with Saquon Barkley in Philadelphia or Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh — and consistently maximizes his touches as a runner and pass-catcher.

At a bargain price, Gainwell instantly upgrades Tampa Bay's ground game and receiving options. In the competitive NFC, where every edge counts for playoff positioning, this signing could prevent offensive stalls and give the Bucs a three-down threat.

David Edwards, OL, New Orleans Saints (Four years, $61M)

New Orleans' offensive line ranked near the bottom in pass-block win rate last season, leaving rookie quarterback Tyler Shough exposed. David Edwards, who protected Josh Allen effectively in Buffalo (just three sacks allowed over two years), provides an instant upgrade at guard. 

This deal stabilizes the interior, elevates the entire line to league-average or better and should give Shough time. In a rebuilding NFC South, Edwards' veteran presence and run-blocking prowess make him a bargain.

Isaac Seumalo, OL, Arizona Cardinals (Three years, $31.5M)

Arizona's offensive line struggled with consistency, and Seumalo provides veteran reliability at guard. A former Eagle and Steeler known for strong run-blocking and solid pass protection, he will stabilize the interior for whatever quarterback the Cardinals go with. 

This deal ranks among the best-value interior line signings of the period, quietly addressing a foundational need for the rebuilding NFC West team.

Jalen Thompson, safety, Dallas Cowboys (Three years, $33M)

Thompson's high football IQ, versatility and leadership make him an underrated secondary addition for Dallas. Coming off strong seasons with the Cardinals, he adds range to a revamped secondary that includes new pieces like Cobie Durant. 

In a division with explosive offenses, Thompson's ability to play multiple roles (deep safety, nickel, box) provides scheme flexibility at a bargain. This move could pay dividends in turnover creation.