10 best NFL free-agent signings of the past 20 years: See where Brees, Brady, Manning and more rank

Little did anyone know at the time, but the New Orleans Saints made the most consequential free-agent signing in franchise history 20 years ago today.

On Mar. 14, 2006, quarterback Drew Brees signed a six-year, $60 million deal with the Saints, setting him on course to become one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

In honor of the landmark deal, here's our list of the 10 best free-agent signings over the last 20 years.

10. Linebacker London Fletcher (Washington, 2007)

Added to the franchise's Ring of Fame in 2019, Fletcher was a stalwart for Washington after signing a five-year, $25M contract in March 2007, starting all 112 games with the organization from 2007-13. Fletcher was named to the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons — the only time in his career he received the honor — and led the league in tackles in 2011.

9. Guard Joe Thuney (Kansas City Chiefs, 2021)

Thuney's been to the playoffs nine times in his 10 NFL seasons, including all four he spent in Kansas City after signing a five-year, $80 million contract in March 2021. The 2016 third-round pick began his career protecting Tom Brady in New England and developed into one of the league's best guards with the Chiefs, being named first-team All-Pro in 2023 and 2024 and winning two Super Bowls.

8. Linebacker Demario Davis (New Orleans Saints, 2018)

As important as Brees was to the Saints' record-setting offense, Davis, who initially signed a three-year, $24M contract, was arguably just as important to the defense's resurgence, which included four consecutive top-10 finishes in points allowed (2020-23). He spent eight seasons with the Saints before leaving for the New York Jets in 2026 free agency, during which time he was named 2019 first-team All-Pro and second-team All-Pro from 2020-23.

7. Safety Tyrann Mathieu (Kansas City Chiefs, 2019)

Mathieu's run in Kansas City was short-lived, lasting just three seasons, but provided immediate results. The six-year veteran signed a three- year and $42 million after one season with the Houston Texans and received first-team All-Pro honors in each of his first two seasons while also winning Super Bowl LIV. Mathieu finished his Chiefs run with 14 interceptions, four fumble recoveries and 31 passes defended, including playoffs.

6. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth (Los Angeles Rams, 2017)

Signing Whitworth (three years, $36M) was one of the first big moves Rams head coach Sean McVay after being hired earlier that offseason. The interior lineman entered the league in 2006 and spent his first 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Whitworth brought immediate value as Jared Goff's blindside protector, earning a first-team All-Pro nod in his first season with the Rams. In five seasons, Whitworth reached two Super Bowls, winning in 2021 in his final game.

5. Cornerback Charles Woodson (Green Bay Packers, 2006)

Injuries compromised Woodson's production from 2002-05, and entering his age-30 season, it seemed possible he was headed into the tail-end of his career, not one of the greatest defensive second acts the league has seen.

The Packers bet big on Woodson, handing him a seven-year, $52M deal, and he returned the favor by being named first-team All-Pro twice and playing a key role in the team's run to a Super Bowl XLV win. He finished his time in Green Bay with 38 interceptions (nine returned for a touchdown) and was also named Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year in 2009.

4. Running back Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles, 2024)

It took Barkley only one season to become one of the greatest free-agent signings of the past 20 years. That's how excellent his 2024 season was after agreeing to a three-year deal worth a maximum of $46.75 million contract following six seasons with the New York Giants. The 2018 No. 4 overall pick rushed for 2,005 yards in the regular season and followed that with 499 yards in the playoffs as the Eagles won their second Super Bowl in eight years. 

3. Quarterback Tom Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2020)

Brady stepped out on his own after an incredible run with the Patriots for a three-year stint in Tampa that was better than some quarterbacks entire careers. Brady, who initially signed a two-year, $50M contract, won his seventh Super Bowl in his first season and finished his time with the Buccaneers throwing for 14,643 yards, 108 touchdowns and 33 interceptions.

2. Quarterback Peyton Manning (Denver Broncos, 2012)

Manning responded from missing the entire 2011 season by orchestrating the league's most potent offense over his first three years with the Broncos, who gave him a five-year, $96M contract. The Pro Football Hall of Famer set the single-season records for passing yards (5,477) and passing touchdowns (55) in 2013 while taking a backseat to a phenomenal defense two years later as he ended his historic career with a win in Super Bowl 50.

1. Quarterback Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints, 2006)

New Orleans and Brees needed each other. Following a disastrous 3-13 season spent entirely on the road in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Saints weren't a popular free-agent destination in March 2006, while Brees was viewed by most as damaged goods after tearing his labrum and rotator cuff in the final game of the 2005 season.

Together, the team became an offensive juggernaut, with Brees being named AP Offensive Player of the Year twice (2008, 2011), posting an NFL-record five 5,000-yard seasons and winning the organization's only Super Bowl in February 2010.

The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee is the gold standard for all other free agents to reach. Twenty years later, and no one has come close.