What has been the biggest bargain so far in free agency in the NFL?

NFL experts for ESPN review open-market signings to find the highest-value moves right now

The experts of the NFL for ESPN offer their take on what has transpired so far during the first wave of the 2022 offseason free agency period.

This time, the question we asked was: what was the move that represents the biggest bargain in terms of value so far in free agency? From national columnists, fantasy analysts, to a former league general manager, analysts at NFL for ESPN offer their picks:

Stephania Bell: WR Ju Ju Smith-Schuster to the Chiefs. Value, like beauty, is really in the eye of the beholder. Given that Smith-Schuster has proven to be a solid producer of yards after the catch, his acquisition is very attractive to Kansas City. In 2018, he shone playing in an offense that worked at a faster-than-average pace. Sounds familiar? Smith-Schuster can return to a role in which he previously displayed game-setting skills, particularly with Tyreek Hill now in Miami.

Matt Bowen: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster to the Chiefs. Smith-Schuster gives the Chiefs a physical presence in the slot. He can work inside the seams and produce as a catch-and-run target for Patrick Mahomes.

Mike Clay: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster to the Chiefs. Getting a player of Smith-Schuster’s caliber at a $3.25 million base salary is as good as it gets. Sure, he’s coming off a lost 2021 campaign, but he had a 111-catch season for 1,426 yards and seven receiving touchdowns as a 21-year-old in 2018; and he is still at his best, barely 25 years old. With significant improvement from a late-career Ben Roethlisberger to Mahomes, Smith-Schuster has rebounding season written everywhere. Even if it doesn’t work out, the low base salary isn’t an impediment to roster building.

Tristan H. Cockcroft—WR Russell Gage to the Buccaneers. Though possibly an odd pick in terms of “bargain,” considering it was $30 million and three years, Gage’s deal fits the description, strengthening the depth of the receiving group after the decision reversal regarding the retirement of Tom Brady. Gage has given up an average of 102 targets, 69 receptions, 778 yards and four touchdowns over the past couple of seasons as an effective third-in-order, and now he’s in a better position to take the statistical step up in 2022.

Jeremy Fowler: OT Terron Armstead to the Dolphins. Armstead will receive $75 million over five years with the possibility of reaching $87.5 million. That base value of $15 million a year ranks him 12th among left tackles in annual terms, sitting right between Donovan Smith and Taylor Decker. There aren’t 11 better left tackles than Armstead. There might not be five. Durability was a factor here — he hasn’t played a full season and turns 31 in July — but he’s still a bargain. The elite level of play at left tackle is hard to find.

Dan Graziano: QB Teddy Bridgewater to the Dolphins. A veteran quarterback with 63 career starts, for $6.5 million? In this market? Given Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history, the Dolphins needed a backup they knew could start a couple of games for them. And, if Tua collapses, Bridgewater is more than capable of finishing the season, with a solid group around him. The only way this would have been better for Miami is if Bridgewater had been left-handed.

Eric Moody: G Rodger Saffold III to the Bills. The former All-Pro guard and five-time Pro Bowl selection will provide valuable pass protection for franchise quarterback Josh Allen, but I’m looking forward to seeing how he impacts Buffalo’s running game, given that the Bills rank 23rd in passing rate. of block wins for passing plays.

Matt Miller: CB DJ Reed to the Jets. The market for Reed was healthy, but picking the Jets after the team got off to a slow start was crucial for Joe Douglas’s litter. Reed is tough on personal coverage that he projects as the team’s primary cornerback heading into the NFL draft. Signing Reed seemed to kick off the Jets’ free-agent signings as he plugged the biggest hole in the roster.

Jordan Reid: G james daniels to the Steelers. Considering his age at the start of the season (25) and experience as a center and guard, it was surprising that the fourth-year veteran didn’t demand more on the open market. Signing a three-year, $26.5 million deal was a huge bargain for the Steelers in a position of need. The former second-round pick will likely become an immediate starter at right guard, but he’s capable of playing all three interior positions. that kind of versatility should have been coveted by more teams looking for help on the inside of the offensive line.

Kevin Seifert: LB jordan hicks to the Vikings. Changing defensive schemes can be expensive and inefficient, but the Vikings did well to sign Hicks at second inside linebacker alongside Eric Kendricks in their new 3-4 scheme. Hicks hasn’t missed a start in three seasons with the Cardinals, he’s an established leader, and he’s up with a salary-cap hit of $3.5 million this year, and $6.5 million in 2023.

Mike Tannenbaum: QB Mitch Trubisky to the Steelers. Trubisky needs to clean up those red zone interceptions after throwing eight in Chicago, but even if he plays just above average, his deal will be a massive bargain ($7.1 million per year) compared to recent quarterback deals. For example, how far below Kirk Cousins ​​is he really? Cousins ​​recently signed an extension averaging $35 million a year.

Seth Walder: OT morgan moses to the Ravens. Baltimore will pay just $15 million over three years, with just $5.5 million guaranteed for a dependable 31-year-old who ranked 16th among tackles in pass-block win rate on last year. What am I missing here? Poor play between tackles can kill an offense, and somehow, Baltimore took care of his right tackle spot with a trade.

Field Yachts: CB Casey Hayward Jr.. to the Falcons. Not many cornerbacks who are 33 when the season starts are good bets in free agency, but Hayward isn’t your average veteran cornerback. He remains confident and effective in man coverage, and has been extremely durable, missing just two games in the last eight seasons. With two years and $11 million left on his deal, I think it’s money well spent by Atlanta.