3 Underrated 2026 NFL Free Agency Signings

 NFL free agency began as the legal tampering period opened on Monday.

Although deals can’t be signed until the league year begins on March 11, a few notable transactions featured prominently. 

Mike Evans announced his departure from Tampa Bay in favor of the San Francisco 49ers. Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III also announced a move to the Kansas City Chiefs. 

However, hidden amongst these sizable skill player contracts are some underrated moves. Below, I’ve outlined three that impact my NFL odds evaluation process for the 2026 season. 

NFL Free Agency 2026: 3 Underrated Free Agent Signings

David Edwards: New Orleans Saints

Support for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough is on the way. 

Edwards played along a strong Bills offensive line over the last two years. He carried responsibility for only three Josh Allen sacks, while proving a great run blocker. 

Last season, Edwards placed 10th in the NFL in ESPN’s run-block win rate metric. By PFF grading, Edwards ranked 16th in cumulative offensive grades and 13th in pass blocking. 

The move provides an instant upgrade over current left guard Dillon Radunz. In my opinion, Edwards joins a steady line that should play at or above league average next year. 

Last year, the Saints ranked 29th in pass-block win rate as a line. Don’t be surprised if the line takes a step forward in 2026. 

Cade Mays: Detroit Lions

Key to Detroit’s success this season is keeping Jared Goff upright. Mays, a signing from Carolina, instantly helps that strategy. 

Mays saw a slight decline last year, but he still allowed zero sacks on 11 Bryce Young pressures. The prior season: zero sacks allowed on 10 pressures. 

Detroit experienced significant turmoil along the offensive line since its last NFC Championship appearance. In 2024, the team ranked 12th in pass-block win rate and 18th in PFF grading. 

Last year, the unit fell to 31st and 23rd. 

If that were a concern, Mays provides relief to a team playing the NFL’s easiest schedule. 

Jamel Dean: Pittsburgh Steelers

Normally, I’m not a fan of paying lofty prices for corners, given the annual volatility. 

If there’s an exception to that rule, it’s Dean. Pittsburgh added him from Tampa Bay, where he ranked seventh in PFF’s coverage grade last year (min. 50% of snaps). 

The prior year: 10th. While he ranked 46th in 2023, it came after he placed 14th. 

Pittsburgh desperately needed corner help to allow more time for an aging pass rush. Last year, the defense ranked 20th in dropback EPA per play allowed on plays excluding turnovers. 

Two years ago, the team ranked 19th. 

Dean’s stability gives a chance for Pittsburgh to take a step forward defensively.