NFL free agency: 25 signings that turned out for the best

Reggie White, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Mark Ingram fit the bill as smart NFL free-agent signings.

Mike Vrabel

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Two-for-one is what the Patriots got when they landed linebacker Mike Vrabel via free agency. Vrabel had not started a single game in four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He came to New England and became a mainstay of the Patriots’ dynasty. In addition to being a force on defense, Vrabel also became a target for Tom Brady as an eligible receiver. Talk about crazy eights: Vrabel played eight years in New England, caught eight passes, all for touchdowns. A grand total of 11 yards gained. You can add in two more postseason grabs for three yards, and, of course, both went for touchdowns.