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.

Reggie White

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Reggie White played eight years in Philadelphia and had established himself as arguably the best defensive lineman of his era. It seemed implausible that Philadelphia would not turn him into an Eagle for his entire career. The Green Bay Packers came calling and White traded one shade of green for another. He was the “Minister of Defense” and left opposing teams praying double- and triple-team could stifle him. They usually failed.