Disappointing returns: Ranking the 8 most regrettable offseason signings
For every home run like Calais Campbell, there's a free-agent move that doesn't pan out.
Entering the final stretch of the regular season, there are a number of teams that can count themselves among those who struck out on their big-ticket free-agent additions. Here are eight regrettable signings from this offseason:
8. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Patriots
The year began poorly for New England's massive five-year, $65-million signing. The Patriots gave up more than 300 yards in passing in the first six games of the season. They still rank dead last in passing defense, but it appears Gilmore has begun to find his fit.
Nonetheless, his replacement in Buffalo, Tre'Davious White, is in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation and the man he supplanted in New England, Logan Ryan, is outshining him in Tennessee.
7. Brandon Marshall, WR, Giants
Marshall's season lasted just five games before a season-ending injury to his ankle, but even before that, it had been a disappointing first year with the Giants.
Expected to draw attention away from Odell Beckham Jr., Marshall could only manage one catch in each of his first two games. He finished his campaign with 18, didn't break the 100-yard mark, and didn't record a touchdown.
He has one year left on an $11-million deal and said he has no plans to retire.
6. Lawrence Timmons, LB, Dolphins
The Dolphins invested just two years and $12 million into Timmons, hoping to plug a hole in the middle of their defense, but then he went AWOL.
Miami suspended the linebacker in just the third week of the season. He has since rejoined the team, but he's provided just 41 tackles and two pass knockdowns in six games. The 11-year vet is on pace to produce some of his lowest sack and tackle numbers in years.
5. DeSean Jackson, WR, Buccaneers
On his current pace, Jackson won't reach 1,000 yards this season. Though the speedy wideout has seen 55 targets and nearly seven per game, quarterback Jameis Winston has been unable to connect with him on deep balls. Jackson's longest reception went 41 yards and his longest touchdown was a 25-yarder in garbage time.
At this rate, Jackson might not hang around for the length of his three-year, $33.5-million deal.
4. Martellus Bennett, TE, Packers
The Packers signed Bennett to a three-year, $21-million deal thinking the veteran could be the final piece to a championship offense. Unfortunately for them, Bennett began talking about retirement one month into the season.
Through seven games, the red-zone threat had 24 catches for 233 yards and no scores. He also was tied for third in the league in drops.
With Aaron Rodgers injured and the Packers' season sinking fast, the team released Bennett on Wednesday, ending his short stint in Green Bay. Though after being claimed on Thursday by his former team, the New England Patriots, he may have a shot at redeeming himself before the year is up.
3. Terrelle Pryor, WR, Redskins
The Redskins handed Pryor $6 million for the converted quarterback to prove himself as a pro receiver, and his season has been a flop.
Pryor has just 20 receptions after eight games. He's struggled with drops, apologized for his play and "loss of focus," and been supplanted by other struggling Redskins receivers.
His monster 77-catch, 1,007-yard campaign last year with the Browns appears to be a mirage.
2. Mike Glennon, QB, Bears
Ah yes, Mike Glennon. The man the Bears handed a three-year, $45-million contract only to trade up to draft Mitchell Trubisky weeks later.
Glennon's second shot at a starting job lasted just four games and in that time, he threw five picks and lost three fumbles. Trubisky, a rookie with 13 games of starting experience at the college level, has already proven a more effective option for Chicago.
1. Kenny Britt, WR, Browns
Rather than keep Pryor after his aforementioned breakout campaign, the Browns let him walk and handed a four-year, $32.5-million contract to Britt.
He has just 10 catches on the season. He's yet to top three catches in a single game and he has a mere 128 receiving yards in his five games played.
For a team in desperate need of a No. 1 receiving threat, Britt has proven to be anything but.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)