5 underrated signings of NFL free agency
The first week of NFL free agency is in the books, and the football world is well aware of the biggest splashes. But while the top free agents signed lucrative, long-term contracts, smaller moves may have flown under the radar.
Here are five underrated signings we love so far.
RB Keaton Mitchell ➡️ Chargers
Not only did Los Angeles add running back depth with Mitchell, who signed a two-year, $9.25-million deal, but the team might have landed another significant weapon for Mike McDaniel. The new offensive coordinator dreams about players with elite speed and explosiveness like Mitchell.
Mitchell, a 2023 undrafted rookie picked up by the Baltimore Ravens, averaged 8.4 yards per carry on 47 rushing attempts in his first NFL campaign before suffering a season-ending torn ACL. The injury forced him to miss most of 2024 as well. However, the 24-year-old looked comfortable again last season, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt and regaining his top speed. He also led the league in runs in which a player reached 20 mph (seven, on just 59 carries), according to NFL Researcher.
McDaniel once boasted the NFL's fastest offense in Miami. The 2023 Dolphins, known for their abundant pre-snap motion, creatively utilized their players' speed to become virtually unstoppable. Mitchell could carve out a solid role in L.A. while splitting carries with Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal.
LB K'Lavon Chaisson ➡️ Commanders
Washington struggled to generate pressure last season, ranking 26th in that category, according to Pro Football Reference. That explains why the Commanders brought in multiple pass-rushers, including Odafe Oweh and Chaisson. While Oweh stole headlines by inking a four-year, $100-million contract, Chaisson signed for only one year and $12 million.
Chaisson's prove-it deal could be a steal. Granted, the 2020 first-round pick had a slow start to his career and is on his fourth team in as many seasons. But he's fresh off a campaign in which he set career highs of 18 QB hits and 7.5 sacks as a member of New England Patriots. The LSU product also recorded three sacks in the playoffs.
Chaisson, 26, may be hitting his prime and could serve as a dynamic No. 2 option with great upside for Washington.
CB Nahshon Wright ➡️ Jets
The Jets somehow finished last season without any defensive interceptions and desperately needed to upgrade their secondary in free agency. Enter Wright, a rangy 6-foot-4 cornerback who agreed to a one-year contract with a base salary of only $3.5 million.
The former third-round pick had spent most of his career as a depth piece until 2025. He then racked up 80 tackles, 11 pass breakups, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles with the Chicago Bears, earning a Pro Bowl berth as an injury replacement. The 27-year-old's size, athleticism, and ball skills fit well in coach Aaron Glenn's system; the Jets, like the 2025 Bears, use man-to-man coverage at one of the highest rates in the league.
TE Chig Okonkwo ➡️ Commanders
The Commanders have prioritized their defense in free agency, but one of their best additions resides on the other side of the ball. Ahead of his age-27 season, Okonkwo signed a three-year deal worth up to $30 million to replace the aging Zach Ertz, who suffered a torn ACL in December and hasn't re-signed with the team.
In 2025, Okonkwo set career highs of 56 catches and 560 yards while scoring two touchdowns for the Tennessee Titans. In particular, he offers something Washington lacked last year: yards-after-catch ability. The Commanders were the fourth-worst team in the league in that metric, according to TruMedia. Okonkwo, meanwhile, ranked ninth among tight ends in YAC.
Jayden Daniels helped revive Ertz's career in 2024, targeting the veteran tight end 91 times. Washington is hoping the electric quarterback - now healthy again - can build similar chemistry with Okonkwo.
S Jalen Thompson ➡️ Cowboys
There's a lot to like about this one. A three-year, $33-million contract for a quality starter who rarely gets hurt is a steal. Thompson offers experience, versatility, and strong support for Dallas in the run game and pass coverage; he registered 95 tackles (two for loss), one sack, and six pass breakups with the Arizona Cardinals in 2025.
Dallas' revamped defensive coaching staff, which features coordinator Christian Parker and secondary coach Ryan Smith (who worked with Thompson in Arizona), can use the 27-year-old as the single-high safety, in the box, and in the slot. His instincts and tackling ability should have an immediate impact on a team that missed the eighth-most tackles last year.
The Cowboys have made several questionable moves to reshape their roster in recent years, but this isn't one of them. Although they didn't steal headlines by signing Thompson, no one should be surprised if he becomes a cornerstone of their defense.