The New England Patriots are one of the best teams in NFL history and one of the biggest reasons has been key agent signings. There have been some busts, but a lot of the signings have been big-time acquisitions of talent. Let's breakdown the five best free agent signings in Patriots history.

5. Danny Amendola, Wide receiver

Danny Amendola's stats weren't always eye-popping but he was a big reason the Patriots won two Super Bowls. Amendola signed with the Patriots from the Los Angeles Rams before the 2013 season and was with the team through 2017. During the Patriots big comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, he scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion that was key.

Some might argue he should be lower on the list, but Super Bowl victories are a critical part of the Patriots' history, and he was crucial in two of them.

4. Larry Izzo, Linebacker

Larry Izzo's position is listed as a linebacker, but it's probably more fair to say that his true position was special teams standout. Izzo wasn't really good enough to have a normal role on defense, but he was one of the best special teams aces in history.

Izzo won three Super Bowl's with the Patriots and was a big reason why the special teams were so strong. He might not have been as key as some other players, but he was quite reliable.

3. Rob Ninkovich, Defensive End

Rob Ninovich dealt with all kinds of injuries before coming to the Patriots, which makes what he did in New England even more impressive. Starting in 2010, he played in all 16 games the next season and was a consistent issue for opposing offensive lines.

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Along the way, Ninkovich racked up 469 tackles, 88 quarterback hits, 46.0 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, 14 fumble recoveries, and five interceptions. He also versatile also playing linebacker when called upon. He was tough and the perfect guy to lead a Bill Belichick defense.

2. Rodney Harrison, Safety

Putting Rodney Harrison second was tough because he has a great argument for being number one. Harrison played with the Patriots from 2003-08 and always seemed to be making key plays.

During the 2004 playoff run, Harrison had four interceptions including two interceptions during the Super Bowl. He had the reputation as a dirty player but he was loved inside the locker room and a key reason for the Patriots having so much success during his time with the team.

1. Mike Vrabel Linebacker

Mike Vrabel is the greatest free-agent signing, because of what he did on both sides of the ball. Vrabel spent eight years with the Patriots and his main job was at linebacker. He was great against the run and pass and a headache for opposing teams.

Let's not forget, Vrabel was even a red-zone threat that always found the end zone at key times. He had ten catches for the Patriots and all 10 ended in a touchdown. Two of those catches came in Super Bowl victories and proved just how much he was a threat anytime he was on the field.