There are big signings in every single NFL offseason and this year was certainly no exception. But those huge signings and contracts alone don't propel teams to championships. In order to be successful, teams need to make the small signings count. There have been several under-the-radar contracts that could pay big dividends for the teams that made them happen when the regular season comes around.
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Here are the three most underrated signings of NFL free agency so far.
3) James Daniels
James Daniels has consistently been one of the most overlooked offensive linemen in the NFL throughout his career. The former Iowa Hawkeye was the lone reliable member of the Chicago Bears offensive line last season, which quietly led to a solid ground game for the Bears. David Montgomery had a very strong season running the football. Only injuries kept him from potentially making the Pro Bowl. Even when he was gone, Khalil Herbert filled in and played very well. Much of that had to do with James Daniels' ability to run block.
The Pittsburgh Steelers scooped him up at a good price. The Steelers gave Daniels a three-year $26.5 million dollar deal, which is a huge steal. Daniels is a top-ten guard in the NFL, and he can play center. It helps that Daniels is only 24 years old and he already has four seasons of NFL experience under his belt. Don't be surprised if the former Bear develops into one of the best offensive linemen in the league during his time with the Steelers.
Daniels also fills a huge position of need for the Pittsburgh. The Steelers were absolutely awful on the offensive line last season, so addressing that had to be one of their top priorities. Somehow, general manager Kevin Colbert managed to find a starting right guard that can play center in a pinch for just over $8 million dollars per year. This signing has the potential to go down as one of the best of this offseason.
2) Juju Smith-Schuster
The Kansas City Chiefs have had a need at wide receiver for years now, and they finally filled it here. The Chiefs made their already elite offense even better by bringing in Juju Smith-Schuster on a one-year, $10 million dollar deal. The former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver has already proven he can play at a high level in the right situation, and this is definitely the right situation.
The last time Smith-Schuster was the second receiver on his team, he racked up a whopping 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns behind Antonio Brown. Now Smith-Schuster will get to play behind two elite pass-catchers. The Chiefs already have wideout Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce. That is easily one of the best pass-catching duos in the NFL. Both of those guys demand double coverage throughout any given game, giving Smith-Schuster advantageous matchups every single time he steps on the field.
This deal is also the perfect size. A one-year deal is in order for Smith-Schuster after a stretch marred by inconsistent play and injury. If the former USC Trojan doesn't produce, there's really no downside. He'll be a free agent again next season and the Chiefs won't have to deal with him. If he does produce at a high level, Kansas City will likely have the first shot at offering him a contract next offseason.
Smith-Schuster would also have incentive to re-sign in Kansas City. In that scenario, why would he leave an offense that allowed him to have favorable matchups, in turn reviving his career. Overall, this deal has very little downside and a ton of potential.
1) Sebastian Joseph-Day
Signing Sebastian Joseph-Day wasn't the most high profile move the Los Angeles Chargers made, but it will be one of the most important. The Chargers inked Joseph-Day to a three-year, $24 million dollar deal to start at defensive tackle for them. The interior of the defensive line was a huge position of need, so Joseph-Day will step in as the uncontested starter.
The former Los Angeles Ram excels in run defense, which is exactly what the Chargers need after ranking as one of the worst teams in the NFL in that category. Just ask Rex Burkhead of all people how easy it was to run the ball against the Chargers last season.
Joseph-Day is also capable of winning one-on-one matchups while rushing the passer, making him the ideal complement to Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. The Chargers can expect to be a top-ten team against the run, in large part due to Joseph-Day's presence.
