In what's been the wildest NFL free agency period in recent memory, some of the biggest names in the game have changed teams in the blink of an eye. However, there have also been some quality free agent signings that have been vastly overlooked. With teams pulling out all the stops to build a championship caliber roster, we'll be taking a look at some of the more low key additions that were made. With that we'll now discuss the four most underrated free agent signings of the 2022 NFL offseason, ranked.
Underrated NFL Free Agent Signings In 2022 Offseason, Ranked
4. Austin Hooper to the Tennessee Titans
After being cut by the Cleveland Browns who placed a franchise tag on David Njoku, Austin Hooper will be determined to have a fresh start with the Tennessee Titans. While playing for the Browns, Hooper was primarily used as a run blocker and was greatly underutilized. Hooper does possess the skillsets to be a top-1o tight end in the NFL though. On the Titans, Hooper will have a bounce back year and be a lethal red zone target at an absolute bargain.
3. Charvarius Ward to the San Francisco 49ers
The addition of Charvarius Ward addressed the 49ers top need heading into the 2022 NFL offseason. Over the past few seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Ward has allowed the lowest complete percentage in the league against receivers at the cornerback spot. This will provide a huge boost to San Francisco's secondary as they allowed a 68.3 opponent completion percentage in 2021 which ranked 29th in the NFL.
Ward was also the most improved player on the Chiefs last season as he was targeted on 17.9 percent of his coverage snaps which was 14th amongst corners. Not to mention Ward is also one of the best tacklers at the position. As a jack-of-all-trades corner that's leaving one title contender for another, adding Ward was a sneaky good signing that will greatly improve the 49ers pass defense.
2. Jordan Whitehead to the New York Jets
Jordan Whitehead is a do-it-all starter with championship experience who was overlooked in a Bucs secondary that features Antoine Winfield Jr. and Carlton Davis. Plus he's related to ex-Jets great Darrelle Revis and won't command the salary of a typical top-20 safety in this league. This signing is an absolute steal and a great move for the New York Jets as Whitehead will be a perfect fit in Robert Saleh's defensive schemes. Jets GM Joe Douglas also deserves a ton of credit for making this deal happen.
1. Russell Gage to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coming off two straight seasons where he logged at least 65 catches and 77o yards receiving, Russell Gage will thrive as the no.3 wideout for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Having Gage playing behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will give Tom Brady the ultimate luxury in their passing game.
Still just 26 years old, Gage wasn't a star with the Atlanta Falcons, but he did haul in 70% of his targets and was critical to their passing game. On the Bucs, Gage could have a career year playing with the ageless wonder in his 23rd NFL season as they aim to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Tampa.
