The frenzy of free agent signings that annually marks the beginning of a new league year has dominated NFL headlines for the past week. Much attention has been paid to the marquee free agents who will have an obviously impact. But don't forget about those underrated signees who could quietly tilt the balance of power within the league.
Here are seven overlooked free-agent signings who could pay serious dividends for their new teams in the 2026 NFL season:
CONTRACT: Two years, $7.63 million with a maximum value of $8.5 million.
John Harbaugh might have tipped his hand on his offensive approach with the signing of the six-time Pro Bowl fullback. Over nine seasons, the knockdown specialist known as "Pancake Pat" has served as the lead blocker for the Ravens' dominant ground game. He'll now join his former head coach in New York, where the Giants appear to be transitioning into a power running attack with Cam Skattebo positioned as the featured back. Ricard, a defensive former defensive tackle-turned-fullback, could further elevate an offense that was fifth in rushing yards last season, serving as the pivotal piece to the puzzle in 2026 and beyond.
CONTRACT: Three years, $24.75 million with $16.5 million guaranteed.
The Texans' spectacular secondary adds a high-IQ traffic cop with outstanding instincts, awareness and diagnostic skills. Blankenship’s steady presence in the middle of the Eagles’ defensive backfield enabled the Super Bowl LIX champions to befuddle opponents with various umbrella coverages while frequently placing their ultra-talented cornerbacks on the island. The Texans are loaded at cornerback, getting elite play from Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter on the perimeter. Blankenship’s ability to roam the middle as a designated playmaker should thus help DeMeco Ryans' defense continue to suffocate the high-powered offenses in the AFC.
CONTRACT: Three years, $24.3 million with $17 million guaranteed.
Do not let the fourth-year pro’s modest career stat line (30 receptions, 409 yards, four touchdowns) overshadow his potential to blossom into a star in new coordinator Mike McDaniel’s dynamic offense. As a crafty route runner with a knack for finding space between the hashes on seams and skinny posts, Kolar is a dangerous weapon in the passing game from the slot or his traditional “Y” alignment. The 6-foot-6, 265-pounder is best known for his effective blocking on the edges, making him the perfect complement to Oronde Gadsden II as the second tight end in 12 personnel packages. Kolar could play a pivotal role in McDaniel's effort to improve a middle-of-the-pack offense (12th overall, 20th in scoring) and build an explosive attack around Justin Herbert.
CONTRACT: One year, $6 million.
It is not a coincidence that teams employing CJGJ have tended to improve drastically on defense upon his arrival. The eighth-year pro is an aggressive ballhawk with a nasty temperament and an enforcer’s mentality who continually elevates those around him. A fourth-round pick in 2019, Gardner-Johnson has posted 20 interceptions in 87 games, including 18 over the last five seasons. He, along with several veteran mercenaries (edge Bradley Chubb and cornerback Dee Alford), were acquired to help coordinator Jim Leonhard revamp the team's defensive approach and push the Bills closer to the Super Bowl under new head coach Joe Brady. It's true that Gardner-Johnson is coming off a down season, in which he was released by the Texans and signed with the Bears, logging just four passed defensed in 10 appearances for Chicago while recording the worst Pro Football Focus grade of his career. Still, the loquacious safety should add some edginess to a unit that needs to play with more energy and urgency.
CONTRACT: One year with a max value of $6 million.
The Bucs totaled just 37 sacks in 2025, tied for 18th-most in the league, with just one player topping five QB takedowns on the season (YaYa Diaby, who had seven). So the Buccaneers are rolling the dice on a soon-to-be-31-year-old pass rusher coming off the best season of his nine-year career. Muhammad totaled 11 sacks with the Lions last season, utilizing violent hands and a non-stop motor to overwhelm blockers at the point of attack. Additionally, the veteran sprinkled in a few speed-rush maneuvers that surprised offensive tackles who were anticipating a bull rush or "butt-and-jerk." Considering his success in Detroit's aggressive scheme, Todd Bowles should enjoy unleashing Muhammad from various alignments along the frontline.
CONTRACT: One year with a max value of $5.5 million.
The long, rangy cover corner could solve the Jets' difficulty picking the ball off with his superb ball skills and clutch playmaking ability. Wright's superior size (6-4, 199 pounds) shrinks the strike zone for quarterbacks attempting to push the ball downfield or into tight windows inside the numbers. The 27-year-old is a rare find as a natural bump-and-run corner who also excels as a "vision-and-break" defender in a two-deep scheme. Yes, Wright's speed limitations require him to consistently win with physicality at the line of scrimmage. But the stat to circle is his five swiped passes in 2025. The extra-long defender instantly upgrades a defense that failed to register a single interception last season.
CONTRACT: Three years, $25 million.
The 2022 sixth-round pick showed the football world that he was a capable center in Carolina last season, logging 12 starts as an emergency fill-in -- and looking like a 10-year veteran, protecting Bryce Young in the pocket and blowing open holes for Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. The Lions have been seeking stability at the pivot since the 2025 retirement of stalwart Frank Ragnow. This marriage between a rough-and-rugged franchise and a trench warrior who has not allowed a sack in his last 21 starts (including playoffs), per PFF, looks like a perfect fit.
