The first quarter of the 2016 NFL season is in the book. While most will focus on the progress of the draft picks, what about the big free agent names?
Free agency may not get the same hype as the draft but it can be just as crucial to the success of a franchise if executed properly. Ask the Saints about Drew Brees or the Packers about Reggie White. It doesn’t always have to be a blockbuster signing either. Some can prove to be enormous steals at reasonable prices. So with four games done, who are the five best free agent signings thus far this year?
#5: Marvin Jones
The Detroit Lions were put in a very difficult position by the decision of Calvin Johnson to retire. His exit left a huge void in their passing game. So they frantically sought out alternatives in free agency. Their solution came in the form of Marvin Jones. Many people scoffed at the idea that the former Bengal receiver who was the wing man to A.J. Green could replace was Megatron did. In truth that wasn’t why he was signed, but it hasn’t stopped him from doing a great impression.
https://twitter.com/CatchLikeCalvin/status/780574936716939268
Jones has been easily the biggest playmaker for the Lions offense through the first month of the season. He has 482 receiving yards and two touchdowns in four games on just 23 catches. That averages out to 21 yards per catch. In Green Bay he torched a very good Packers secondary for 205 yards. People expected Jones to be productive, just not this productive. It’s a tip of the cap to the front office for recognizing the potential.