5 NFL Free Agents Who Will Be Biggest Steals of 2017

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Often the way to win March isn’t by signing the most NFL free agents or even the biggest names. It’s those teams who get the most bang for their buck.

In other words did they get maximum value on the dollar. A better way to put that is while other teams chased the star power, who was able to secure hidden gems that would help their team win. Sometimes they’re subtle, involving names most casual fans have never heard of. Yet the impact is no less important. Here are five signings so far around the league that are almost certain to have the most positive influence to their new teams’ 2017 season.

Desean Jackson (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

The Buccaneers already have a great wide receiver in Mike Evans. A big, physical presence that can dominate even when double covered. The only thing that could make it worse for defenses is if he had a speedy vertical threat on the other side who knew he’d be getting single coverage. Enter Desean Jackson. Few in the NFL are better at exploiting secondaries down the field. He’s never had a receiver of Evans’ caliber to play across from. This could get ugly.

Russell Okung (OT, Los Angeles Chargers)

The Chargers had to live with the mediocre blocking of King Dunlap for years because they just couldn’t find anybody better. At last that purgatory came to an end. Nobody will remember the signing in a couple months, but rest assured the addition of Russell Okung could be huge for that offense. Not only as a pass protector for Philip Rivers, but also a potential road grader for Melvin Gordon on the ground. One of those pricey deals that will be worth every penny.

John Simon (OLB, Indianapolis Colts)

Coaches loves a jack-of-all-trades type of players. Somebody who does a little bit of everything. A few tackles here, a couple sacks there and a big forced fumble out of nowhere. That sums up John Simon. He’s not an elite pass rusher, but he just affects games in a variety of ways. He’ll help a pass rush but also has the athleticism to drop in coverage. An injury may have halted his best season last year. Indianapolis could be getting a guy hungry to prove something.

Marcus Cooper (CB, Chicago Bears)

It seemed like the Arizona Cardinals finally found out what Cooper did best. He may not be the greatest man cover corner on the planet but put him in a position where he’s allowed to be aggressive? He makes plays. Last season he produced four interceptions. Every year in which he has started at least six games, he’s delivered three or more picks. That is the kind of production Chicago didn’t have last year, and they have a coaching staff well-versed in helping him continue.

Micah Hyde (S, Buffalo Bills)

Most people have pigeonholed Hyde as a utility defensive back who is primarily a special teams ace. That is overlooking how much improvement he began to show towards the end of last season. He finished with a sack and four interceptions including a huge one in the playoffs against Dallas. He’s been chaffing for a chance to become a full-time starter. The Bills got him at a decent price and could end up getting much more if he keeps progressing.

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