NFL’s Most Underrated Free Agent Signings of 2024: Bargain Deals Paying Massive Dividends

While blockbuster NFL’s Most Underrated Free Agent Signings of 2024 signings grab headlines every offseason, the real roster-building magic often happens with mid-tier acquisitions that outperform their contracts. The 2024 season has revealed several under-the-radar signings that have transformed teams’ fortunes at a fraction of the cost of superstar deals.

In this comprehensive analysis, we break down the seven most impactful yet overlooked free agent signings of 2024, examining how these savvy front office moves are reshaping playoff races and providing blueprint-worthy lessons in team building.

Defining an Underrated Free Agent Signing

Before presenting our selections, let’s establish the criteria:

• Signed for $8M or less annually

• Not considered a “splash” signing at the time

• Currently outperforming contract value

• Playing key role in team success

According to cap analysts at NFL Newsz, the best bargain signings typically share:

• 72% were released by previous team

• 65% signed 1-2 year “prove it” deals

• 89% are playing in new defensive/offensive systems

1. Leonard Floyd, EDGE – San Francisco 49ers (2 years, $12M)

The Impact:

• 8.5 sacks through 10 games (T-5th in NFL)

• 21 QB hits (4th among edge rushers)

• Allowing Nick Bosa to face fewer double teams

Why a Steal:

• Replacing 90% of Chase Young’s production at 40% cost

• Playing 78% of defensive snaps

• 49ers defense allowing 6.2 fewer PPG than 2023

Contract Genius: Only $3.5M guaranteed at signing

2. Kevin Zeitler, G – Baltimore Ravens (1 year, $4.5M)

The Resurgence:

• 0 sacks allowed in 342 pass blocks

• 84.7 PFF run block grade (3rd among guards)

• Key to Ravens’ #2 rushing attack

Veteran Value:

• Playing every offensive snap

• Mentoring rookie RG Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu

• Ravens averaging 1.2 more YPC on right side runs

Front Office Win: Signed after June 1 cuts when demand was low

3. D.J. Chark, WR – Los Angeles Chargers (1 year, $3.5M)

The Production:

• 612 receiving yards (leads team)

• 5 TDs (already career-high)

• 17.5 yards per reception (5th in NFL)

Perfect Fit:

• Replacing Mike Williams’ deep threat role

• Justin Herbert’s 148.3 passer rating when targeting

• 9 catches of 25+ yards (T-3rd in NFL)

Market Injustice: Signed after training camp started

4. Azeez Al-Shaair, LB – Tennessee Titans (3 years, $21M)

Defensive Catalyst:

• 89 tackles (2nd in NFL)

• 2 forced fumbles

• Calling defensive signals for top-10 unit

Scheme Versatility:

• Playing MLB in base, OLB in nickel

• 3 sacks and 5 TFLs

• Titans allowing 3.9 YPC (3rd best)

Hidden Value: $7M APY for top-10 LB production

5. Zach Ertz, TE – Washington Commanders (1 year, $3M)

Resurgence Season:

• 47 catches (T-3rd among TEs)

• 4 TDs in last 5 games

• 82.5% catch rate (1st for TEs)

Quarterback Whisperer:

• Sam Howell’s safety blanket on 3rd downs

• 18 first down conversions (T-2nd for TEs)

• Playing 83% of offensive snaps

Steal Factor: Earning 1/3 of Hunter Henry’s salary

6. Jordan Poyer, S – Houston Texans (2 years, $12M)

Leadership Impact:

• 3 INTs (T-3rd among safeties)

• Texans pass defense improved from 28th to 9th

• Mentoring rookie Jalen Pitre

Stat Sheet Stuffer:

• 5 passes defended

• 1 forced fumble

• Allowing 4.3 yards per target (2nd among safeties)

Veteran Presence: Called “defensive QB” by DeMeco Ryans

7. Kareem Hunt, RB – Cleveland Browns (1 year, $2.1M)

Short-Yardage Specialist:

• 7 TDs (T-3rd among RBs)

• 84% success rate in goal-to-go situations

• 3.9 YPC behind struggling Browns OL

Clutch Performer:

• 4 game-winning touchdowns

• 28 first downs (T-10th among RBs)

• Playing 58% of snaps since Chubb injury

Market Reality: Signed Week 2 after no training camp interest

Why These Signings Are Outperforming

Scheme Fits

5 of 7 joined teams with systems matching their strengths
4 are reuniting with former coaches

Motivation Factors

3 were cut by previous teams
All 7 signed short-term “prove it” deals

Health Situations

5 had injury concerns that suppressed markets
All 7 have played every game so far

Financial Impact of Bargain Signings

Cap Value Comparison

Team Cap Flexibility Created

Average $6.2M in extra cap space per team
Allowed for midseason acquisitions

Lessons for NFL Front Offices

Market Inefficiencies to Exploit

• Post-June 1 veteran cuts

• Training camp casualties

• System-specific veterans

• “Injury discount” players

Contract Structures That Work

• Low guarantees with playtime incentives

• 2-year deals with voidable years

• Performance-based roster bonuses

Second-Half Outlook for These Signings

Likely to Maintain Production

• Floyd (49ers’ DL rotation keeps him fresh)

• Zeitler (Ravens’ run-heavy approach)

• Al-Shaair (Titans’ defensive usage)

Potential Regression Candidates

• Chark (TD rate unsustainable)

• Hunt (Wear-and-tear concern)

Historical Comparisons

Recent bargain signings that paid off:

• Haason Reddick | 2022 | Eagles | 16 sacks |

• Andrew Whitworth | 2017 | Rams | All-Pro |

Fantasy Football Implications

Waiver Wire Targets

• D.J. Chark (WR3 with WR2 upside)

• Zach Ertz (TE1 in PPR formats)

DFS Value Plays

• Leonard Floyd (Consistent sack production)

• Kareem Hunt (Goal-line lock)

Why These Signings Matter

Recognizing underrated acquisitions helps:

• Fantasy managers find late-round values

• Betting markets properly evaluate teams

• Front offices copy successful strategies

• Fans appreciate roster-building nuance

Read More: The NFL’s Most Underrated Position Groups of 2024: Hidden Strengths Driving Playoff Contenders

Final Verdict: Best Bargain Signing of 2024

NFL’s Most Underrated Free Agent Signings of 2024, While all seven have provided exceptional value, Leonard Floyd’s transformation of the 49ers’ pass rush gives him the edge. His $6M APY contract for top-5 edge production may be the steal of the decade.

For more hidden NFL roster-building insights and under-the-radar analysis, visit NFL Newsz—your source for football intelligence beyond the headlines.

Which underrated signing has impressed you most? Who did we miss? Join the conversation in the comments!