Ranking the worst NFL free agency signings of 2026
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Free agency in the NFL always brings hope. Teams spend big money to fix the problems they are dealing with. However, not every plan works out. Some signings fail even before the season starts.
The 2026 offseason had several crazy moves. A few teams went all in and paid top dollar for players with big question marks. As a result, many of these deals already look risky.
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In many cases, teams paid for potential instead of proven performance. Some players showed flashes but never stayed consistent. Others got star-level money without matching production. On top of that, a few teams ignored better and cheaper options, which makes these deals even harder to understand.
Coaching changes also matter. A player who fits one system may struggle in another. Meanwhile, injuries add even more risk. Paying big money to someone coming off a serious injury rarely feels safe.
These deals are not failures yet. Still, based on value, fit, and timing, they already look shaky. Here is a ranking of the worst NFL free agency signings of 2026.
5. New England Patriots – Romeo Doubs (Four years, $68 million)
The Patriots needed a wide receiver, so the idea makes sense. However, paying Romeo Doubs this much feels like a stretch.
Doubs has shown potential, but he has not been consistent. More importantly, he has never reached 1,000 receiving yards in a season. That is a concern for a player being paid like a top target.
In addition, New England had other options. They could have drafted a young receiver or pursued someone like A.J. Brown. Pairing a proven star with a rookie might have been a smarter plan.
Instead, they paid big money for an unproven player. Now, Doubs must perform like a true No. 1 receiver right away.
4. Cincinnati Bengals – Boye Mafe (Three years, $60 million)
The Bengals needed defensive help, which makes this move understandable. Even so, signing Boye Mafe comes with clear risks.
Mafe never became a full-time impact player in Seattle. In fact, his playing time dropped over the last two seasons. In 2025, he was on the field for only half of the defensive snaps.
That raises concerns, especially since Seattle’s coach Mike Macdonald is known for strong defenses. If he could not get more out of Mafe, it is a red flag.
Now, Cincinnati is paying $20 million per year. That is a big investment for a player who was not a full-time starter. As a result, defensive coordinator Al Golden must get the best out of him.
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3. Washington Commanders – Odafe Oweh (Four years, $96 million)
Odafe Oweh earned this deal after a strong short stretch. However, that run lasted only a couple of months.
Before that, he struggled with consistency during his time with the Ravens. Over several seasons, he never fully broke out. Therefore, this deal feels like a gamble on potential.
Another concern is fit. Oweh will no longer work with Jesse Minter, who helped him perform well. That could impact his production.
On the positive side, head coach Dan Quinn has a strong track record with pass rushers. Still, paying nearly $100 million for an inconsistent player is risky.
2. Indianapolis Colts – Alec Pierce (Four years, $114 million)
Alec Pierce brings only one top skill, deep receiving ability. In fact, he has averaged over 21 yards per catch in recent seasons.
However, he is not a complete receiver. That is where the problem lies. The Colts are paying him like a true No. 1 option, even though he hasn’t proven it yet.
Moreover, comparisons to players like Tyreek Hill highlight the gap in overall ability.
To make matters worse, Indianapolis traded Michael Pittman Jr. to free up money. That decision adds even more pressure on Pierce.
Now, he must expand his game and perform every week. Otherwise, this deal could quickly look like a mistake.
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1. Indianapolis Colts – Daniel Jones (Two years, $88 million)
This is the most questionable move of the offseason. The Colts put themselves in this position.
They moved on from Anthony Richardson early. Then, they traded two first-round picks for Sauce Gardner. These decisions pushed them into a win-now mode.
However, the roster does not fully support that approach. That makes signing Daniel Jones even more confusing.
Jones is also recovering from a torn Achilles injury. That alone brings a lot of uncertainty. On top of that, he has struggled with consistency throughout his career.
Now, the Colts are paying $88 million for two years. That is a huge risk for a short-term solution. Simply put, this move feels desperate.
Final thoughts
Free agency is always a gamble. Sometimes risks pay off, but other times they fail. In this case, these deals already show warning signs. Each one comes with major questions about value, fit, or health. Teams are clearly betting on upside and quick fixes. However, in the NFL, that approach does not always work.
