NFL free agency is only in its second week, but the NFC South already looks drastically different from how it ended the 2025 season.
With so much movement, here’s a look at each team’s best and worst signing, plus a free agent to target in the second wave.
Best signing: Outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (One year, TBA) | The former Georgia Bulldog averaged 5.5 sacks per season from 2021-24 with the New York Giants before a hamstring injury limited him to three games for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025. He has the potential to provide excellent value after Arnold Ebiketie signed with the Eagles in free agency. James Pearce Jr., a 2025 rookie, could received a lengthy suspension — and much worse — after being charged with three felonies for wrecking his vehicle into a car driven by WNBA guard Rickea Jackson, his ex-girlfriend.
Worst signing: Wide receiver Jahan Dotson (Two years, $15M) | Selected No. 16 overall in 2022, Dotson is already on his third team, failing to live up to expectations with the Washington Commanders and only tallying 37 receptions over the past two seasons in Philadelphia. Per NFL Pro data, he averaged negative-0.47 expected points added per target a season ago and ranked 154th of 160 wide receivers and tight ends in ESPN Analytics’ overall receiving score.
Free agent to target: Defensive tackle Shelby Harris | The Falcons lost tackle David Onyemata in free agency, making defensive tackle arguably the team’s biggest remaining need. Harris, 34, would be an affordable, and effective, option after tallying 18 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in three seasons with first-year Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland.
Best signing: Linebacker Devin Lloyd (Three years, $42M) | The 2022 first-rounder was well compensated after a career-year in 2025 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing the season with 81 tackles (six for loss), seven passes defended and five interceptions. The Panthers have an ascending defense, and Lloyd’s arrival could help turn it into a top-10 unit.
Worst signing: Edge-rusher Jaelan Phillips (Four years, $120M) | Considering what other free-agent edge-rushers got this offseason , it’s hard to argue the deal for Phillips as anything but an overpay. He received the same amount guaranteed at signing ($60M) as Trey Hendrickson, a better player, was the only edge to reach $30M annually. Phillips, who had a one percent sack rate with the Eagles last season (h/t Sports Info Solutions), must improve his sack numbers to justify the transaction.
Free agent to target: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel | Tetairoa McMillan appears to be a legit No. 1 wideout, but the rest of the supporting cast is mixed. Samuel, who had 72 receptions, 727 receiving yards and five touchdowns with Washington last season, would be great as a second option at this stage of his career.
Best signing: Guard David Edwards (Four years, $61M) | Edwards shores up a Saints offensive line that struggled in run-blocking situations. New Orleans averaged a paltry 3.7 yards per carry last season, while Edwards finished 10th among interior linemen in ESPN’s run-block win-rate rankings.
Worst signing: Running back Ty Chandler (TBA) | Chandler is little more than a flier, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry over the past two seasons. It would hardly be a surprise if he got passed up by another back for the 53-man roster.
Free agent to target: Defensive end Cameron Jordan | The franchise leader in sacks has never been closer to leaving New Orleans. After a rejuvenated season in DC Brandon Staley’s 3-4 scheme, where Jordan had 10.5 sacks, the Saints shouldn’t cut ties with the franchise sack leader.
Best signing: Defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad (One year, $4M) | The eight-year veteran quietly had a career-year with the Detroit Lions in 2025, finishing with 11 sacks and 55 pressures, per SIS. For the kind of production, it’s a surprise Tampa got him at such an affordable price.
Worst signing: Running back Kenneth Gainwell (Two years, $14M) | After notching a career-high 73 receptions last season, Gainwell will likely take over Rachaad White’s role as Tampa’s top backfield receiving option. But after White signed a one-year, $2M contract with the Commanders, Gainwell’s contract makes little sense.
Free-agent to target: Linebacker Bobby Okereke | As Lavonte David contemplates retirement, the Bucs should have a Plan B in place. Okereke, 29, started all 17 games for the New York Giants last season, finishing the year with 143 tackles and two interceptions. He’d be a solid, veteran replacement should David depart.