NFL free agency's best bargains: Kyler, Tua among top 10 value deals

Sticker shock cuts both ways in NFL free agency as several meaningful contributors struck reasonable deals.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:04am by Ben Kaplan

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In NFL free agency, sticker shock can cut both ways. While the league's open forum for spending inevitably leads to market-setting deals, March is also the time when teams can score deep discounts with veterans at certain positions of need. This article highlights the 10 best value signings so far in free agency, including quarterbacks Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa, running back Rachaad White, wide receiver Mike Evans, and several offensive linemen.

Why it matters

Finding quality players on cost-effective contracts can provide a significant roster-building advantage in the NFL, where the salary cap forces teams to be strategic with their spending. These value deals allow teams to allocate resources elsewhere and build more well-rounded rosters capable of competing for the playoffs.

The details

The article breaks down 10 of the best value signings in free agency, including: QB Kyler Murray signing a 1-year, $1.3 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings, allowing them to move on from the J.J. McCarthy experiment. QB Tua Tagovailoa signing a 1-year, $1.3 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, providing them a capable fill-in as 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. recovers from injury. RB Rachaad White signing a 1-year, $2 million deal with the Washington Commanders, offering big-play potential to complement Jayden Daniels. WR Mike Evans signing a 3-year, $42.4 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers, providing a steady veteran presence to a talented offense. OT Jermaine Eluemunor re-signing with the New York Giants on a 3-year, $39 million deal, a bargain compared to the contract Tytus Howard received from the Cleveland Browns.

  • The 2026 NFL free agency period opened on March 14, 2026.

The players

Kyler Murray

A quarterback who signed a 1-year, $1.3 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings after being released by the Arizona Cardinals.

Tua Tagovailoa

A quarterback who signed a 1-year, $1.3 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons after being traded by the Miami Dolphins.

Rachaad White

A running back who signed a 1-year, $2 million deal with the Washington Commanders after playing the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mike Evans

A wide receiver who signed a 3-year, $42.4 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jermaine Eluemunor

An offensive tackle who re-signed with the New York Giants on a 3-year, $39 million deal.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, the money is good. I won't pretend that's not a part of it.”

— Isaac Seumalo, Guard, Arizona Cardinals

The takeaway

These value signings demonstrate how savvy roster management and strategic spending in free agency can provide a competitive advantage in the NFL, allowing teams to build well-rounded rosters capable of contending for the playoffs despite the constraints of the salary cap.