Free Agency

Free agent signings in the NFL are a massive hit-or-miss for all teams; sometimes, teams make a massive home run, and other times, some free agents flop with their new teams.  However, each team has developed talent that they regret letting walk and sign with another team, just to watch them succeed elsewhere, while other teams rebuild or collapse. It’s always painful to see our favorite NFL teams let Pro Bowl-caliber talent walk, but it’s tragically part of the business. Here is Every NFL Team’s Biggest Free Agency Regret. Which players did each NFL team regret losing in free agency? Arizona Cardinals: Calais CampbellNov 9, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) looks on before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images The Cardinals let him walk after the 2016 season, after he posted 53 tackles, eight sacks, a safety, six pass deflections, an interception, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries, with one of them returned for a 53-yard touchdown.  Campbell signed with the Jaguars and saw his numbers improve with 67 tackles, 14.5 sacks, three pass deflections, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery returned for a 10-yard touchdown, and helped the Jags earn a 10-6 record and reach the AFC Championship game. Now, he’s on the trade rumors again. Atlanta Falcons: Deion SandersNov 14, 1993; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Atlanta Falcons defensive back Deion Sanders (21) in action against the Los Angeles Rams at Fulton County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports Deion “Primetime” Sanders was electrifying during his tenure with the Falcons, helping them reach the playoffs in the 1991 season, making three Pro Bowls with the franchise, and was a true highlight reel. Then Sanders grew frustrated with the losing seasons, and financial disagreements led his former NFL team to let him go. He signed with the 49ers in the 1994 season and helped them win Super Bowl XXIX over the Chargers. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler LinderbaumJun 10, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum (64) looks on during an NFL OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images Linderbaum was the focal point of the Ravens’ offensive line in the 2020s, making three Pro Bowls and protecting Lamar Jackson with ease. The Ravens declined Linderbaum’s fifth-year option and couldn’t match the offer the Raiders made him, as he signed a four-year, $81 million deal with the Silver and Black. Linderbaum is one guy the Ravens are going to regret losing in free agency. Buffalo Bills: Leonard FloydNov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd (56) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports Floyd’s time in Western New York may have been short, but he made the most of it with 32 tackles, 10.5 sacks, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble during the 2023 season. The Bills released Floyd due to a combination of salary cap constraints and Floyd’s desire to get paid more.  He then signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the 49ers in the 2024 season, but the 49ers had an injury-riddled season. Carolina Panthers: Steve Smith Sr.Oct 6, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. speaks during the Hall of Honor ceremony during halftime against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports Smith Sr. is considered the greatest Panther of all time, as he helped the team reach Super Bowl XXXVIII, made five Pro Bowls with the team, and holds the NFL team’s receiving yard record. The Panthers let Smith Sr. walk after the 2013 season and watched him sign a three-year, $11.5 million deal with the Ravens, helping them reach the 2014-15 AFC Divisional Round. Chicago Bears: Robbie GouldDec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould (9) kicks a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Gould was the Bears’ Pro Bowl kicker who helped the Bears reach Super Bowl XLI during his tenure. Not to mention, he’s widely considered the best kicker for this NFL team. The Bears released Gould due to a decline in performance while looking for a younger kicker.  He signed with the Giants and helped them reach the 2016-17 playoffs. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew WhitworthFormer Bengal Andrew Whitworth watches the final minutes in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 4 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Dolphins at PayCor Stadium in downtown on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. The Bengals improved to 2-2 with a 27-15 win over the Dolphins. Miami Dolphins At Cincinnati Bengals Week 4 Withworth commanded the Bengals’ offensive line for most of his career, made three Pro Bowls with the team, and started in 164 games for them. The Bengals let him go due to age, the desire to sign younger talent, and their lack of interest in offering a multi-year deal. The Rams signed Whitworth, made one more Pro Bowl, and helped them win Super Bowl LVI against the Bengals. Cleveland Browns: Alex MackDec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack (55) makes a block for a Cleveland Browns third quarter touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns defeated the 49ers 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports Mack was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Browns, started in 85 regular-season games with the team, and showed iron-man toughness. Mack left the Browns in 2016, after voiding his contract, making him a free agent, and signed a five-year, $45 million contract with the Falcons, helping them reach Super Bowl LI. Dallas Cowboys: DeMarcus WareOct 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; American football player Demarcus Ware before the game between the Las Vegas Raiders against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ware was a defensive juggernaut with the Cowboys, making seven Pro Bowls and holding the franchise record in sacks with 117. They let him go due to salary cap constraints and injury concerns. Ware signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Broncos and helped them reach the playoffs twice, helping them win Super Bowl 50. Denver Broncos: Eric DeckerFeb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Heath Farwell (55) in the third quarter in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports Decker was an offensive NFL star for the Broncos, who shone when Peyton Manning joined the team in 2012, and helped the team reach Super Bowl XLVIII.  However, the Broncos let Decker walk due to salary cap constraints and the need to pay other key guys, and signed more defensive talent. Decker signed a five-year, $36.25 million contract with the Jets and had some good moments with them, but the Jets weren’t able to reach the playoffs during his tenure.  Detroit Lions: Carlton Davis IIIDetroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) waves at fans after 24-6 win over Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. Davis III’s time in Detroit was short, but he made the most of his time there, helping the team earn a 15-2 record and reach the NFC Divisional Round. He ended up walking away from the Lions due to a disagreement in contract language and signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Patriots.  Davis helped the Pats reach Super Bowl LX, while the Lions missed the playoffs.  Green Bay Packers: Greg JenningsGreen Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings celebrates his game-winning 82-yard touchdown reception in overtime during their game against the Denver Broncos Monday, October 29, 2007 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo. Jennings was a mainstay on the Packers’ offense in the late 2000s and early 2010s, helping the team win Super Bowl XLV and making two Pro Bowls. The Packers let Jennings walk due to salary cap constraints, his age, and injury concerns. Jennings signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract with the rival Vikings and saw some success with them. Houston Texans: Glover QuinNovember 18, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans strong safety Glover Quin (29) reacts after a play during overtime against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Quin was dependable and versatile during his tenure with the Texans, helping the team reach the NFL playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The Texans let Quin walk due to a tight salary cap, and he ended up signing a five-year, $23.5 million deal with the Lions, where he made a Pro Bowl and helped them reach the playoffs in 2014 and 2016.  Indianapolis Colts: Peyton ManningDec 26, 2010; Oakland, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) gestures during the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Colts defeated the Raiders 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports Manning did it all for the Colts, earning four MVPs, leading the team to win Super Bowl XLI, and making them a playoff juggernaut during his tenure. After Manning sat out the 2011 season recovering from neck surgery, the Colts let him walk, and he signed a five-year, $96 million deal with the Broncos, making them playoff juggernauts, won one more MVP, and helped them win Super Bowl 50. Could his son be next? Jacksonville Jaguars: Allen Robinson IIDec 24, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) runs the ball during the first quarter of an NFL Football game against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports Robinson II was one of the Jaguars’ most productive wideouts for the team, whose 2017 season was cut short due to an ACL injury. The Jaguars let Robinson II walk due to concerns about his ACL injury, financial considerations, and a chance to reset the passing attack.  Robinson II signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears and helped the team reach the NFL playoffs twice. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyrann MathieuJan 30, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) reacts after a play against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter of the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports Mathieu was transformative for the Chiefs’ defense; he helped the franchise win Super Bowl LIV and made two Pro Bowls during his time with the team. The Chiefs let Mathieu walk to focus on getting younger, signing Justin Reid instead. Mathieu signed a three-year, $28.3 million deal with the Saints, where he performed very well in his final years in the league. Las Vegas Raiders: Josh JacobsDec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) walks off the field after the Raiders were defeated by the Minnesota Vikings 3-0 at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports Jacobs was a workhorse during his tenure with the Silver and Black, making two Pro Bowls and helping the team reach the playoffs in 2021.  The Raiders let Jacobs walk due to the team not meeting his contract demands and wanting a cheaper running back. Jacobs signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers, helped them reach the playoffs in 2024 and 2025, and made a Pro Bowl. But trade rumors still swirl about him. Los Angeles Chargers: Hunter HenryDec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) reacts after making a catch against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Henry brought a ton of production and was very reliable for the Bolts during his tenure with the team. The Chargers let him walk due to salary cap constraints, refusing to use a second consecutive franchise tag on him. Henry signed with the Patriots in 2021 and has formed great chemistry with Drake Maye, and helped the team reach Super Bowl LX.  Los Angeles Rams: London FletcherDec 22, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins inside linebacker London Fletcher (59) waves to fans while leaving the field after the Redskins’ game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports Fletcher was a cornerstone of the “Greatest Show on Turf” era Rams that helped the team win Super Bowl XXXIV, and was very productive in the NFL. The Rams let Fletcher walk as they dealt with financial constraints, and re-signed Leonard Little instead. Fletcher signed with the Bills and had 12 more productive seasons under his belt, a move the Rams would regret.  Miami Dolphins: Cameron WakeMiami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) takes New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) to the turf forcing an incompletion in the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on September 7, 2014. (Allen Eyestone / The Palm Beach Post) New England Patriots Vs Miami Dolphins Wake was an anchor on the Dolphins’ defense, made five Pro Bowls, and had 98 sacks with the franchise. The Dolphins made Wake walk due to his age and wanting to do a roster overhaul for a massive rebuild. Wake signed with the Titans and helped them reach the 2020 AFC Championship game. Minnesota Vikings: Adam ThielenAug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) looks on during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports Thielen was a homegrown talent who joined the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013, made two Pro Bowls, and helped the team reach the 2018 NFC Championship game. The Vikings let Thielen walk in free agency due to salary cap constraints and a desire to get younger at the position. Thielen signed with the Panthers and was their lone bright spot in his two NFL seasons with the team. New England Patriots: Wes WelkerOct 14, 2007; Irving, TX, USA; New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker (83) runs for a second quarter touchdown past Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bradie James (56) at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Welker emerged as a superstar slot receiver for the Pats in the late 2000s and early 2010s, helping the team reach two Super Bowls and making five Pro Bowls. Welker was forced to walk from the Patriots due to salary cap constraints and age. HDanny Amendola and Julian Edelman replaced him. Welker signed with the Broncos and helped them reach Super Bowl XLVIII during his short tenure with them. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm JenkinsJan 9, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) on the field after defeating the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Jenkins was a mainstay on the Saints’ offense, helping the team win Super Bowl XLIV in the NFL, and was highly impactful and durable. The Saints let Jenkins walk due to a misjudgment in his long-term value, and he ended up signing with the Eagles, helping them win Super Bowl LII. The Saints later admitted they regretted making Jenkins walk.  New York Giants: Saquon BarkleySep 30, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes in the first half of against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com via USA TODAY NETWORK Barkley was a next-level talent for the Giants at running back, as he earned two Pro Bowls with the team, and bulldozed his way to the end zone. Barkley walked because the Giants weren’t willing to pay his high salary to a 27-year-old running back. He signed with their rivals, the Eagles, in 2024, helping them win Super Bowl LIX. Will the Eagles make the same mistake this offseason? New York Jets: Frankie LuvuDec 27, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets linebacker Frankie Luvu (50) celebrates a defensive stop against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports Luvu was serviceable and was a special-teams contributor for “Gang Green” in the NFL. The Jets let Luvu walk because they didn’t see him as a core defensive player for the unit, so the Panthers signed him, and he has emerged as a reliable pass-rusher for them and the Commanders. Philadelphia Eagles: Nick FolesSep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Though Foles left the Eagles in 2014, his return to the team was the best, as he helped the team win Super Bowl LII and won MVP of the game. Then, Foles left the team in 2019 and signed a four-year, $88 million deal with the Jaguars, but ended up getting injured, while the Eagles reached the wildcard round of the playoffs that year.  Pittsburgh Steelers: Rod WoodsonUnknown date; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Rod Woodson (26) celebrates an interception at Three Rivers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports Woodson was a focal point for the Steelers’ defense in the 1980s and 90s NFL era, helping the team reach Super Bowl XXX, and he made six Pro Bowls with the team. The Steelers made him walk due to his age and pivoted towards younger players. Woodson signed with the 49ers, the Ravens, and the Raiders, and helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV, and made a few more Pro Bowls.  San Francisco 49ers: Deion Sanders4. Deion Sanders, San Francisco 49ers (1994) G1focus28 3c Deion Sanders S Fbn Usa Ca Sanders’ time in the Bay Area was short, but he made the most of it, as he helped the team win Super Bowl XXIX and dominated on defense.  The 49ers let Sanders walk due to salary cap restrictions. He ended up signing with the Cowboys, helping them win Super Bowl XXX, and four more Pro Bowls in Dallas.  Seattle Seahawks: Golden TateDec 2, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate (81) celebrates a touchdown by a teammate against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports Tate was a focal point on the Seahawks’ offense that won Super Bowl XLVIII and was one of Russell Wilson’s favorite targets. The Seahawks let him walk, not wanting to overpay for the wideout. So, the Lions signed Tate to a five-year, $31 million deal, saw Tate make a Pro Bowl, and helped them reach the playoffs in 2014 and 2016. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: John LynchUnknown date, 1995; Tampa, FL USA; FILE PHOTO; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back John Lynch (47) celebrates on the field at Houlihan’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports Lynch was an elite safety who helped the Bucs win their first Super Bowl in 2003 and delivered legendary hits against opposing offenses. The Bucs released him due to a combination of injury concerns and salary cap considerations. He ended up signing with the Chargers and helped them reach the 2008 AFC Championship game.  Tennessee Titans: Derrick HenryTennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) is set to push off Oakland Raiders strong safety T.J. Carrie (38) at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Sept. 10, 2017. The Titans lost their home and season opener 26-16. Henry is a generational running back whose bruising runs made it difficult for defenders to take him down, as he helped the team reach the 2020 AFC Championship game in the NFL.  The Titans released him, looking to rebuild and implement a more pass-happy offense. He signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Ravens and bolstered their rushing attack. Washington Commanders: Kirk CousinsAug 18, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (12) during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Bears won 33-31. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports Cousins was Washington’s backup quarterback from 2012 until he was given the keys to the offense in 2015, after RGIII was out due to injuries. He helped the team win the NFC East and reach the Wildcard Round that season. Cousins was allowed to leave Washington after declining to use a franchise tag for the third straight year, allowing him to sign with the Vikings on a three-year, $84 million deal, where he elevated his game to another level.