Customize ESPN

Does it pay to spend on big contracts? Barnwell on a surprising NFL free agency trend going back to 2013

Let's look at the largest contracts from 2013 to 2022 to see how often megadeals meet expectations, from Tom Brady to Brock Osweiler.

8hBill Barnwell
Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire

Tracking NFL free agency: Signings, trades and cuts from March

Catch up on every free agency signing, trade, cut, contract restructure and more over a three-week stretch.

4dESPN staff

TOP HEADLINES

HIGHEST-PAID WIDE RECEIVER IN HISTORY

Stephen A: JSN 'deserves every penny' of record contract

4h
1:16

Orlovsky: JSN absolutely deserves this historic contract

5h
0:50

NFL NATION

Will Daniel Jones return to form? The Colts are banking on it

The Colts made a huge investment in Daniel Jones recovering from his Achilles injury, and so far, signs are positive.

9hStephen Holder
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

No splash signings, but many questions: What's next for the Chargers?

9hKris Rhim

Jets paying combined $48M for Rodgers, Fields to not be their 2026 QB

1dRich Cimini

Patriots notebook: Drake Maye, receivers spotted practicing at FAU

1dMike Reiss

Cowboys QB Sam Howell's first start was a win vs. Dallas

1dTodd Archer

SIZING UP THE OFFSEASON

Ranking the best deals of the offseason: 16 signings and trades that received an 'A' grade

We've graded more than 60 signings and trades over the past few weeks. But only 16 moves received top marks. We ranked those deals.

4dSeth Walder
Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

Takeaways from opening week of free agency: Biggest signings, losses for all 32 teams

Let's break down the main free agency signings, latest buzz on moves and biggest remaining questions.

5dNFL Nation

FANATICS FLAG FOOTBALL CLASSIC

Tom Brady turns back time with TD pass to Stefon Diggs

20h
0:26

Brady, Jalen Hurts team up for a 'Philly Special'

20h
0:19

NFL DRAFT

APRIL 23-25 ON ESPN NETWORKS

Yates' rankings for the NFL draft: Sizing up the top 50 prospects, plus scouting reports

Who are the best players in this year's NFL draft class? Where do they stand out? Field Yates stacks his top 50 prospects.

4dField Yates
Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Kiper's new NFL mock draft: How free agency shook up first-round landing spots

Team needs have shifted in free agency, so how will top prospects come off the board in Round 1?

6dMel Kiper Jr.

REACTING TO THE WADDLE TRADE

What does Jaylen Waddle mean for Broncos? Stephen A. weighs in

4d
2:05

Barnwell: The Broncos are all-in, and the Dolphins are all-out ...

Are the Broncos legit Super Bowl contenders? Are the Dolphins rebuilding in a smart way?

6dBill Barnwell

GUIDE TO THE UFL

SEASON BEGINS MARCH 27

New teams, logos, coaches, stadiums and key players for every team

Here are the teams, coaches and key players who will take the field this month as the UFL begins Season 3.

4dESPN staff
Courtesy of the UFL

How to watch every 2026 UFL game: Dates, networks, complete team-by-team schedules

Here's a team-by-team list of schedules for every UFL team prior to the season kickoff on March 27.

4dESPN Staff

Top Headlines

Trending Now

Favorites

Fantasy

Customize ESPN

The enhanced ESPN App