When it comes to free agency in the NFL, the richer the deal, the more headlines that follow. That's just how it works.
But free agency includes much more than the big-money deals. Look closely at the Panthers' roster from 2015 and note the pickups of safety Kurt Coleman (seven interceptions), cornerback Charles Tillman (12 starts, 55 tackles, two interceptions) and wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (10 receiving touchdowns). Hardly a peep was made following those transactions, but all proved invaluable for the team that lost in the Super Bowl. None made more than $1 million in base salary in 2015. Money well spent.
Here's a look at deals signed this offseason that have flown under-the-radar but could provide significant value.
Charles Johnson, DE, Carolina Panthers
Contract value: One year, $3 million
Carolina briefly released Johnson -- he was set to count more than $15 million against the 2016 cap -- but he returned to the Panthers just five days later after generating interest from multiple teams. Johnson assuredly could have commanded more money elsewhere, as he had an exceptional postseason (three sacks and a pair of forced fumbles) after missing extended time due to a hamstring injury. Johnson is a forceful edge rusher who has a bit of a unique build for a defensive end -- he's close to 280 pounds but has enough explosiveness and movement skills to disrupt the pocket as a rusher. Carolina still profiles as a team to invest in an edge rusher at some point early in the draft, but Johnson's return, plus the ascension of Kony Ealy, keeps the Panthers in a good position for next season.
Danny Trevathan, LB, Chicago Bears
Contract value: Four years, $24.5 million
This deal included a $5 million signing bonus and additional guaranteed money, a nice haul for a player who made less than $3 million in base salary during his first four seasons in the NFL. But it also was a strong deal for the Bears. Trevathan was clearly the best inside linebacker available in the unrestricted free-agent market, and while he's not at the level of players such as Bobby Wagner and Luke Kuechly (who are making $10 million annually), he's only 25 years old and is hitting his peak. It would not have been a surprise if he signed a deal closer to that $10 million threshold based on the amount of cap space many teams had. He should be a centerpiece of a Bears defense that needs playmakers, particularly along the spine.
Lance Dunbar, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Contract terms: One year, $1.25 million
Injuries were a theme for the Cowboys in 2016, and Dunbar was among the notable players to end the year on injured reserve after tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 4. Prior to the injury, Dunbar piled up 21 catches in three full games, showing a natural ability to handle wide receiver alignments. He's a natural hands catcher with good run-after-catch skills, which was part of why he generated interest from multiple teams (Chicago and San Francisco) as a free agent. No, Dunbar is not going to be the workhorse back for Dallas (Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris are currently in line for heavier workloads), but he's a neat utility back with a minimal price tag. If he could contribute 50 receptions in 2016, that's excellent value for a back making less than $2 million.
Jermaine Kearse, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Contract value: Three years, $13.5 million
Kearse was public in his stance that he was not going to return to Seattle on a hometown discount (he played collegiately at Washington and is from Lakewood, Washington), but the deal he signed to stay in Seattle is good for all involved. The wide receiver market ballooned in free agency, with players such as Marvin Jones ($8 million/season) and Mohamed Sanu ($6.5 million/season) cashing in on huge deals. Seattle was able to retain Kearse at a reasonable rate, while Kearse got more than $6 million guaranteed. He fits as Seattle's No. 3 wideout for 2016 with exciting second-year player Tyler Lockett and breakout star Doug Baldwin atop the depth chart. Seattle had a lengthy list of free agents this offseason, and keeping Kearse around was a plus for the NFC contender.
Kendall Reyes, DL, Washington
Contract value: One year, $2.5 million
Washington general manager Scot McCloughan has had a quiet free-agency period, but it's largely by design; he's a draft-and-develop executive. Reyes comes to Washington with familiarity, as defensive coordinator Joe Barry arrived in D.C. in 2015 after time spent with the Chargers as their linebackers coach. Reyes fits as a 3-4 defensive end who could move around the front. He has excellent athleticism for a 300-pounder and should provide a pass rush and run-stuffing ability. Washington took a one-year flier on Terrance Knighton last offseason, and the Reyes signing reminds me of that deal -- both come with minimal risk and could have sufficient reward (Knighton wasn't great for Washington, but his $4 million salary also wasn't too cost prohibitive).