Some of the best free-agent signings don't generate a ton of attention when they happen. They're the under-the-radar deals that shine bright when we've seen how each player fits in with his new team.
Here is a look at the eight shrewdest free-agent signings of the 2016 offseason, based on what we've seen so far this season.
Chris Long, DE, New England Patriots
The No. 2 overall pick in 2008 has been revitalized in New England after a pair of injury-plagued seasons that ended his tenure with the Rams. Long has started four of five games and will serve as part of a key trio of defensive ends along with Jabaal Sheard and Rob Ninkovich, now that Ninkovich has returned from a four-game suspension to open the season. Long signed a one-year, $2.375 million deal in the offseason, and he has applied consistent pressure to opposing quarterbacks, though he has just one sack. And while character can be hard to quantify at times, Long has been a strong fit in the organization and immediately immersed himself as a part of the fiber of the team.
Brian Hoyer, QB, Chicago Bears
The 49ers on Sunday will become the eighth team to use multiple starting quarterbacks this season, highlighting the value of a reliable backup. Hoyer has not been able to hold on to a starting job for an extended period of time during his career, but he is a dependable backup, and he has proved that in three games with Jay Cutler on the mend. No quarterback has more than Hoyer's 1,016 passing yards over the past three weeks, and he has completed 71.1 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and no interceptions. Chicago is just 1-2 in those three games, but Hoyer -- who signed a one-year, $2 million deal in the offseason -- has been far from the problem. Hoyer has been so good that Cutler might not get his job back.
Lorenzo Alexander, OLB, Buffalo Bills
When Alexander signed a one-year, $885,000 deal with the Bills in the offseason, I viewed it as a solid addition for the team's core special-teams groups, since he has been one of the league's best special-teamers for many seasons. But Alexander has had a career year already, picking up 7.0 sacks in just five games, which is only two fewer than he had from 2007 to '15. He leads the NFL in sacks and has been a big part of a Bills defense that has turned things around after an 0-2 start, holding its last three opponents to a total of 37 points. A Rex Ryan-led defense is at its best when it's generating pressure, and Alexander has catalyzed a pass rush that is fourth in the NFL with 17.0 sacks.
Dwight Freeney, DE, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons didn't sign Freeney to be an every-down player but rather a situational end to provide a boost off the edge. So far, so good. Freeney, who signed a one-year, $1 million deal in August, has a sack in three straight games. He is an important player in what has been an improved Atlanta pass rush. Freeny still possesses immense in-line power to go along with an arsenal of pass-rushing moves that give opposing tackles fits. The Falcons have built roster depth through solid drafting and recent free-agent acquisitions. Their 4-1 start is a sign of good things to come.
Jared Crick, DL, Denver Broncos
Among the players the Broncos needed to replace after last season was defensive lineman Malik Jackson, who signed a lucrative deal with the Jaguars in free agency. Crick, who spent his first four NFL seasons in Houston, was inked to a two-year, $4 million deal and stepped right into a starting role for the Broncos. The results have been strong, though not necessarily easy to decipher from the stat sheet. He provides critical snaps at a position that forces him to do dirty work. Despite a few free-agent losses, Denver's defense remains one of the best in the league.
Casey Hayward, CB, San Diego Chargers
As a rookie, Hayward snagged six interceptions for the Packers and had the look of a longtime starter in Green Bay. After going pick-less in two of his three next seasons, he hit the open market and has found a home in San Diego. He signed a three-year deal worth $15.3 million, a modest price for a young player at a premium position. He already has three interceptions and seven passes defensed this season, giving the team critical snaps with Jason Verrett out for the season.
Reggie Nelson, S, Oakland Raiders
Amid Oakland's flurry of offseason moves to beef up the defense, the signing of Nelson wasn't as noteworthy as the signing of pass-rusher Bruce Irvin and long, athletic cornerback Sean Smith. Nelson, formerly of the Bengals, has immediately helped set the tone, pacing the team with 37 tackles to go along with an interception, two fumbles recovered and five passes defensed. With an average annual value of his two-year contract at just north of $4 million, he looks like a steal.
Zach Brown, ILB, Buffalo Bills
While tackles don't always tell the full scope of a player's impact, the fact that Brown leads the NFL with 60 through five weeks of play helps highlight just how terrific he has been. He's a sideline-to-sideline linebacker who has offset the loss of second-round pick Reggie Ragland to an ACL injury that will cause him to miss the full season. Brown was inked to a one-year, $1.25 million deal in the offseason after four years in Tennessee. The former second-round pick has been a contact machine, piling up two forced fumbles and a sack, too. He's a key cog in Rex Ryan's defense.