5 worst free agent signings in NFL history feat. Falcons’ $180,000,000 Kirk Cousins plan

There are numerous bad tales of free agent signings that failed under the pressure of expensive paychecks and high expectations, even though there have also been NFL free agents who have gone on to show their value.

Below, five select NFL free agents who initially arrived with high expectations and left after disappointing performances will be explored.

5 worst NFL free-agent signings

1) DL Albert Haynesworth, Washington Redskins - $100 million for 7 years

The Tennessee Titans selected Albert Haynesworth with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2002 NFL draft. During his seven seasons with the team, he was a top defensive lineman in the league and was named to the Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro in 2007 and 2008.

According to reports, a third or more of the league wanted the Tennessee graduate, who became a highly sought-after free agent following his 2008 campaign. But in the end, the 28-year-old defensive tackle agreed to a seven-year, $100 million deal with the Washington Commanders.

Haynesworth, who was contracted to $41 million in guaranteed money, would only suit up 20 times in two years for the Redskins before being traded to the New England Patriots in 2011.

Haynesworth was frequently the focus of controversy during his brief tenure in Washington, when he came under fire for his inefficiency and laziness on the field. Because of this, the contract is regarded as one of the worst free agent signings ever.

2) RB Le’Veon Bell, New York Jets - $52.5 million for 4 years

Le'Veon Bell had an incredible start to his professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Bell recorded 1,291 yards and 321 rushes in 2017, putting him first in the league. In addition, he made his third Pro Bowl appearance and added 85 receptions for 655 yards. He missed the entire 2018 season, though, since he refused to sign the franchise tag the organization wanted to put on him.

He and the Jets reached an agreement on a four-year contract for more than $13 million annually. He never did, however, achieve the same degree of success with his new team. The Jets cut him two games into his second season in New York.

Bell, who was formerly considered one of the league's top dual-threat running backs, played his final season in 2021 before turning pro boxer in 2022.

3) CB Deion Sanders, Washington Redskins - $56.125 million for 7 years

Despite being the only athlete in history to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series, Deion Sanders' NFL career was not without its setbacks.

Sanders signed a seven-year, $56 million contract with the Washington Redskins in 2001, but it soon became obvious that he was past his peak, even though he played well enough to be selected to the Pro Bowl in his final seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.

After just one year in Washington, Sanders unexpectedly announced his retirement in 2001 at the end of the 2000 season, which was a respectable performance season for him.

Sanders came out of retirement to play for the Baltimore Ravens for two seasons in 2004 before transitioning into broadcasting and then coaching.

4) QB Brock Osweiler, Houston Texans - $72 million for 4 years

QB Brock Osweiler was named the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans in 2016 following a Super Bowl-winning season in which he guided the Denver Broncos to regular season success before Peyton Manning took over in the playoffs. However, his stint in Houston was short-lived due to a poor campaign.

Osweiler ended his brief tenure with the Texans with more interceptions than touchdowns. In order to get rid of Osweiler and what remained of his contract, the Texans would ultimately give the Cleveland Browns a second-round selection pick.

5) QB Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons - $180 million for 4 years

The Atlanta Falcons' relationship with Kirk Cousins may end up being the most disappointing NFL free agent signing in recent history, depending on what happens over the course of the next few weeks.

When the Falcons gave the then-35-year-old quarterback a four-year, $180-million contract in March, there were rumors that the agreement to get Cousins to Atlanta was unsuitable. The primary cause of that was because Cousins was recovering from an achilles tear he sustained while starring for the Minnesota Vikings just under five months prior.

During the week, head coach Raheem Morris declared that Cousins would now be a backup to rookie Michael Penix Jr. Given Cousins' recent difficulties, this announcement didn't come as a major surprise.

In his last five outings, the Michigan State alum has thrown nine picks and only one touchdown. This season, he has also thrown a league-high 16 interceptions.

In Week 16, Penix—who Atlanta picked with the eighth overall choice in the NFL draft back in April—will make his first start against the New York Giants, potentially bringing Cousins and the Falcons' relationship to an end after just one season.