The 8 NFL free-agent signings with the best chance to outproduce their contracts
Briefly

The analysis of the early 2025 NFL free agency reveals insights through value metrics comparing cash spent versus performance. Using the Approximate Value (AV) metric to gauge player effectiveness, teams ranked by their returns on investments provide a comprehensive view of potential deals. Notably, the average AV per million is .713, highlighting players exceeding this benchmark as significant value signings. The article emphasizes low-cost players like Levi Onwuzurike, showcasing the potential of strategic acquisitions amidst rising market costs for fellow interior linemen.
By comparing these figures, we determined how much value each free agent produced per $1 million in cash spent, or AV per million.
From 2021 to 2024, the league average in AV per million was .713. Any player who produces more than .713 AV per million can be classified as an above-average return on investment.
Levi Onwuzurike is highlighted as a potential value signing, set to earn $4 million, far below other interior defensive linemen's contracts in this free-agent cycle.
We can project the best value deals from early returns in the 2025 free agent class, identifying players who show potential to significantly outperform their contracts.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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