Unexpected Gems: NFL Free Agency’s Under-the-Radar Signings

The first wave of NFL free agency has passed, and the football world is buzzing about the biggest moves. While top free agents secured lucrative, long-term contracts, several smaller signings may have flown under the radar. Here are five undervalued acquisitions that have caught our eye, offering potential impact for their new teams.

RB Keaton Mitchell → Chargers

Los Angeles didn’t just add depth to their running back room with the signing of Keaton Mitchell; they potentially added another valuable weapon for new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. McDaniel is known to covet players with elite speed and explosiveness, and Mitchell certainly fits that profile. The 2023 undrafted rookie, originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens, averaged an impressive 8.4 yards per carry on 47 attempts during his first NFL season before a season-ending ACL tear. The injury also sidelined him for the majority of the 2024 season.

However, the 24-year-classic looked secure in his recovery last season, averaging 5.8 yards per carry and regaining his top-complete speed. According to NFL researchers, Mitchell led the league in runs reaching 20 mph, with seven such runs on just 59 carries. McDaniel previously orchestrated the NFL’s fastest offense in Miami. The 2023 Dolphins, renowned for their pre-snap motion, creatively utilized their players’ speed to become nearly unstoppable. Mitchell could carve out a significant role in Los Angeles, potentially sharing carries with Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal. The Chargers signed Mitchell to a two-year, $9.25 million contract, including $5 million fully guaranteed.

LB K’Lavon Chaisson → Commanders

Washington struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season, ranking 26th in the league in that category according to Pro Football Reference. The Commanders brought in several pass rushers, including Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson. While Oweh’s four-year, $100 million contract made headlines, Chaisson signed a one-year deal worth $12 million.

That one-year contract could prove to be a bargain. Admittedly, the 2020 first-round pick had a slow start to his career and is now with his fourth team in as many years. However, he came off a season with career-highs in QB hits (18) and sacks (7.5) as a member of the New England Patriots. The LSU product also recorded three sacks in the playoffs. Chaisson, 26, may be entering his prime and could serve as a dynamic, high-potential number two option for Washington.

CB Nahshon Wright → Jets

The Jets curiously finished last season without a single interception, making a secondary upgrade a priority in free agency. Enter Nahshon Wright, a tall cornerback who signed a one-year contract with a base salary of just $3.5 million.

The former third-round pick spent much of his career as a special teams contributor until blossoming with the Chicago Bears in 2025. There, he amassed 80 tackles, 11 pass defenses, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles, earning a Pro Bowl nod as an injury replacement. The 27-year-old’s size, athleticism, and ball skills fit well within Coach Aaron Glenn’s system. The Jets, like the Bears in 2025, employ one of the highest rates of man-to-man coverage in the league.

TE Chig Okonkwo → Commanders

While the Commanders prioritized bolstering their defense in free agency, one of their best acquisitions comes on the other side of the ball. Shortly before his 27th birthday, Chig Okonkwo signed a three-year contract worth up to $30 million to replace the aging Zach Ertz, who tore his ACL in December and remained unsigned.

In 2025, Okonkwo achieved career-best numbers with 56 receptions for 560 yards and two touchdowns for the Tennessee Titans. Importantly, he brings something Washington lacked last year: yards after the catch (YAC). According to TruMedia, the Commanders were the fourth-worst team in the league in this category. Okonkwo ranked ninth among tight ends in YAC.

Jayden Daniels helped revitalize Ertz’s career in 2024 by targeting the veteran tight end 91 times. Washington hopes the now-healthy, dynamic quarterback can build similar chemistry with Okonkwo.

S Jalen Thompson → Cowboys

This signing represents excellent value. A three-year, $33 million contract for a reliable starter who rarely gets injured is a genuine steal. Thompson brings experience, versatility, and strong support to Dallas in both the run and pass game. In 2025, he recorded 95 tackles (two for loss), one sack, and six pass defenses with the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cowboys’ newly formed defensive coaching staff, with coordinator Christian Parker and secondary coach Ryan Smith (who previously worked with Thompson in Arizona), can deploy the 27-year-old as a single-high safety, in the box, and in the slot. His instincts and tackling ability should have an immediate impact on a team that missed the eighth-most tackles in the league last season.

The Cowboys have made some questionable roster reshaping decisions in recent years, but this move isn’t one of them. While Thompson may not grab headlines, few should be surprised if he becomes a cornerstone of their defense.

These signings, while not generating the same buzz as blockbuster moves, demonstrate smart roster building and could prove pivotal as teams prepare for the 2026 season. The Commanders and Chargers, in particular, appear to have addressed key needs with players who offer both upside and value.

The NFL Draft is just around the corner, scheduled to begin on April 23rd. Teams will appear to further refine their rosters and address remaining needs. Stay tuned to Archysport for comprehensive coverage of the draft and ongoing free agency developments.