RB Peyton Hillis (Chiefs)

Best Free Agent Signings

Hillis comes with a lot of baggage. But he'll be motivated playing on a one-year deal and is the perfect compliment to recovering jitterbug Jamaal Charles. Hillis can be Thomas Jones circa 2010 — maybe more. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

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Prudent NFL Move... By Jordan Raanan
Xfinity Sports

The biggest moves for the most money (Peyton Manning to Denver) have been made. That doesn't mean they're the best deals though.

Last year's free-agent frenzy is a prime example. Even with all the star power on the market, the best signing of the 2011 offseason turned out to be Darren Sproles. When the running back signed with the Saints, the acquisition came with little fanfare. Turned out, it was the most influential move of the entire offseason. Sproles starred in the Saints' offense while many of the bigger names (Nnamdi Asomugha, Chad Ochocinco) struggled.

So who will be this year's Sproles? Some of my best moves of the offseason have the potential for a similar impact. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

Jordan Raanan has covered the NFL since 2005. Follow him on Twitter at @JordanRaanan or email him at jraanan@hotmail.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
QB Jason Campbel... He's not a sexy name and won't be a starter. He does, however, instantly become one of the league's best backup quarterbacks. And the Bears know how important a backup QB can be to your season. Chicago crumbled when Jay Cutler went down last season. That won't happen with Campbell holding the clipboard. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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TE Martellus Ben... Seriously, should we ever doubt Giants general manager Jerry Reese? He nabbed Bennett, a former Cowboys tight end with supreme skills and athleticism, on a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Definitely worth the flier for a 25-year-old who no longer will be playing behind Jason Witten. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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WR Brandon Lloyd... Lloyd came to the Patriots on the cheap. He received less guaranteed money than Laurent Robinson. New England is likely to get more than its money's worth with the former Pro Bowler. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

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DE Mario William... OK, this isn't some under-the-radar guy. Williams was the top free agent pass rusher on the market. And he landed in Buffalo. Buffalo! Quite a coup for the Bills, who are building an impressive defensive line with Williams, Mark Anderson, Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

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QB Matt Flynn (S... The Seahawks got their quarterback and didn't have to commit long-term and overpay like the Chiefs did in 2009 for Matt Cassel. Flynn only cost $26 million over three years, a relative bargain if he proves to be a viable starting NFL quarterback. Cassel received a six-year, $62.7 million deal despite limited playing time before joining Kansas City. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

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WR Vincent Jacks... Love what the Buccaneers did early in free agency. They acquired two impact offensive players — Nicks at guard and Jackson at wide receiver — that instantly make them significantly better and more explosive in the run and pass games. (AP Photo)

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RB Peyton Hillis... Hillis comes with a lot of baggage. But he'll be motivated playing on a one-year deal and is the perfect compliment to recovering jitterbug Jamaal Charles. Hillis can be Thomas Jones circa 2010 — maybe more. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
LB Stephen Tullo... The Lions were big winners when they re-signed their Pro Bowl caliber middle linebacker for five years, $25.5 million and just $11.25 million guaranteed. Tulloch is a difference-maker. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)

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LB Erin Henderso... The Vikings linebacker re-signed for one year and $2 million after a breakout 2011 season. It's an ideal move for Minnesota, which now gets another year to determine whether Henderson is Pro Bowl caliber. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)

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Ted Ginn (49ers) Quality, reliable kick and punt returners don't grow on trees. The Niners got Ginn back on a one-year deal. He could be the difference from, say, making the NFC Championship game or the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.