Reggie White named best free agent signing in NFL history

#1
Neyland123

Neyland123

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#1
Earlier this month, Jim Reinking of NFL.com ranked the 20 best free-agent signings in NFL history and the Packers signing Reggie White in 1993 came in at No. 1. Here's what Reinking had to say about the signing.

The most significant free-agent signing in NFL history also occurred in the first offseason that featured free agency. White was the most coveted player on the market in 1993, and his whirlwind free agency tour featured a memorable Sports Illustrated cover and a surprising destination. The Packers were not expected to acquire White, but his arrival signaled a new era in Green Bay. Years of losing were replaced by a run of success that lives on to this day. With White anchoring the defense and Brett Favre leading the offense, the Packers were bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Wisconsin in White's fourth year with the team.
 
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#7
#7
It's sad that we don't have the Minister of the D to come in and talk to our kids now.

He would have also made a great leader of the VFL program.

I'll always miss him.

VFL...GBO!!!
 
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#9
#9
And that signing was towards the end of this career.. when are Philly .. simply a monster
 
#10
#10
NeverWe'llSever said:
As good as Reggie was, you gotta think Drew Brees is tied for best, if not better.
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I don’t gotta think it. The Packers were immediately relevant with the move and all the positive vibes from “winning” Reggie led to the Packers overtaking the Cowboys and reaching two SB’s in quick fashion. Only the Dolphins and Saints were interested in taking a flyer on Brees with major concerns if he would ever play again AFTER not really lighting it up with the Chargers. Saban passed on him (in favor of Daunte Culpepper) and the rest is history. But it took him a few years to help them reach the one SB. He’ll end up with all the passing records, but I still don’t see the immediate franchise transformation “as much or more” from a free agent.
 
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#13
#13
butchna said:
I don’t gotta think it. The Packers were immediately relevant with the move and all the positive vibes from “winning” Reggie led to the Packers overtaking the Cowboys and reaching two SB’s in quick fashion. Only the Dolphins and Saints were interested in taking a flyer on Brees with major concerns if he would ever play again AFTER not really lighting it up with the Chargers. Saban passed on him (in favor of Daunte Culpepper) and the rest is history. But it took him a few years to help them reach the one SB. He’ll end up with all the passing records, but I still don’t see the immediate franchise transformation “as much or more” from a free agent.
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Wasn't it about the same length of time? Brees went to NO in '06 and they played in a SB in the '09 season.

White went to GB in '93 and they played in the SB in the '96 season.

Still, when White got to GB he was in his prime. Brees had, yet, to hit his peak...to your point.
 
#15
#15
I was a freshman at UT during his senior year. Still consider it an honor to have cheered him on in orange from the student section. And it was cool to see him around campus from time to time.

Hard to believe how long ago that was.
 
#16
#16
Reggie was an absolute joy to root for. Few players if any in our time had their priorities in order as well as Reggie did. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. Truly a funny man as well....once heard the question ask to him if he cried after a loss...he said “I never cry over football...it’s a game”....
 
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#17
#17
Boca Vol said:
Wasn't it about the same length of time? Brees went to NO in '06 and they played in a SB in the '09 season.

White went to GB in '93 and they played in the SB in the '96 season.

Still, when White got to GB he was in his prime. Brees had, yet, to hit his peak...to your point.
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Yeah. Looking at the immediate seasons, Green Bay won 7 and New Orleans 10. I can see why one would list Drew Brees. I ain’t that one tho. :)
 
#18
#18
Reggie brought his kids into the West Town mall Electronics Boutique where I was a Manager Trainee in 1991. He bought them each a Sega Genesis and some games, and pulled out a black credit card I've never seen again to date. Money was no object.

Nice guy. Friendly. Pretty big.

VFL before it existed.
 
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#20
#20
butchna said:
I don’t gotta think it. The Packers were immediately relevant with the move and all the positive vibes from “winning” Reggie led to the Packers overtaking the Cowboys and reaching two SB’s in quick fashion. Only the Dolphins and Saints were interested in taking a flyer on Brees with major concerns if he would ever play again AFTER not really lighting it up with the Chargers. Saban passed on him (in favor of Daunte Culpepper) and the rest is history. But it took him a few years to help them reach the one SB. He’ll end up with all the passing records, but I still don’t see the immediate franchise transformation “as much or more” from a free agent.
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I love Reggie White. Love him. I was born in Philadelphia.

But, the answer (IMO) is Drew Brees. You talk about transforming a franchise. The Saints won one playoff game in their franchise history and in Year 1, they went to the NFC title game. They have been to the playoffs more seasons with Brees than in the rest of the franchise's history combined. Factor in that Brees has been in NO 12 years and counting and Reggie was in GB for 6 (and his best years were in Philly) and it's Brees.

I don't know if the Packers do or don't win a Super Bowl without White. I know the Saints damn sure don't sniff the Super Bowl without Brees. For that reason, I probably put Manning signing with the Broncos above Reggie too. Even though the Bronco defense carried Denver that particular season, I still don't know if they win the championship without Peyton.

The other factor is that White is just one of many legends over the years to come through Green Bay. Drew Brees is the Saints. It's a Mount Rushmore of one, with all due respect to Archie Manning. And for THE ALL-TIME face of the franchise to be a free agent signing....Brees should have been #1.

JMO
 
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#21
#21
Out of curiosity can anyone think of any other free agent signings where someone picked up a HOFer (that wasn't completely out of gas)

We've covered Brees & White

-Peyton 3 amazing seasons in Denver

- Deion, I believe, was a FA with both SF & Dallas

- Charles Wodson was def POY after signing with Green Bay

-Curtis Martin had 7 1,000 yard seasons for the Jets

Who else?
 
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