By Jack McNicholas

February 22, 2021

These four players signed to new teams during free agency last offseason; in what was an unprecedented offseason. Many players had opted out of the season due to COVID-19. Players took into account where they were winding up in the 2020 season. Now looking back at last year’s free agency, there were many qualified candidates. However, this article is mainly considering if they found success on their new team in the 2020 season. Picking the correct scheme and their contract outlook shows they can continue to be an impactful player in the coming years.

• Tom Brady – Quarterback – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last offseason, the biggest signing of all was one for the ages. After 20 seasons in New England, Tom Brady changed teams to Tampa Bay on a two-year 50 million dollar contract. In his first season in Tampa, Brady won the Superbowl, the seventh of his career. Crazy to think last year, only two teams called out for his services when Brady went on the market: the Los Angeles Chargers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While the Chargers got their young quarterback of the future months later, the Buccaneers got the veteran in Brady and, with that, their second Super Bowl in franchise history. Tom Brady did not lose a step this season as he was able to help this Buccaneers team from a record in 2019-2020 for 2020-2021. The team switched a turnover-heavy quarterback in Jameis Winston, who gave up 30 interceptions the previous season to Tom Brady, efficiently throwing 40 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions. To have the season he had is truly legendary. 43, and still able to post the third-most passing yards of the season with 4,633 yards. Only trailing Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes. The second most passing touchdown this season, behind only MVP Aaron Rodgers. Changing teams, conferences, and playing the Saints twice this year and still claimed victory in the Superbowl. Hard to argue that anything went wrong from Brady this season. Safe to say, he made the right choice. 

• Kyle Van Noy – Outside Linebacker – Miami Dolphins 

At the beginning of the season, a lot of optimism shined over Kyle Van Noy as he headed from New England to join former Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores on the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins see Van Noy going forward as a true leader of their defense. It was evident Miami saw him as a long-term veteran option signing him to a four-year, $51 million contract. The former two-time Superbowl Champion played in 14 games this season, starting 13 of those contests. Flores was influential to Van Noy’s production in New England, and it translated into a productive season in 2020. He finished his 2020 campaign with 69 total tackles, 46 being solo tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Safe to say, these next three seasons in Miami will be great for Van Noy as he has already helped the Dolphins improve; and will continue to be around as they continue to build this team. With a solid step up from 2019, this team is trending upwards and showed a lot of fight last season. 

• Kendall Fuller – Cornerback – Kendall Fuller

Kendall Fuller won the Super Bowl with KC last year, and the previous offseason inked a four-year 40 million dollar deal to leave the Chiefs to join the Washington Football Team. Although the Washington Football team went into the season with a rebuilding mentality, this was a signing that went under the radar. Fuller coming helped this team become the second-best passing defense in the league. The Washington Football team defense was a big story this season as they had one of the most dangerous pass-rushes in the league. However, their secondary was just as impressive, and all signs point to Fuller being a key reason. Fuller was able to play 14 games, starting all of them accumulating 50 total tackles, 38 solo tackles, 11 pass deflections, and tying his career-high for interceptions in a season with four. There is a lot of positivity in the future for this defense; an excellent pass rush helps the secondary have less time to defend. Despite struggles on offense and a quarterback carousel, they took a different approach as the season went on, and their defense was on a tear. This team showed that their defense can make a big enough impact to make a playoff run. Fuller is a part of this secondary for years to come, and it was the perfect place for him to sign. Truly found his 

• Blake Martinez – Linebacker – New York Giants

When the New York Giants went through free agency last season, the team had two main plans. Build a new coaching staff and rebuild this defense. The Giants showed a vast improvement in their defense, and that is due to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s primary weapon. Inside linebacker Blaker Martinez signed a three-year/30 million dollar contract and, in his first season with Big Blue, showed he was worth the signing. After four stellar seasons in Green Bay. Martinez stepped in as an instant leader as he was voted defensive captain before playing his first game as a Giant. In this defensive scheme, Martinez was a force and leading tackler for the defense. Posting an impressive 151 total tackles, 86 solo tackles, three sacks, nine tackles for loss, and an interception. As consistent as they come with nine or more tackles in 11 games. This signing was perfect for both the player and the team. With two more years on his deal, it is safe to say that Blake Martinez made the right decision in this signing. From the way he complements the whole defense, his leadership, and Patrick Graham’s defensive mind. This signing will impact the franchise as they try to build this defense in the coming seasons.