Four impending NFL free agents teams could regret signing

NFL teams can open contract negotiations on Monday with impending free agents, who can start signing deals on March 13.

Although the free-agency period generally brings plenty of excitement and optimism, there will surely be several deals signed this offseason that teams will ultimately regret. As free agency looms, here are four players set to hit the open market whom teams could have buyer's remorse about signing.

Running back Austin Ekeler

History suggests paying a premium for a free-agent running back wastes cap space. However, with several good RBs (Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, D'Andre Swift, etc.) available this offseason, a case can be made that some contenders should target the position. Ekeler, however, should not be considered.

After scoring the most total touchdowns (38) and amassing the fourth-most yards from scrimmage (3,195) across the 2021-22 seasons, Ekeler's production plummeted in 2023. In 14 games, Ekeler rushed for 628 yards and scored six total touchdowns and averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry. 

Ekeler, who turns 29 on May 17, was an effective offensive weapon at his peak, but his value in fantasy football was higher than in the NFL. Ekeler is an undersized running back (5-foot-10 and 200 pounds) with injury concerns and zero career 1,000-yard rushing seasons on his résumé. He'd be a suitable addition as a rotational piece, but no team should pursue Ekeler for a lead-back role.

Wide receiver Marquise Brown

Given the Cincinnati Bengals' decision to franchise-tag Tee Higgins and Mike Evans' extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brown could be the top free-agent wideout with the most realistic chance of heading elsewhere. Nonetheless, receiver-needy teams should be cautious about splurging for Brown, particularly those lacking a true No. 1 pass-catcher. 

The former first-round pick never took the next step many expected he would following his trade to the Arizona Cardinals from Baltimore in 2022. Over the past two seasons, Brown has only caught 118 passes for 1,283 yards and seven touchdowns and missed eight games due to injury. 

Even though a less-than-ideal quarterback situation and injuries can be attributed to Brown's struggles, it's impossible to ignore that he has been underwhelming despite receiving many targets. In 2022, Brown finished with the second-fewest receiving yards by a player with at least 100 targets (709), and his 574 yards in 2023 ranked last for players who met that same criteria. 

Offensive tackle Trent Brown 

The second-highest-rated tackle in Pro Football Focus's free-agent rankings will undoubtedly have plenty of suitors this offseason, thanks largely to his versatility and a lackluster offensive line market. Despite allowing just three sacks in 2023 for New England, Brown dealt with many injuries and posted an 82.7% pass-block win rate (60th of the 69 qualified OTs).

It's also worth noting that Brown decided his 2023 season was over on his own terms. According to the Boston Sports Journal's Mike Giardi, the Patriots believed Brown could have suited up in the season's final weeks, but he chose to protect himself for free agency. While this development might seem insignificant to some, that noncommitment level could be a warning for teams interested in Brown. 

Linebacker Devin White

White, the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, requested a trade from Tampa Bay last offseason after failing to secure his desired extension worth $20M annually. White might be lucky to get half that amount in annual value as part of his next deal, and even that might be considered a foolish investment by this time next year. 

Not only has White's play declined since his 2021 Pro Bowl season, but he seemingly fell out of favor with his coaching staff in 2023, during which he racked up a career-worst 83 tackles. Additionally, White reportedly held himself out of Tampa Bay's Week 15 matchup with Green Bay after refusing to accept a backup role, a claim the linebacker has since refuted.

Considering White was the third-lowest-rated linebacker by PFF among 82 qualified players (47.4), it wouldn't be a shock if that report were accurate, adding to the factors that may make him a risky free-agent signing.