NFL.com ranked the best annual signings in the first 15 years of free agency.

1993: Reggie White, Packers
Former team: Eagles
Position: Defensive end
Reported terms: Four years, $17 million

The first free agent period was ushered in with perhaps the biggest impact signing of all time. The Packers lavished the richest contract for a defensive lineman ever on Reggie White and he proved worth every penny. White amassed 68 ½ sacks in six seasons with Green Bay and led the Packers to their only Super Bowl championship since the Vince Lombardi era. White was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. Honorable mention: RB Marcus Allen (Raiders to Chiefs)

1995: Deion Sanders, Cowboys
Former team: 49ers
Position: Cornerback
Reported terms: Seven years, $25 million

Sanders makes the list twice in a row. After accepting less money and winning a Super Bowl with the 49ers, Sanders decided to end talk that he would retire from football and play baseball exclusively by signing a mega deal with the Cowboys. In his first year he helped lead Dallas to its third championship in four years and went on to have five standout seasons with the Cowboys despite playing part-time in 1995. Honorable mention: G Mark Schlereth (Redskins to Broncos)

2001: Priest Holmes, Chiefs
Former team: Ravens
Position: Running back
Reported terms: Five years, $8 million

Holmes performed well as Jamal Lewis’ backup during the Ravens’ Super Bowl season in 2000, but despite his success, there were not a lot of suitors for Holmes in free agency. The Chiefs signed him for a bargain price and got perhaps the NFL’s best running back over a three-year period. From 2001-2003, Holmes averaged 1,530 rushing yards, 659 receiving yards and 20 total touchdowns per season. Honorable mention: LB Mike Vrabel (Steelers to Patriots)

Great list. It’s hard to find a better free agent signing than Reggie White in 1993. More often than not these days, free agents aren’t worth half the contracts they signed. As the write up noted – White was worth every penny.