NFL free agency: Tannenbaum picks five targets, potential new deals

While there are always big names in the NFL free agency pool who will earn the big-money deals, some of the best signings are the guys who teams can sign at value. When I was an NFL executive with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, I always went into March with a few players I absolutely wanted to sign. And that was especially true when I felt a free agent would outperform the contract to which we were signing him. Those savvy moves can often be more impactful than the «splash» signings in a salary cap restricted league.

So for a second year in a row, I'm putting on my GM hat and breaking down five current free agents I'd be targeting to sign this week if I were running a team. These are players who I believe can help any roster — even if some of them come with risks. Here are five names I'd pursue, the deals I'd offer them and why I think each would be worth the money.

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The deal I'd offer: Four years, $72 million ($40 million guaranteed)

Dean is still 26 years old and has 57 games of experience over his four-year career. At 6-foot-1 and 206 pounds, the 2019 third-round pick out of Auburn has great size for a cornerback and has proved both durable and productive. Dean was solid yet again last season, hauling in two interceptions and breaking up eight passes. He has averaged more than 10 pass breakups per season over his career.

As for his potential contract, I'd look at Xavien Howard's recent extension as a rough model, with an $18 million per-year breakdown. Playmaking cornerbacks are valuable, and there aren't many on the market who are still young, can stay healthy and have a deep resume of on-ball production.

If I were the Houston Texans, I'd be taking a close look at Dean.