The Commanders doled out massive deals for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antwaan Randle El and St. Louis Rams safety Adam Archuleta – while also trading for San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Lloyd and committing to giving him a new contract. While it's not a surprise to see the Commanders so active in the market, the deals given to both Randle El and Archuleta had some surprising numbers.
By all accounts, the Commanders overpaid for Randle El and Archuleta, committing $22 million in signing and roster bonuses to a pair of players who were considered wildly overrated free agents in many circles. Archuleta's deal – the richest pact for a safety in NFL history – will pay him an average of roughly $5 million per season, while Randle El's $11.5 million signing and roster bonuses – and $31 million total – are more lucrative than some contracts given to No. 1 receivers.