Quarterback Kirk Cousins, guard Andrew Norwell, cornerback Trumaine Johnson and left tackle Nate Solder emerged as the top free-agent earners at their positions last year. One can argue those big-time acquisitions didn't pan out as expected for the NFL teams that signed them.
It's the reason there's an echo chamber that emphasizes building through the draft. The Los Angeles Rams went against the grain. The front office signed one high-profile free agent, Ndamukong Suh, and acquired multiple starters via trades. Now, the franchise is preparing for Super Bowl LIII on Sunday.
The Rams illustrated how veteran acquisitions can put a team over the top and in the title game.