I agree with what you are saying but IMO Peete and WHite worked out for what we needed at the time.  Actually Hartwig too.  Even if all of them were only for a limited time.  But I agree with your premise it seems for some reason we never really get what we want out of FAs.

He went down hill in a hurry (age, lack of CB confidence and a poor pass rush can bring this about)and based off of most posts you read about him these days---I'll no doubt get booed off my computer for this post---But I feel good enough about my observation/opinion that I'll put it out there just the same.... but Lucas really was pretty solid for the first 3.5 yrs he played----he just totally went down in flames & stunk in the last 6-8 games he played as a Panther...seems father time just got a hold of his legs...but i wouldn't say he was a bust as a FA aquisition...

The Pats always pick up old FAs though and it works out for them every damn time.  It is sickening.  If we did that people would have died on the field or something.

And TO is fine ....for a year and one year alone but don't even think about resigning him unless it is with the intent to trade him!   Seriously.