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2010 AFC free-agent preview

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2010 NFC free-agent preview

Posted Nov. 25, 2009 @ 11:42 a.m.

Owners table free-agency window discussion

Posted Oct. 14, 2009 @ 2:22 p.m.
Posted Nov. 25, 2009 @ 11:41 a.m.
By PFW staff

With the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement set to expire if no new deal is reached by March, players in their fourth or fifth season who normally would have been able to hit the market as unrestricted free agents now would be restricted free agents, far less able to command money on the open market.

And yet 2010 stands as an uncapped year if a new CBA doesn't come to fruition. So while there might be, in theory, unlimited funds for teams to throw around in the open market on player salaries, there likely would be far fewer attractive options on which to spend that money.

In addition to the more than 200 players whose unrestricted status would be removed, there's also the fact that limitations will be in place to restrict the final eight playoff teams for this season from signing an unrestricted free agent unless they lose one of corresponding value.

About our free-agent list

The "potential UFAs" category lists players with six or more accrued seasons who are expected to become unrestricted free agents after the 2009 season, when their current contracts expire. Unrestricted free agents are free to sign with any team, provided they have not been designated their team's "franchise" or "transition" player, which would limit their options.

The "potential RFAs" category lists players expected to become restricted free agents after the season. RFAs without an asterisk will have completed three NFL seasons. Players who have an asterisk (*) following their names are fourth- or fifth-year players who would be unrestricted free agents if a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is reached prior to March. If not, the NFL will go into an uncapped season, and those players will become restricted free agents. All RFAs are free to sign with other teams, but their movement is somewhat limited, as their current team generally has a chance to match any offer from another team or receive compensation if they leave.

This is an unofficial list obtained through various NFL sources. The NFL Players Association does not release the "official" list until after the regular season.


AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

Potential UFAs: DE Ryan Denney, OLB Chris Draft, S Todd Johnson, OG Seth McKinney, WR ­Terrell Owens, WR Josh Reed, S-LB Bryan Scott.

Potential RFAs: OLB Keith Ellison*, TE Derek Schouman, OT Jonathan Scott, S George Wilson*, CB Ashton Youboty*.

Analysis: Buffalo's plan of attack in free agency will have a lot to do with who is calling the shots in 2010, which remains very much up in the air. Following the team's firing of head coach Dick Jauron, it is widely assumed that someone other than chief operating officer/GM Russ Brandon will be in charge of personnel moves next season. What is known is that the struggling Bills likely will enter rebuilding mode with the hiring of a new head coach, and they'll start with the offensive line, which has been decimated by injuries and inexperience in '09. The club also will look to make upgrades at wide receiver and along the defensive front, which has been gashed by the run all season. As for its own free agents, Buffalo definitely won't bring back Terrell Owens, whose signing has turned out to be a major mistake, and could live without re-signing any of its players with expiring contracts. Depending on how he performs down the stretch, a player like Jonathan Scott could get some consideration, but his departure wouldn't be a major setback. As it is, the new regime that will take over the Bills next year may want to distance itself from as many of the team's current players as possible.

 

Miami Dolphins

Potential UFAs: DT Jason Ferguson, CB Nathan Jones, TE David Martin, QB Chad Pennington, OLB Jason Taylor.

Potential RFAs: RB Ronnie Brown*, TE Anthony Fasano*, DE Quentin Moses, OLB Matt Roth*.

Analysis: The Dolphins have just nine players expected to become restricted or unrestricted free agents this offseason. To put that in perspective, the Saints have 17 players who will be restricted, and 28 total, but Miami still has some significant work to do. An intriguing quirk written into Ronnie Brown's contract could benefit the Dolphins this offseason. If no new CBA is agreed upon, Brown will be under contract in 2010 with a base salary of $5 million. In the unlikely event that there is an agreement on a new CBA, Brown would become a free agent. It certainly looks as if Brown, who was placed on injured reserve Nov. 18 with a foot injury, will be back with the Dolphins next season. Jason Ferguson likely will get a short-term offer from Miami with no good options to replace him in the middle of the D-line. Chad Pennington probably will not get an offer from the team to return, with Chad Henne, Tyler Thigpen and Pat White on the roster. Word is Jason Taylor would like to play at least one more season, and the team likely would welcome him back.

 

New England Patriots

Potential UFAs: OLB Tully Banta-Cain, CB Leigh Bodden, DE Derrick Burgess, RB Kevin Faulk, DE Jarvis Green, P Chris Hanson, OG Stephen Neal, OLB Junior Seau, TE Ben Watson, DT Vince Wilfork.

Potential RFAs: OLB Eric Alexander*, OG Dan Connolly*, PK Stephen Gostkowski*, OG Logan Mankins*, RB Chris Taylor, OLB Pierre Woods*.

Analysis: The Patriots were questioned for trading Richard Seymour this summer for a future pick, but it's clear that the team believed there was no way it could afford to pay Seymour, Vince Wilfork and Logan Mankins, plus get an extension which some would say is the highest priority for Tom Brady this offseason. Without a CBA, Mankins would be restricted. However, if both he and Wilfork become unrestricted with a CBA in place, Wilfork would be the higher priority. The good news is that Wilfork's people and the team have had contract discussions as recently as the bye week, though nothing concrete has been done. Another priority should be Stephen Neal, who often flies under the radar but is a solid player who fits the offense well. If there's a UFA who might be let go, it's Ben Watson. He hasn't fulfilled his big potential, and though he's talented, the team always has looked for other tight ends. Kevin Faulk is a good soldier who likely wants to finish his career in New England and the feeling is mutual. The team likes what Stephen Gostkowski has done but won't go overboard for any kicker (see Adam Vinatieri). The slightly disappointing Derrick Burgess might have to finish strong to get another contract.

 

New York Jets

Potential UFAs: DE Marques Douglas, PK Jay Feely, ILB Ryan Fowler, TE Ben Hartsock, ILB Larry Izzo, FB Tony Richardson.

Potential RFAs: QB Kellen Clemens*, CB Drew Coleman*, WR Braylon Edwards*, DT Howard Green*, OL Wayne Hunter*, S James Ihedigbo, DE Marques Murrell, S Eric Smith*, WR Brad Smith*, RB Leon Washington*, WR Wallace Wright.

Analysis: This could be an anticlimactic offseason for the Jets. The two biggest names on their list of free agents Braylon Edwards and Leon Washington likely will both be restricted and thus will be back with the team in 2010. Edwards has said he wants to remain with the team through next season and beyond, but he's expected to receive a one-year tender of $5 million. Washington suffered a broken leg on Oct. 25 and was placed on injured reserve, but he said he's "reasonably optimistic" that he will be prepared to start the 2010 season. The Jets likely will bring him back with a one-year tender. Marques Douglas has rejuvenated his career this season and could get a one-year offer. The Jets like Ben Hartsock as a blocking tight end, but he is going to have to cut down on miscues to solidify his standing on the club heading into the offseason. Defensive backups Eric Smith and Drew Coleman likely will be tendered at a moderate price.

 

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

Potential UFAs: DT Justin Bannan, DT Dwan ­Edwards, WR Derrick Mason, TE L.J. Smith, WR David Tyree, CB Frank Walker, WR Kelley ­Washington.

Potential RFAs: OLB Antwan Barnes, QB John Beck, OLB Prescott Burgess, OG Chris Chester*, WR Mark Clayton*, OT Jared Gaither, TE Edgar Jones, P Sam Koch*, S Dawan Landry*, FB Le'Ron McClain, OT Tony Moll*, QB Troy Smith, TE Quinn Sypniewski*, OT Adam Terry*, CB Fabian Washington*, WR Demetrius Williams*, OG Marshal Yanda.

Analysis: The Ravens will be left with some big decisions at wide receiver and in the secondary and could find themselves having to plunge into the market to replenish their talent in both groups. Baltimore prefers to build through the draft but will be aggressive in free agency when the situation warrants, as evidenced by the signings of CB Domonique Foxworth and C Matt Birk last spring. Derrick Mason, the club's go-to receiver since arriving in 2005, will be 36 in January. If he's back, it's probably on a short-term deal. Baltimore also might have to weigh what to do with Mark Clayton, who appeared ticketed for stardom earlier in his career but has been a complementary target in recent years. Expect some new faces in the WR corps next season as the Ravens seek to upgrade their playmaking punch. There also could be changes in the secondary, with starters SS Dawan Landry and CB Fabian Washington struggling this season. There's a feeling that rookie Lardarius Webb could replace Washington in the lineup next season. One free agent whom Baltimore is likely to try to bring back is DE Dwan Edwards, but the proliferation of 3-4 schemes leaguewide makes him someone who could attract quite a bit of interest if he hits the market. Finally, the Ravens have several restricted free agents who could draw offer sheets, with OT Jared Gaither, P Sam Koch and FB Le'Ron McClain regarded as some of the better players at their positions.

 

Cincinnati Bengals

Potential UFAs: PK Shayne Graham, DT Tank Johnson, FB Jeremi ­Johnson, TE Reggie Kelly, OG Scott Kooistra, OG Bobbie Williams, S Roy Williams.

Potential RFAs: TE Daniel Coats, WR Chris Henry*, ILB Abdul Hodge*, OLB Rashad Jeanty*, OLB Brandon Johnson*, CB David Jones, OG Evan Mathis*, DE Frostee Rucker*, OG Dan Santucci.

Analysis: The Bengals will enter the offseason with the vast majority of their core players under contract and the financial flexibility to keep some of their key free agents if they so choose, from most accounts. Re-signing Shayne Graham would figure to be a priority; he has struggled somewhat this season because of long-snapping and holder issues, but he largely has been steady throughout his Bengals career. Cincinnati is also likely to try to bring back Reggie Kelly, one of the NFL's better blocking tight ends. He has missed the season with an Achilles injury. Tank Johnson has been a good fit in the middle of the Bengals' defensive line in Mike Zimmer's scheme. Chris Henry was playing well before he suffered a broken arm; the Bengals likely can bring him back on a short-term deal as a field-stretching reserve. Evan Mathis has been steady at left guard and could be back; the same goes for ORG Bobbie Williams. Roy Williams has missed most of the past two seasons with forearm injuries; if he can hold up physically, he could be re-signed.

 

Cleveland Browns

Potential UFAs: WR Mike Furrey, TE Michael Gaines, OG Rex Hadnot, CB Hank Poteat, OT Ryan Tucker.

Potential RFAs: S Abram Elam*, TE Greg ­Estandia, RB Jerome Harrison*, ILB D'Qwell ­Jackson*, S Brodney Pool*, OLB Jason Trusnik, FB Lawrence Vickers*, OG Billy Yates*.

Analysis: The (multi)million-dollar question is whom owner Randy Lerner will hire to run the club's football operations and whether that executive will keep Eric Mangini as head coach. Also, note that money is no object for Lerner, and should he hire a new football operations chief and coach, the roster likely will be gutted. No matter who's in charge, the club's top priority in free agency should be keeping D'Qwell Jackson, who is out for the season with a pectoral injury. Jackson has thrived inside in a 3-4 front, but he also can play on the weak side in a 4-3 scheme. He is one of the few defensive playmakers on a team that needs a few more of them, and he merits a long-term deal. If Mangini remains as the coach, the Browns likely will seek to retain Abram Elam, whom they acquired in the Draft Day trade that led to the Jets drafting QB Mark Sanchez. Elam is serviceable against the run but is not as good defending the pass. Brodney Pool might not be back after struggling this season. Lawrence Vickers could interest clubs looking for an athletic fullback. Meanwhile, Jerome Harrison has fallen down the depth chart and may not return. Rex Hadnot can play multiple positions on the offensive line and might draw some interest if he hits the market.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Potential UFAs: QB Charlie Batch, S Tyrone Carter, S Ryan Clark, DE Nick Eason, NT Casey Hampton, DE Travis Kirschke, WR Shaun McDonald, RB Willie Parker, CB Keiwan Ratliff, PK Jeff Reed, CB DeShea Townsend.

Potential RFAs: OT Willie Colon*, FB Carey Davis, CB William Gay, P Daniel Sepulveda, TE Matt Spaeth, OG Darnell Stapleton.

Analysis: The Steelers aren't big-ticket shoppers in free agency, but several key players are slated to hit the market whether there is a salary cap or not, which could force Pittsburgh to alter its plans a little bit come the beginning of the 2010 league year. Expect Casey Hampton to be in demand; teams employing the 3-4 will certainly give him a look, as capable nose tackles are hard to find. If he departs, the Steelers will turn to his backup, Chris Hoke, and they likely will have to draft or sign another nose tackle. Physical, instinctive Ryan Clark also will draw interest. The Steelers probably would bring him back if the price is right; the same goes for Tyrone Carter and Deshea Townsend, two old lions who know Dick LeBeau's scheme inside out. If Willie Parker is back, it would be as a reserve, and he might be able to start elsewhere. Also, keep an eye on whether the Steelers make a push to bring back Jeff Reed. A pair of off-field incidents, as well as one of the worst seasons of his pro career, could make this a tough call for the Steelers. Restricted free agents who could draw offer sheets are Willie Colon and William Gay.

 

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans

Potential UFAs: RB Chris Brown, ILB Khary Campbell, S Nick Ferguson, QB Rex Grossman,  OG Chester Pitts, OG Tutan Reyes, CB Dunta Robinson, OLB Chaun Thompson, P Matt Turk, WR Kevin ­Walter, DT Jeff Zgonina.

Potential RFAs: DT Tim Bulman, S John Busing*, OT Rashad Butler*, TE Owen Daniels*, RB Ryan Moats*, S Bernard Pollard*, ILB DeMeco Ryans*, C Chris White*.

Analysis: The Texans' focus in free agency figures to be on keeping their own. They would like to re-sign DeMeco Ryans, Owen Daniels and Dunta Robinson, but bringing back all three players could prove challenging, considering the financial commitment it would take, as well as the interest all would draw if they hit the market. It would be surprising if the Texans didn't use the franchise tag on one of the three aforementioned players. Ryans is one of the game's top middle linebackers and is a fit in any defense. Daniels was playing as well as any tight end not named Dallas Clark when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Nov. 1 victory at Buffalo. If Daniels' recovery is coming along nicely, expect the Texans to try to sign him for the long term, but he is also likely to have other suitors. The same can be said for Robinson; above-average cornerbacks don't hit the market often. He received the franchise tag last offseason and doesn't want it again. Chester Pitts, who has been with the franchise since its inception, could be back if he's sufficiently recovered from a knee injury that ended his season. Ex-Chief Bernard Pollard has done enough in his short stint in Houston to merit being part of the defensive plans next season, but the outlook may be a little murkier for Kevin Walter, who could be supplanted by the speedier Jacoby Jones.

 

Indianapolis Colts

Potential UFAs: ILB Gary Brackett, PK Matt Stover.

Potential RFAs: WR Hank Baskett*, S Antoine Bethea*, S Melvin Bullitt, OG Daniel Federkeil, CB Aaron Francisco*, OLB Tyjuan Hagler*, CB Marlin Jackson*, CB Tim Jennings*, DT Antonio Johnson, OT Charlie Johnson*, OLB Freddy Keiaho*, CB ­Anthony Madison*, DT Daniel Muir, RB T.J. Rushing*.

Analysis: Make no mistake. Much more of a concern than any free-agent moves the Colts might make is a new contract at the going rate for Peyton Manning this offseason, if not sooner. You never know if Colts owner Jim Irsay might unexpectedly sign Manning to a new deal before the season ends, as he did previously with WR Marvin Harrison. To a lesser extent, clarifying the contract status of star S Bob Sanders is also higher on the Colts' to-do list than any free-agent considerations. Not that the Colts would be major players in free agency anyway, with team president Bill Polian seeming to shy away more and more from the free-agent marketplace after striking out with noteworthy veteran acquisitions such as Corey Simon and Anthony McFarland. It is conceivable, however, that Polian could specifically target a particular free agent to fill a major area of need, with wide receiver and left tackle quickly coming to mind. The one bona fide keeper appears to be ­Antoine Bethea, who continues to perform above and beyond the call of duty and gives the Colts a safety tandem to die for, as long as Sanders is healthy. In order, the next most likely players the team could opt to re-sign are Charlie Johnson, who has been a solid and versatile performer on the offensive line; Melvin Bullitt, who has done a great job filling in for Sanders and would be a solid starter on most teams; and Antonio Johnson, who quietly has more than held his own at left defensive tackle. Marlin Jackson, who continues to have problems staying healthy, is a toss-up as to whether he'll return.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Potential UFAs: OG Kynan Forney, DE Reggie Hayward, S Brian Russell.

Potential RFAs: DE Atiyyah Ellison, OLB Clint Ingram*, DE Jeremy Mincey, DE Greg Peterson, OLB Adam Seward*, DT Montavious Stanley*, WR Ernest Wilford*, WR Troy Williamson*.

Analysis: New GM Gene Smith wants to build his club through the draft rather than spending on high-priced free agents. Furthermore, this is a club that has had some financial issues in recent years, as they play in a small market and have been unable to sell out games. They also might be gun-shy to chase high-profile players after being burned by several big-name acquisitions recently (think Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence). This means the disruptive pass rusher off the edge the team so desperately covets likely will be culled from the college ranks. Only one current starter, OLB Clint Ingram, will be eligible for free agency. The team will try to lock him up but won't break the bank on the fourth-year player, who has been consistent but not special. Reggie Hayward, who was a starter and defensive captain before breaking his left leg in the season opener, will be asked to take a pay cut for the second year in a row if he wants to remain with the club. He has suffered season-ending injuries two of the past four years. In addition to strengthening the defensive line, the Jaguars will be paying close attention to the play of QB David Garrard in the team's final six games. Garrard has been disappointing, with a 11-15 record since signing a rich seven-year contract extension with the team prior to the 2008 season.

 

Tennessee Titans

Potential UFAs: OG Eugene Amano, OLB Keith Bulluck, TE Alge Crumpler, CB Nick Harper, P Craig Hentrich, CB Rod Hood, S Kevin Kaesviharn, DE Jevon Kearse, C Kevin Mawae, S Donnie Nickey, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Potential RFAs: DE Dave Ball*, DT Tony Brown*, TE Bo Scaife*, ILB Stephen Tulloch*, DT Kevin Vickerson*, RB LenDale White*.

Analysis: The Titans have a slew of interesting decisions to make on defensive players in the offseason. Considering the struggles of the defense this season, it would not be a surprise if Tennessee made some changes and looked to bolster the ranks through free agency. Keith Bulluck, one of the Titans' stalwarts, isn't quite the playmaker he was earlier in his career. He could be back, but it may not be on a long-term deal. Stephen Tulloch is on the small side for a middle linebacker but has been productive and could be brought back. Kyle Vanden Bosch had just one sack in Tennessee's first nine games, but he sets a great example with his work ethic and could return. However, the Titans may elect to go young at defensive end if his salary demands are too high. Tennessee probably won't break the bank to re-sign Tony Brown, either, as his production has tailed off this season. Nick Harper could depart; the Titans could re-sign Rod Hood to replace him or turn to one of their younger corners, perhaps Ryan Mouton. The Titans have fewer tough decisions on offense. Bo Scaife may return but not at a high salary after the club drafted Jared Cook last April. Kevin Mawae, who turns 39 in January, could give way to Leroy Harris, a talented reserve. And LenDale White's role has been reduced because of Chris Johnson's brilliance.

 

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

Potential UFAs: P Mitch Berger, OT Brandon Gorin, OLB Nick Greisen, OG Ben Hamilton, OG Ross Hochstein, CB Ty Law, WR Brandon Lloyd.

Potential RFAs: OLB Elvis Dumervil*, OG Chris Kuper*, WR Brandon Marshall*, QB Kyle Orton*, TE Tony Scheffler*, DT LeKevin Smith*.

Analysis: The Broncos will have some difficult decisions to make with three of their more valuable players OLB Elvis Dumervil, WR Brandon Marshall and QB Kyle Orton set to become free agents. Fortunately for the team, each will be restricted if the CBA isn't extended. If Denver opts not to offer any of them long-term deals and there's little incentive to do so because of the CBA situation the team likely will dole out high tenders to Dumervil and Marshall. The Broncos might opt to use their franchise tag and transition tags on all three players, but the Broncos probably could get away with tendering Orton at a moderate level, since it's unlikely any team would risk losing a high to mid-level draft pick by signing him to an offer sheet. The Broncos have few additional key contributors to worry about re-signing. Ben Hamilton has been demoted out of the starting lineup and will be allowed to walk after this season. Denver's starting guards, Russ Hochstein and Chris Kuper, both will be free agents who likely will be re-signed. Tony Scheffler has seen his role reduced, but he'll likely receive a one-year tender.

Kansas City Chiefs

Potential UFAs: S Mike Brown, WR Chris ­Chambers, WR Terrance Copper, TE Sean Ryan, DT Kenny Smith, OT Wade Smith, OLB Mike  Vrabel, WR Bobby Wade.

Potential RFAs: OG Andy Alleman, WR Mark Bradley*, QB Brodie Croyle*, QB Matt Gutierrez, ILB Derrick Johnson*, ILB Corey Mays*, OT Ikechuku Ndukwe, C Rudy Niswanger*, OG Ryan ­O'Callaghan*, S Jarrad Page*, TE Leonard Pope*, RB Kolby Smith.

Analysis: In his first season with the Chiefs, GM Scott Pioli has shown that he is not afraid of turning over large portions of the roster in order to assemble the best possible group of players. It's very likely that he'll maintain that philosophy in Year Two as he continues to dig the franchise out of the deep hole it has resided in for the past few years. Among his top priorities this offseason will be beefing up the offensive line, finding skill-position players to surround QB Matt Cassel and adding pieces to the middle of the defense, much of which he'll try to address through the draft. As for retaining his own players, there's not a lot Pioli is likely to want back. Most notably, he's not expected to make a strong push to keep either Derrick Johnson or Jarrad Page, two key contributors under the previous regime. The same goes for most of Kansas City's UFAs, as Pioli is not looking to open up the checkbook for veterans with his club rebuilding. Corey Mays has been solid and could be re-signed, and Brodie Croyle might be brought back as a No. 2 QB if no upgrade is available. But most of these free agents can expect to be in new uniforms in 2010.

 

Oakland Raiders

Potential UFAs: OT Cornell Green, PK Sebastian Janikowski, DE Richard Seymour, OT Langston Walker, OLB Sam Williams.

Potential RFAs: OLB Jon Alston*, OT Khalif Barnes*, OLB Ricky Brown*, S Hiram Eugene, QB Charlie Frye*, OLB Thomas Howard*, FB Luke ­Lawton, C Chris Morris, RB Gary Russell, QB Bruce Gradkowski*, ILB Kirk Morrison*, CB Stanford Routt*.

Analysis: Richard Seymour might want to play elsewhere next season, but the Raiders are not going to let him get away after swapping their first-round pick in 2011 for the ninth-year veteran on Sept. 6. It probably will go something like this: The Raiders will use their franchise tag or a transition tag on Seymour to stop him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Seymour will ask to be traded. The Raiders will say no, and Seymour's holdout will last well into training camp 2010. Regardless, Al Davis isn't going to let him leave after just one season unless some other team offers a trade for Seymour that Davis can't refuse. Word is the Raiders will do what it takes to re-sign Sebastian Janikowski. The Raiders gave Shane Lechler the largest contract for a punter in league history last offseason and are willing to shell out large sums to their specialists. Oakland likely will tender WLB Thomas Howard, but the future of MLB Kirk Morrison is less certain.

 

San Diego Chargers

Potential UFAs: DT Alfonso Boone, TE Brandon Manumaleuna, C Dennis Norman, WR Kassim ­Osgood, DT Ian Scott, TE Kris Wilson.

Potential RFAs: OT Jeromey Clary, ILB Tim ­Dobbins*, WR Malcom Floyd*, WR Vincent Jackson*, DL Travis Johnson*, OT Marcus McNeill*, OLB Shawne Merriman*, RB Darren Sproles*, QB Charlie Whitehurst*.

Analysis: GM A.J. Smith is about to embark on an offseason that should be as busy as anyone's in the league. Quite a few of his top players are set to become free agents in 2010, and in order to keep the Chargers as a perennial playoff contender, he'll need to choose which guys to pour money into and whom to let walk away. Smith's priorities have not changed much from what they were coming into the '09 season: He still wants to get Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill, two young stars at their positions, signed to long-term contracts. That might not be necessary, though, if a new CBA isn't signed and they become restricted free agents. Smith also would like to bring back new starting WR Malcom Floyd and Darren Sproles, but only if Sproles agrees to sign a multi-year deal for less annual money. Perhaps Smith's most interesting decision will be what to do with Shawne Merriman, a player he hasn't seen eye to eye with and who is coming back from major knee surgery. Merriman could be retained as an RFA, but he's probably a goner as a UFA. Special-teams star Kassim Osgood is expected to be allowed to walk.

 

Check out our list of prospective 2010 NFC free agents.

 

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