The2010NFLSeason

NFL 2010...

The NFL off-season has officially begun and that means two things, the draft and free agents. While teams can help secure the future of their franchise with the draft, free agency proves to be an integral part to their over all success.

These are the top ten 2010 NFL free agents teams will be trying to either keep on their roster or break their banks to sign them.

1. Pierre Thomas RB

One of the main reasons the Saints knocked off the Colts in the Super Bowl was the hard running of restricted free agent Thomas. Thomas has improved over the last three years as the power back for the Saints. While other teams would love to have him, the Saints need to keep this integral part.

2. Vincent Jackson WR

We have seen Jackson grow over the past three years into one of the top five wide receivers in the game. He can out-muscle his way to a ball while stretching the defenses. Jackson is a definite number one receiver and will command the attention of the Chargers to keep him this off-season.

3. Vince Wilfork DT

The New England Patriots trade away Richard Seymour last year to ensure they could sign Wilfork. He is a force on the line and makes the opposing offense game plan for him. While other teams would be willing to pay big bucks for his services on the defensive line, the Patriots can slap a franchise tag on this free agent.

4. Brandon Marshall WR

The one thing keeping Marshall off the top of this list has to be his attitude and off the field issues. Despite this, Marshall has still posted some of the best numbers in the league. The Broncos are going to find themselves in trouble when they let this one slip away to another team, like the Washington Redskins.

5. Richard Seymour DT

Seymour eventually moved past the sting of the surprise trade last season and helped solidify the Oakland Raiders defensive line. Though he is a few years older than Wilfork, Seymour has the ability to play a major role in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. Al Davis and the Raiders might use the franchise tag on him if they can not work out a deal.

6. Leon Washington RB

When it comes to one of the most underrated players in this free agent class, Washington is your man. He has the quick burst speed that makes him a break away threat whether he is coming out of the backfield or returning kicks. The Jets may let Washington slip away to another team because of their crowded backfield.

7. Ray Edwards DE

One of the best kept secrets in Minnesota, aside from the Forever Young potion they have for Brett Favre is Edwards. He is a well-rounded defensive end that can put pressure on the quarterback and stop the run. The Vikings will want to keep this restricted free agent if they are going to keep their top ranked defense intact.

8. Darren Sharper S

Last off-season, the Minnesota Vikings thought Sharper was washed up and had lost a step. He proved them wrong in 2009 with one of the most dominating defensive performances of the year. The Saints will not make the same mistake and make sure to keep Sharper around for another few years to help their opportunistic defense.

9. Julius Pepper DE

Peppers bounced back to his dominant form while recording 10.5 sacks during the 2009 season. While Peppers remains one of the best pass rushers in the game, he has shown his inability to be an all around player. Peppers lack of all around play is going to hurt his performance on the open market.

10. Chad Pennington QB

Yes Pennington is getting up in years and is coming back from another shoulder injury. While Pennington may not be more than a one or two year starter at most, he would be the perfect addition to a team with a young quarterback. They could learn from Penningtons on and off the field work performance.

less