Age as of 9/1/09. All free agents listed here are done so with an optimistic outlook that a new CBA will be agreed upon. Accordingly, only four accrued seasons are necessary to obtain an Unrestricted Free Agency status on this list.

Jahri Evans, New Orleans Saints (26)
Jahri Evans is continuing to grade out as the teams best run-blocking linemen week after week. The Saints have done a nice job of efficiently running the ball through the middle and on the right side of the line. His continual high level of play and positive, team-first attitude should translate to a high-end offensive guard contract at years end. Expect the Saints, who have nothing but positive things to say towards Evans, to richly reward him for his hard work and production.

Logan Mankins, New England Patriots (27)
Logan Mankins has been a very consistent player for the Patriots since he was drafted. That type of consistency is difficult to match, but with free agency inflating the value of offensive guards, the Patriots may end up letting him walk if the price isnt right. They drafted a couple interior linemen last year and have to use some of their free money to re-sign other players. From what Mankins has said, he wants to stay on this winning franchise, but he could be one of the top players available next offseason.

Marcus McNeill, San Diego Chargers (25)
McNeill isnt playing at an elite level this year, but is still an above average left tackle. Hes one of the bigger names at the left tackle position thanks to his spectacular, hyped rookie season. McNeill has also been undercompensated the last few years playing on his rookie contract as a 2nd round pick, which may incline him to ask for more money than he deserves. Any of the Chargers could feasibly be had this offseason and McNeill is no different, but with some of the offensive line woes of the Chargers, McNeill may be one of their top priorities. His long-term neck and back problems could be in the back of the teams mind as well.

Daryn Colledge, Green Bay Packers (27)
Colledge is no longer viewed as the solution at left tackle in Green Bay. Mid-round TJ Lang has taken over the back-up position there. That alone is enough to make his value take a significant plunge. This will especially be overstated because of his poor performance in the teams biggest game to date Monday Night in Minnesota. Still, hes an above average starting offensive guard and a great pass protector in the interior. Colledges value will most likely be highest to the Packers because hes a great fit for what they do and they know his true value.


Jared Gaither, Baltimore Ravens (23) Restricted FA
After being taken off the field on a stretcher in New England, Gaither luckily suffered no season or career threatening injury. His return to the field should come in the upcoming weeks. The Ravens have found their bookend tackles, with him and Oher on either side, and even if they cant settle on a long-term deal with Gaither this offseason, they still have the ability to put a tender on him. At the very least, it would force teams to give up serious compensation for his services. Gaithers length and athleticism make him an ideal fit at left tackle, but could possibly get him for less coin if they think Oher is capable of playing LT and pay Gaither on the right side.

Winston Justice, Philadelphia Eagles (24)
Justice is finally starting to live up to his expectations as a 2nd round selection. Hes played well in pass protection at right tackle replacing the oft-injured Shawn Andrews. The Eagles are in a tricky situation. Andrews has flashed so much potential and played well when on the field, but has struggled to give them enough snaps without getting injured. Should the team re-sign Justice, they could very well be putting Justice on the bench at the cost of a starter. They already have last years free agent acquisition, Stacy Andrews expensively riding the bench.

Kevin Mawae, Tennessee Titans (38)
Mawae has started all six games for the Titans this year, but with his contract expiring, the line may turn to Leroy Harris who will have been groomed for 3 years, sparingly seeing the field. If Mawae is up for another season, he could land on a number of teams, or just re-sign in Tennessee. He still has a little gas left in the tank and it the Titans pass on him, several teams will be lining up for him and accept the leadership he brings to the team.

Chad Clifton, Green Bay Packers (33)
Clifton has suffered a lingering ankle injury this season forcing the Packers to retreat to other options at left tackle. Even when on the field, Clifton hasnt looked like half the player he was in his prime where he was one of the leagues best pass blockers. The years of injury and battle have worn on Clifton who has lost some of his discipline and been beaten on several occasions. If Clifton isnt offered another contract in Green Bay, I wouldnt be surprised to see the franchises great blind side protector call it quits.

Mike Gandy, Arizona Cardinals (30)
Gandy has struggled immensely and should definitely be upgraded this offseason. He doesnt hold much value on the left side and may be asked to move to the right side for the rest of his career. If Arizona cant find a better replacement, they could potentially try and get one more year out of him, but the Cardinals would be pushing their luck.

Other Notable Free Agents:

Eugene Amano, Tennessee Titans (27)
David Baas, San Francisco 49ers (27)
Khalif Barnes, Oakland Raiders (27)
Alex Barron, St. Louis Rams (26)
Mike Brisiel, Houston Texans (26)
Jeromey Clary, San Diego Chargers (25) Restricted FA
Nick Cole, Philadelphia Eagles (25)
Willie Colon, Pittsburgh Steelers (26)
Ryan Cook, Minnesota Vikings (26)
Tyson Clabo, Atlanta Falcons (28)
Harvey Dahl, Atlanta Falcons (28)
Cornell Green, Oakland Raiders (33)
Rex Hadnot, Cleveland Browns (27)
Ben Hamilton, Denver Broncos (32)
Justin Hartwig, Pittsburgh Steelers (30)
Stephon Heyer, Washington Redskins (25) Restricted FA
Richie Incognito, St. Louis Rams (26)
Jon Jansen, Washington Redskins (33)
Charlie Johnson, Indianapolis Colts (25)
Nick Kaczur, New England Patriots (30)
Chris Kuper, Denver Broncos (26)
Deuce Lutui, Arizona Cardinals (26)
Stephen Neal, New England Patriots (32)
Rudy Niswanger, Kansas City Chiefs (26)
Donald Penn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26)
Chester Pitts, Houston Texans (30)
Manuel Ramirez, Detroit Lions (26) Restricted FA
Rob Sims, Seattle Seahawks (25)
Chris Spencer, Seattle Seahawks (27)
Jason Spitz, Green Bay Packers (26)
Adam Terry, Baltimore Ravens (27)
Jeremy Trueblood, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26)
Bobbie Williams, Cincinnati Bengals (32)
Marshal Yanda, Baltimore Ravens (24)

Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers (29)
Playing on a franchise tender, an enormous one-year contract, Peppers has continued to play at a high level. He has sacks in his last 3 games and a total of 6 through 6 games. In addition, offenses are finding the least success running to his side. The Panthers could possibly go through the same saga as last offseason with Peppers, especially given the rough season theyve had so far. Hes a streaky player and teams should be weary giving top dollar, a long extension, and possibly compensation to a player approaching an age where some defensive ends tend to fall off. Peppers has the elite athletic ability to overcome this, but its another idea to keep in mind.

Elvis Dumervil, Denver Broncos (25)
The Broncos will have to throw a lot of cash Dumervils way to keep him. The leagues leading pass rusher is on pace to break records and has shown a natural transition to OLB, another position many critics said he couldnt play. Playing a position of great need in any good 3-4 defense, Dumervil will sit with a lot of leverage if a CBA is agreed upon and he is able to become an unrestricted free agent.

Aaron Kampman, Green Bay Packers (29)
Kampmans transition to OLB hasnt been the smoothest, but hes finally starting to find his groove on Capers defense in the last few weeks. He has only 2.5 sacks on the year, but has gotten good pressure and many hits throughout the season. In the last few weeks, hes turned it up a notch because Capers has allowed Kampman to play with his hand in the dirt more often on obvious passing downs. The strengths and weaknesses of Kampman are apparent, but hes done a pretty nice job doing something hes not all that comfortable with standing up. Deciding whether to re-sign Kampman will be the Packers most intriguing play this offseason and Kampmans reaction to continuing to play in the 3-4 will be just as interesting.

Kyle Vanden Bosch, Tennessee Titans (30)
Like the Titans, Vanden Bosch has struggled to get to the quarterback. With only 4.5 sacks in his last 16 games, Vanden Bosch is no longer the feared pass rusher he was a couple years back. He has gotten some decent pressure and a couple hits on the quarterback, but nothing to really show for it. The team has reportedly begun contract talks with his agent, but the two sides could be far apart considering the lack of real production. Still, the Titans do have interest in keeping him in Tennessee.

Leonard Little, St. Louis Rams (34)
Under Steve Spagnuolo, Little has started all 7 games this year, recording 4 sacks and a pick six in the process. For the one time elite defensive end, its the most productive season hes had in 3 years when he notched 12.5 sacks. Theres little left in the tank and its unsure whether the Rams will renew his contract at years end. Little has been a career-long Ram, so that may factor into his plans if St. Louis does decide to let him walk. He may retire, stay with the Rams or try to land a spot in a rotation for a Championship contender in hopes of adding one more ring to his collection.

Adewale Ogunleye, Chicago Bears (32)
Starting with a pass rushing clinic in the season opener versus Green Bay, Ogunleye is just half a sack off his pace from last year, though hes gotten all 4.5 sacks in just 2 games. The Bears have Alex Brown, Mark Anderson, and Gaines Adams all at defensive end. If Adams or Anderson emerges down the stretch, the Bears would have less a need for Ogunleye who could be one of the better mid-level veterans on the market.

Other Notable Free Agents:

Mark Anderson, Chicago Bears (26)
Derrick Burgess, New England Patriots (31)
Phillip Daniels, Washington Redskins (36)
Ryan Denney, Buffalo Bills (32)
Ray Edwards, Minnesota Vikings (24)
Jarvis Green, New England Patriots (30)
James Hall, St. Louis Rams (32)
Reggie Hayward, Jacksonville Jaguars (30)
Jevon Kearse, Tennessee Titans (32)
Travis Kirschke, Pittsburgh Steelers (34)
Anthony Montgomery, Washington Redskins (25)
Chike Okeafor, Arizona Cardinals (33)
Marcus Spears, Dallas Cowboys (26)
Darryl Tapp, Seattle Seahawks (24)

Top Defensive Tackles:

Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots (27)
The Patriots acknowledged being unable to keep both of their elite defensive linemen by trading away Richard Seymour, freeing up enough money to retain Vince Wilfork. Wilfork is one of the leagues premier nose tackles and one of the cornerstones for the Patriots defense. Once the season ends, the Patriots should start immediately trying to get him under contract so not to give him an option to walk.

Richard Seymour, Oakland Raiders (29)
Seymour has been coined one of the best defensive linemen of the decade and made himself a fixture in Honolulu prior to the last two seasons, including one curtailed by injury. Seymour has the ability and experience of playing 4-3 DT and 3-4 DE. Moving to Oakland, the defensive line has been injected with a burst of energy and has performed pretty well overall. Seymour didnt seem too excited about being blindsided in a trade to Oakland and Id be surprised to see him make a full-time switch to a losing team from a winning organization like the Patriots.

Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh Steelers (31)
Hampton has played pretty well this season, just outside of an elite level with a contract set to expire at the end of the year. With a number of teams making the switch to the 3-4 without a proper nose tackle, Hamptons salary could skyrocket for next season. Great championship teams like the Steelers wont overpay for players and that could be the case here. Hampton, earlier this season, hinted toward a move away from Pittsburgh if the money suggests it.

Ryan Pickett, Green Bay Packers (29)
Despite some of the Packers struggles, the front 7 has not been one of them. The Packers are one of the better run-stuffing units and a lot of credit should be attributed to the defensive line. Pickett has turned around his career in Green Bay and done a fantastic job at the Nose Tackle position on run downs. Hes one of three underrated Packer defensive linemen who have been as good as any front 3 in the league so far. Keep in mind the Packers drafted B.J. Raji in the top 10 last year, but the team would still be better off extending Pickett to keep both Pickett and Raji well-rested throughout the game.

Johnny Jolly, Green Bay Packers (26)
Like Ryan Pickett, Johnny Jolly has very quietly put together a great season at defensive end for Green Bays front line. Jolly has been very active up front playing contain and peeling off blocks to make plays himself near the line of scrimmage. Keep in mind that the Packers have a number of starters with expiring contracts this offseason, so Jolly could be one of the guys left out. The organization wont want to commit that much money to just one unit when they have a number of other up-and-comers they need to extend.

Other Notable Free Agents:

Tony Brown, Tennessee Titans (28)
Kendrick Clancy, New Orleans Saints (31)
Barry Cofield, New York Giants (25)
Jason Ferguson, Miami Dolphins (34)
Aubrayo Franklin, San Francisco 49ers (29)
Kedric Golston, Washington Redskins (26)
Tank Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals (27)
Travis Johnson, San Diego Chargers (27)
Fred Robbins, New York Giants (32)
Clifton Ryan, St. Louis Rams (25)
Tank Tyler, Carolina Panthers (24) Restricted FA

2010 NFL Free Agent Running Backs
By: Roshan Bhagat

Age as of 9/1/09. All free agents listed here are done so with an optimistic outlook that a new CBA will be agreed upon. Accordingly, only four accrued seasons are necessary to obtain an Unrestricted Free Agency status on this list.

Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins (27) Restricted FA
Ronnie Brown has been the key to the Dolphins offense which largely runs through him and the Wildcat. He has returned to form to look like one of the leagues best backs. Browns combination of size, wiggle, instincts, and speed is elite. His top-notch production and efficiency (4.5 average, 7 touchdowns) should garner plenty of incentive for Miami to keep around for another 4-5 year deal. The Dolphins will wait and see what happens with the CBA because Brown has an interesting option built into his contract. Should the owners and the NFL Players Association reach a new deal before the deadline, a $5 million 2010 option will kick in, but otherwise Brown will become a Restricted Free Agent.

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints (24) Restricted FA
After returning from injury that cost him a couple early games, Thomas has continued to be an effective and efficient part time runner for the Saints. Splitting carries with a number of talented backs, Thomas averages 5.6 yards per carry through his first four games with 3 touchdowns. Hes a nice compliment to Reggie Bush, Brees, and passing game and will continue to be so through at least next year, unless another team decides to heavily court him, willing to part with picks in the process. The Saints will likely put the highest restricted tender on him if they cant extend him, which would force any other team to concede 1st and 3rd round selections to acquire him.

Cadillac Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27)
Like his college teammate, Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams has had a rebirth of sorts after a couple injury-plagued seasons. Hes reclaimed the starting gig in Tampa Bay and run well while sharing carries. If he can make it through the year healthy, the Buccaneers should look to re-sign him with all the cap room they have available. He has played a lot better than his volume production indicates because the offense has been unable to stay on the field for extended periods. Williams will get nothing more than a mid-level contract.

Darren Sproles, San Diego Chargers (26)
Its very difficult to measure the importance of Darren Sproles because his greatest value isnt as a traditional runner. With Tomlinson also struggling to get the running game moving, Sproles lack of success pounding the ball can be partially attributed to a below average run blocking unit. Still, Sproles is best when put on a touch count and given most of his work on screens and the return game. He wont make $6.6 million a year, like hes making on his franchise tender, but will get a good mid-level contract rewarding him for his explosiveness and unique contributions. Sproles is one of the leagues best back-up or change-of-pace backs.

LenDale White, Tennessee Titans (24)
White hasnt gotten received nearly the amount of chances he did last year and thats the biggest reason for his dip in production. The Titans offense hasnt been able to move the ball to the goal line to give White TD opportunities and Chris Johnsons big play ability has continued to eat away at his normal carries. Hes still the same type of player he was last year, but thats only a situational and short yardage back. White is the perfect smash for Johnsons dash, but White may decide to move on from Tennessee if he foresees his workload diminishing even more.

Leon Washington, New York Jets (27)
Its always unfortunate to see any player get injured, but its all the more painful to see them go down on a contract year. The broken leg should heal in a couple months, but it will most likely eat into what could have been a big payday. Washington is similar to Sproles, but a better pure runner. Washington has the speed to turn the corner and be the great complementary back. He has added value as a kick returner where hes among the NFLs most feared. This summer, he turned down a number of contract offers in hopes of a huge payday in free agency, so well see if he drops his asking price. If his asking price remains high, he would also risk playing for just a Restricted Free Agent contract if a new CBA isnt reached.

Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons (26)
Norwood has been largely unproductive this season thanks to injuries. When we thought the Falcons would try to limit Turners workload by passing some of his carries to the explosive Norwood, hes been largely unavailable. Norwood cant be counted on as an every down back, but will sign a contract indicative of his role right now in Atlanta. That should most likely be in Atlanta because starter money is most likely off the table around the league.

Chester Taylor, Minnesota Vikings (29)
Running behind Adrian Peterson, Taylor hasnt gotten nearly the amount of touches he could be elsewhere. You do have to tip your hat to the Vikings coaching staff though for using him to the best of his abilities. His rushing numbers are the worst of his career, but his true value comes as a 3rd down back and in his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Even with his age, Taylor will continue to be an effective back for several years in a Kevin Faulk type role. If the Vikings dont try hard to retain him, he could move to another contender and have success elsewhere.

Ricky Williams, Miami Dolphins (32)
Were seeing shades of the old Ricky Williams this year. Theres something fresh about him. Hes hitting holes harder and getting through them with more speed on the other end. Williams is 32, but had a couple years off in the middle of his career and may have gotten his second wind, where hes averaging over 5 yards a carry and has 6 touchdowns through 6 games. The Dolphins will also have Ronnie Brown to try to re-sign and also have a nice 3rd back in Patrick Cobbs. Williams could be one of the better short-term backs to hit the market this offseason, especially if other teams retain their younger back-ups.

Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers (28)
Parker is back to his injured ways missing a couple games in the young season. His 3.1 average is well below back-up Rashard Mendenhalls 5.4 average. Quickly approaching the scary age of 30 with durability concerns, Parker wont be a highly sought after commodity in free agency. His value may be highest to the Steelers who may pay him a little more than his market price based on past success in Pittsburgh. What he missed out on is a last lucrative extension he could have had if he run away with the starting job. The Steelers may offer him a below-average, frontloaded starters deal that factors in a slow decline in carries.

Other Notable Free Agents:
Mike Bell, New Orleans Saints (26)
Kenneth Darby, St. Louis Rams (26)
Kevin Faulk, New England Patriots (33)
Jerome Harrison, Cleveland Browns (26)
LeRon McClain, Baltimore Ravens (24) Restricted FA
Adrian Peterson, Chicago Bears (30)
Kolby Smith, Kansas City Chiefs (24) Restricted FA
DeShawn Wynn, Green Bay Packers (25) Restricted FA
Tony Richardson, New York Jets (37) Fullback
Justin Griffith, Seattle Seahawks (29) Fullback

Barrett Ruud, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26)
Locking the young middle linebacker up should be a priority for the Buccaneers and with all the cap room they have, its a little surprising they havent already gotten it done. Ruud quietly voiced dissatisfaction last offseason by skipping voluntary workouts, but has continued to keep a positive outlook to the situation. Ruuds new deal should be in the area of what Bart Scott received this offseason (6 years, $48 million) from the Jets. Hes the leader of the defense now and will consistently be among league leaders in tackles for the next several years. The Bucs should and will lock him up at some point in the near future, but its just about both sides agreeing on the terms.

Shawne Merriman, San Diego Chargers (25)
With his first two sacks since returning from injury coming in week 8, Merriman doesnt seem to be exactly the same player he was prior to his injury, which is to be somewhat expected. The Chargers defense has been a large liability so it becomes a question whether or not the team wants to even commit that much money to a player who has been pretty unproductive. What the Chargers do with Merriman will be a decision based on the ultimate risk-reward analysis, as well as a decision reflecting which of their many free agents they choose to and are able to retain. Remember that the team also drafted pass rusher Larry English in the first round last year.

Karlos Dansby, Arizona Cardinals (28)
Dansby hasnt played badly this year by any means, but he hasnt made too many game changing plays either. The key to Dansbys future will be what his contract expectations are. He isnt quite worth the type of money the Ravens paid to Terrell Suggs, but at the same time, hes one of the cornerstones to the Cardinals defense which has allowed a league low 3.0 yards per carry going into week 8. Dansby can do it all really, but can the Cardinals afford to re-sign him?

DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans (25)
Ryans has been a stalwart for the Texans, displaying consistency from game-to-game and year-to-year. With rookie sensation Brian Cushing next to him, the Texans have the beginnings of a good front 7. Ryans would like a long-term contract with the Texans, but if the two sides cant reach a deal, theres a good chance he would be willing to accept a deal elsewhere. Still, Houston will almost definitely re-sign Ryans and work around the foundation of Ryans-Cushing-Williams in the front 7.

Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers (26)
Davis started his career on a sour note at safety, but has since converted to become a superb outside linebacker. Next to Jon Beason, the Panthers have a very nice young corps that they should be able to maintain over the next decade. Continuing his success from last season, Davis has played very well again for the Panthers. His presence is being felt in coverage where he has 2 picks and 5 deflected passes. The Panthers would be crazy to let Davis move on because he and Beason make a great punch in the linebacking corps.

Kirk Morrison, Oakland Raiders (27)
Morrison has been a guarantee in the Raiders starting lineup for his entire five year career now. He leads a unit that is solid, but unspectacular. Morrison is as sure a tackler as any in the league, but has failed to make many big plays. The Raiders should try and re-sign him, and teammate Howard who do a nice job week in and week out. However, many have suggested the poor attitude inside the Raiders locker room which could tempt Morrison to bolt and move to another team.

Thomas Howard, Oakland Raiders (26)
Howards ability to cover ground has helped him become the coverage backer he is today, but year after year, the Raiders finish near the bottom of the pack in run defense. Not to put the blame on Howard, but you have to think that the Raiders may be considering moves that reflect this. Howard is a nice blitzer and does a better job of making big plays than his teammate Kirk Morrison, but is also less stout against the run at outside linebacker. Not to use a repeated joke, but Howard does have incredible speed, which may account for something when Al Davis considers his contract re-signings.

DQwell Jackson, Cleveland Browns (25)
Even after missing one game, DQwell Jackson remained the team leader in tackles and was one of the cornerstones of the Browns defense. He injured his shoulder in a loss to the Steelers, which has forced him to the Injured Reserve and has ruined his contract year. With few pieces to build around, the Browns will chart his recovery and try to re-sign him based on how hes progressing.

Other Notable Free Agents:

Antwan Barnes, Baltimore Ravens (24) Restricted FA
Bertrand Berry, Arizona Cardinals (34)
Chase Blackburn, New York Giants (26)
Gary Brackett, Indianapolis Colts (29)
Tedy Bruschi, New England Patriots (36)
Keith Bulluck, Tennessee Titans (32)
Brandon Chillar, Green Bay Packers (26)
Danny Clark, New York Giants (32)
Angelo Crowell, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (28)
Keith Ellison, Buffalo Bills (25)
Larry Foote, Detroit Lions (29)
Scott Fujita, New Orleans Saints (30)
Omar Gaither, Philadelphia Eagles (25)
Chris Gocong, Philadelphia Eagles (25)
Clint Ingram, Jacksonville Jaguars (26)
Rashad Jeanty, Cincinnati Bengals (26)
Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs (26)
Akeem Jordan, Philadelphia Eagles (24) Restricted FA
Cato June, Houston Texans (29)
Rocky McIntosh, Washington Redskins (26)
Matt Roth, Miami Dolphins (26)
Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins (35)
Zach Thomas, Kansas City Chiefs (36)
Pisa Tinoisamoa, Chicago Bears (28)
Stephen Tulloch, Tennessee Titans (24)
Mike Vrabel, Kansas City Chiefs (34)

Carlos Rogers, Washington Redskins (28)
Rogers is a good cover corner in the league, but not having the greatest season this year, which could cost him a little. DeAngelo Hall is arguably playing the best football in that secondary right now. Still Rogers does a nice job of contesting passes and is not one of the bigger areas of problem in Washington. He, like many other players on the team, have voiced concern with ownership and could easily be on his way out if allowed to become an unrestricted free agent.

Tramon Williams, Green Bay Packers (26) Restricted FA
Tramon Williams is the third corner behind Al Harris and Charles Woodson, giving the Packers a trio of starting caliber cornerbacks. Playing on a modest Exclusive Rights FA contract, Williams will surely expect a long-term extension this offseason after asking for one last season. The former undrafted free agent has honed his instincts and gets the match-up on the left side while Charles Woodson slides to slot position in nickel packages. The transition to the starting lineup shouldnt be a difficult one, especially since he already played half a season replacing Harris last year. At the very least, Williams will be given the highest tender.

Dunta Robinson, Houston Texans (27)
After holding out for nearly the entire offseason, Dunta Robinson has stepped in and played pretty badly this year for a lousy secondary. With an entire offseason of workouts, Robinson can return to form and be one of the better corners in the league, but itll be interesting to see how the situation plays out next offseason after the saga of last year. His cries for more money have disappeared in recent weeks, but he may still demand top money, which the Texans will once again be reluctant to cave in to. Hopefully he wont miss valuable workouts and play at a high level wherever he winds up playing.

Richard Marshall, Carolina Panthers (24)
Marshall has put up gaudy tackling numbers in his first three seasons, averaging over 80 per season. Starting opposite Chris Gamble, Marshall has actually played very well this season. He hasnt given up many big plays and come up with a couple picks himself. Marshall loves to get physical and is likely to be retained by the Panthers at the end of the season.

Marlin Jackson, Indianapolis Colts (26)
Marlin Jackson has been a key defender inside the Colts secondary for the past several years, especially in nickel packages where he moves in to cover the slot receiver. Jackson started the season on the PUP list and played a couple games before reaggravating his knee injury. If he cant return to full health by the end of the season and reclaim his starting position, it would be a very risky signing for the Colts, something they may not have the money to do.

Other Notable Free Agents:

Alan Ball, Dallas Cowboys (24) Restricted FA
Leigh Bodden, New England Patriots (27)
Dre Bly, San Francisco 49ers (32)
Ralph Brown, Arizona Cardinals (30)
Brent Grimes, Atlanta Falcons (26) Restricted FA
Nick Harper, Tennessee Titans (34)
Walt Harris, San Francisco 49ers (35)
Anthony Henry, Detroit Lions (32)
Ellis Hobbs, Philadelphia Eagles (26)
Roderick Hood, Cleveland Browns (27)
Tim Jennings, Indianapolis Colts (26)
Ken Lucas, Seattle Seahawks (30)
Karl Paymah, Minnesota Vikings (26)
Stanford Routt, Oakland Raiders (26)
Deshea Townsend, Pittsburgh Steelers (33)
Fabian Washington, Baltimore Ravens (26)
Usama Young, New Orleans Saints (24) Restricted FA

Top Safeties:

O.J. Atogwe, St. Louis Rams (28)
Though his big play numbers are down this season, Atogwe is on pace to break his season record in tackles and still remains the best hidden secret at safety in the league. After designating him their franchise player, the Rams will look to hammer out an extension after this season concludes. If he becomes a free agent, there are a number of teams that would love to add a playmaking safety like Atogwe to their secondary.

Nick Collins, Green Bay Packers (26)
After seeing teammate Greg Jennings handsomely rewarded this offseason, Collins missed most of voluntary workouts last offseason, partially as a protest to not receiving one himself. In 2008, Nick Collins emerged out of several seasons of mediocrity to become a safety net and playmaker in the secondary. He tied Charles Woodson for a Packers-high 7 interceptions, nearly doubling his career total. Collins numbers are down across the board, but hes having another very solid season. Collins has been a nice coverage safety and played good contain on the run. However, if he wants to be paid like a premier safety, hell need to make more big plays.

Antoine Bethea, Indianapolis Colts (25)
While Bob Sanders missed the first five games with injury, Bethea continued to blossom as another bright spot in the Colts secondary. Hes every bit as talented as the renowned enforcer, Sanders, but receives a fraction of the hype. A salary cap could force the Colts to choose between Bethea and Marlin Jackson in which they would more likely take their consistent and healthy safety.

Darren Sharper, New Orleans Saints (33)
After a couple of inconsistent seasons in Minnesota, Darren Sharper has put together a fantastic season in New Orleans, making him one of the early frontrunners for Defensive MVP. Picking off 6 passes in 6 games with 3 touchdowns, Sharper is on pace for breaking the NFL record for most return yards and picks. While he should be expected to trail off that pace, Sharper has been a huge part of the turnaround in New Orleans. Given the former woes of the Saints secondary, dont expect New Orleans to let him walk after this year.

Other Notable Free Agents:

Will Allen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27)
Atari Bigby, Green Bay Packers (27)
Tyvon Branch, Oakland Raiders (22)
C.C. Brown, New York Giants (26)
Daniel Bullocks, Detroit Lions (26)
Josh Bullocks, Chicago Bears (26)
Tyrone Carter, Pittsburgh Steelers (33)
Ryan Clark, Pittsburgh Steelers (29)
Hiram Eugene, Oakland Raiders (28)
Roman Harper, New Orleans Saints (26)
Sean Jones, Philadelphia Eagles (27)
Dawan Landry, Baltimore Ravens (26)
Danieal Manning, Chicago Bears (27)
Jarrad Page, Kansas City Chiefs (25)
Brodney Pool, Cleveland Browns (25)
Mark Roman, San Francisco 49ers (32)
Gerald Sensabaugh, Dallas Cowboys (26)
Roy Williams, Cincinnati Bengals (29)

I see a lot of Packers in those lists.. What are the chances of you guys resigning them?

"Formo" wrote: