NFL Free Agency 2010

The bidding begins at midnight for several prominent NFL players who will become free agents.

Julius Peppers, Darren Sharper, Carlos Dansby, Garry Brackett, Kevin MaWae, Thomas Jones, and LaDainian Tomlinson are at the top of the wish list.

This year, unlike most in the past, any team who finished out of the top 8 last year will be able to throw any amount of money they want to lure in free agents. This is because 2010 will be an uncapped year in the NFL.

Rumors are circulating everywhere as to where these players, among many others, may land come midnight. It's anyone's guess, but Washington, Chicago, Arizona, Carolina, Giants, and Seattle are expected to be major players with holes to fill at big money positions. Just because teams have the ability to spend all the money they want does not mean they will. Several teams are not expected to reach the cap floor set last year. No ceiling, no floor. A lot of teams will take a year off and collect their TV money.

Jerry Reese, GM of the Giants, has publicly stated he is not pursuing free agent LB Carlos Dansby, a good move in my opinion. A better move would be to draft one with the #15 pick taking either McClain or Spikes. The Giants should go after Julius Peppers. The Giants pass rush was lacking significantly last year even with Osi Umenyiora's return. It has become clear that Osi is frustrated with the way he has been handled by the coaching staff and the organization. I think the Giants think of him as their #1 pass rusher, but Osi's actions off the field have to be concerning to the coaches and management. If the Giants have faith in Osi, come out and say it publicly. If not, make an offer to Peppers and trade Osi. Another gaping hole the Giants have is safety. I stated a few months ago that Bob Sanders would be a perfect fit if the Colts released him. I figured they would because of his injury's, but they have not. The next best thing is Darren Sharper. He has been a Giant killer over the years with New Orleans, Minnesota, and Green Bay. It would be nice to see him in Giant blue next season. If these needs are not addressed during free agency, the will be addressed at the draft in April.

The Jets are limited as to who they can sign because they reached the AFC Championship last year. In order to sign someone, they must lose someone of equal or lesser value. The Jets have cut Thomas Jones, but they are trying to turn around and resign him. If they could, they would love nothing more than to throw all the money in the world at Julius Peppers. That is a void that cost them a shot at the Super Bowl last year. But they can't. They must make do with what they have and add through the draft. This year more than other, the draft will be very very important for teams who are unable to spend money and are only a player or two away from being championship teams.

I'll have more on the Draft as we get closer. Comments on free agency here.