There will also be good value available this year, even at what will be the top of the pay scale. Which players seem most likely to deliver value for their services? Barring injury, here's one list of likely candidates.

Best values
1. Adalius Thomas, LB: He wants a $18 million signing bonus and will probably get it, likely from the 49ers. Wherever he goes, the 270-pound Thomas appears headed toward making an impact.

2. Nate Clements, CB: He may not remind anyone of Champ Bailey but he's the best corner on the market and that will bring him a vast reward. Unlike the top player at some other positions, Clements will earn it.

3. Eric Steinbach, G: If you need someone to open a hole for you, Steinbach fits the description. He started 62 of 63 games in four years with the Bengals and is a reliable lineman who will upgrade whatever team he goes to even if no one notices but his teammates.

4. Kris Dielman, G: There are a lot of reasons LaDainian Tomlinson is the best back in pro football and Dielman was one of them. He won't be on the market for long. When he signs, another back will be smiling.

5. Kevin Kaesuiharn, S: This guy is a high-impact player who will bring speed and a physical style to the back level of the secondary. If you need a dash of toughness in your secondary, you can do worse than this guy — and many teams will.

6. London Fletcher-Baker, MLB: Everyone keeps saying he's too small and they keep trying to replace him no matter where he goes but he led the Bills last year with 146 tackles and made four interceptions. He's undersized but was just as productive with the Rams before moving to Buffalo. He hits like he's supersized and he'll earn the money he gets paid next season in the middle of someone's defense.

7. Matt Schaub, QB: He's a restricted free agent so a deal will have to be worked out with the Falcons to get him his opportunity. If it comes, people may learn that the best quarterback in Atlanta was the one who wasn't playing.

8. Michael Turner, RB: Turner is a restricted free agent so it will take some effort and some creative thinking to get him loose from the Chargers but he'd be worth the effort and the price. Turner averaged 6.3 yards a carry last season while rushing for 502 yards as a part-time rest stop for LaDainian Tomlinson. Turner is explosive and powerful but will never get his full chance in San Diego as long as LT is healthy. In three seasons of spot duty he's shown what he's capable of, averaging six yards a carry and rushing for 947 yards on only 157 rushes. He might cost someone but he's shown the kind of potential that's worth  paying for. He may be the best runner on the free agency list this year.

9. Daniel Graham, TE: Graham is the best blocking tight end in football and the rumor is he's all but set to go to Minnesota, where coach Brad Childress appreciates the hard-nosed approach Graham will bring. He can, at times, make plays downfield in the passing game but his forte is not receiving it's blocking. He'll disappoint by dropping some balls he should catch but if you need someone to protect your quarterback from assault or crack open the edge of an opposing defense for your running game, no one is better.

10. Andre Gurode, G: Gurode looks like he may just be coming into his own as free agency hits for him. He made his first Pro Bowl appearance this year after originally being named a first alternate. It may not be his last free trip to Hawaii to that meaningless game. The team that eventually signs him may play in a few more meaningful games than they're used to because of his presence in their lineup.

So there you have it, 10 to worry about and 10 to look forward to seeing on your team. Which ones your team imports will say a thing or two about where they're headed and what kind of management they have.

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