7. Karlos Dansby, Cardinals linebacker
The Cardinals like Dansby. They liked him enough in 2008 to use the franchise tag to keep him with the team. They liked him enough in 2009 to use it again. But they probably don't like him enough to use it a third time.

Under the labor agreement between the NFL and the players union, the third time for the franchise tag is a major charm for the player. The tender increases from the average salary paid in the prior year to the five highest-paid players at the same position to the average salary paid in the prior year to the five highest-paid players in the entire league.

The Cardinals won't pay Dansby like a quarterback. So either they'll do a long-term deal with him, or he'll hit the open market in the uncapped year.

Most likely, it'll be the latter.

8. Dunta Robinson, Texans cornerback
Robinson wasn't thrilled with the team's decision to use the franchise tag on him in 2009, and he likely won't be happy if he's tagged for a second straight season.

But the Texans didn't waver last season, and they likely won't budge this year.

He voiced his displeasure in 2009 by writing "pay me, Rick" on his cleats, a message to general manager Rick Smith. The team undoubtedly will be paying him again, but not nearly as much as he'd like to receive.

9. Darren Sproles, Chargers running back

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With LaDainian Tomlinson all but gone, the Chargers need to keep Sproles around. The question is whether the Chargers want to pay Sproles a year at a time, or whether they're willing to give him a long-term deal.

If they choose to stick Sproles with a second franchise tag, they'll face the same problem in 2011 that the Cardinals face now — if there's a new CBA in 2011 and if it contains the same provision requiring the player to receive quarterback money in year three.

Still, the Chargers can't let Sproles walk away. Whether he'll be operating under a one-year arrangement or something more, he'll be a Charger in 2010.

10. Bo Scaife, Titans tight end
The Titans paid Scaife $4.462 million last year under the franchise tag. It would cost $5.35 million to use it again.

That's a lot to pay for a guy who caught 45 passes for 440 yards and one touchdown.

With Jared Cook on the roster, it's likely the Titans will opt not to pay the money. Indeed, Scaife signed his 2009 franchise tender only days after Cook was drafted.

So it would be a surprise if the Titans use it again.

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