2010 NFL Free Agency: 10 Bold Predictions

Since its official start last Thursday, the 2010 free agency period in the NFL has already surpassed the high expectations of player signings.

The Chicago Bears signed free agents Julius Peppers, Chester Taylor, and Brandon Manumaleuna. The Detroit Lions signed Nate Burleson and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Even the Miami Dolphins managed to sign Karlos Dansby.

Despite all of the action that has taken place over the first few days of free agency, there are still a handful of big-name players who have yet to figure out where they will play during the 2010 season.

Here are 10 predictions for some of the top free agents left and where they could end up playing next season.

Miles Austin Will Receive Long-Term Deal From Dallas Cowboys

As expected this offseason, Jerry Jones made it difficult for other teams to sign Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin by placing a first and third-round tender on him.

Jones has already indicated his interest in signing Austin for the long run; it's just a matter of how much money he's willing to spend on him.

Of all the owners in the NFL, Jones seems to be the type willing to spend the big bucks on Austin—despite the risk.

After reaching his first career Pro Bowl in 2009, the pressure will be on Austin next season to prove he wasn't just a one-hit wonder—especially if Jones offers him a long-term deal.

However, this is Jerry Jones we're talking about here. If he's willing to spend $1.3 billion on a stadium, there's every reason to believe he'll give Austin a hefty long-term deal.

Vincent Jackson will return to the San Diego Chargers

Vincent Jackson received the highest tender possible by the San Diego Chargers, meaning any team interested in signing him would have to surrender a first and third round pick.

Jackson is arguably one of the top free agents in this year's free agent class.

He's not only one of the most explosive players at his position, but Jackson's speed makes him one of the most dangerous deep threats in all of football.

Over the last two seasons, Jackson has caught 127 passes for 2,265 yards and 16 touchdowns.

He's expressed interest in returning to San Diego and the Chargers have already made it difficult for other teams to sign him.

With this in mind, there's every reason to believe Jackson will still be with the Chargers next season.

Terrell Owens to the Cincinnati Bengals

For well over a month, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco has been campaigning for the team to sign Terrell Owens once he became a free agent.

At first, the chances of this seemed highly unlikely since Marvin Lewis and Mike Brown indicated there was no interest.

However, all signs seem to be pointing to Owens playing alongside Ochocinco next season in Cincinnati now that Anquan Boldin is with the Baltimore Ravens (who were the other team showing interest in Owens.)

The Bengals appear to be the top—and only—team showing interest in Owens at the moment.

Considering the team's situation now that Laveranues Coles is no longer on the squad, Owens joining the Bengals seems to be more likely to happen now than it did a month ago.

Just imagine Owens and Ochocinco playing side-by-side in 2010. Not only would they make life more relaxing for Carson Palmer, but there would most likely be some entertaining end zone celebrations as well.

Brandon Marshall's Fate Won't Be Decided Until The Week of The Draft

While Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall claimed his trip to Seattle this weekend was great, there was no official contract offer—which can only mean one thing.

There is no end in sight for the rumors swirling about where Marshall will play in 2010.

It appears the Broncos are going to play hardball for other teams attempting to sign Marshall by refusing to negotiate a deal lower than the highest tender placed on him.

As much as the Seahawks may want to sign Marshall, they could end up surrendering the No. 6 pick in the process—even though they would still hold on to their No. 14 pick.

He may have visited with Seattle over the weekend, but Marshall has expressed interest in possibly returning to Denver next season as well.

With everything taken into consideration, where Marshall ends up playing in 2010 seems to be a topic that is far from being resolved.

Don't be surprised if this situation still isn't resolved at least a month from now.

Antonio Bryant Will Join The Cincinnati Bengals

Yes, the thought of the Cincinnati Bengals managing to sign both Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens seems a bit ridiculous at first. Then again, anything is possible in the NFL.

Not only are the Bengals in need of another big-name wide receiver to play alongside Chad Ochocinco, but they enter 2010 without two of their wide receivers from last season—Laveranues Coles and Chris Henry.

Bryant—along with Owens—spent Tuesday visiting with Cincinnati. If the meeting went well, there's a good chance Bryant will suit up with the Bengals in 2010.

Elvis Dumervil Will Return to the Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos seem to be doing everything in their control to keep Elvis Dumervil around for next season and beyond—which is why they placed the highest tender on him.

Dumervil was nothing short of amazing for the Broncos' defense in 2009. Not only did he finish with a league-high 17 sacks, but he forced four fumbles to go along with his 49 tackles.

By placing the highest tender on Dumervil, it's obvious Denver wants to make sure he doesn't slip away easily.

The contract will come around eventually; it's just a matter of how much the Broncos are willing to spend on him.

Leigh Bodden Will Replace Dunta Robinson as a Houston Texan

It seemed to be just a matter of time before Dunta Robinson parted ways with the Houston Texans.

After he signed a six-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons that guarantees him $22.5 million on the first day of free agency, the Texans will be looking for another effective cornerback as his replacement.

Enter Leigh Bodden.

Bodden is coming off a career year with the New England Patriots in which he finished with five interceptions and 17 deflected passes. He visited with the Texans on Monday and according to a report by Tim Graham of ESPN.com, all signs seem to point to Bodden in Houston if everything goes well.

LaDainian Tomlinson Will Sign With the Houston Texans

LaDainian Tomlinson will most likely end up with a Super Bowl contender in 2010. After a 9-7 season in which they fell one game short of the playoffs, many see the Houston Texans as a team to keep an eye on next season.

If this is going to be the case, they will need an improved running game—which could make Houston a good fit for Tomlinson.

The Texans will need another significant running back to play alongside Steve Slaton, who struggled during his sophomore season in 2009.

After running for 1,282 yards and nine touchdowns during his rookie season, Slaton finished with just 437 yards and three touchdowns last year as Houston's leading rusher.

He may not be as effective of a running back as he used to be, but it's no secret how dangerous Tomlinson can be when healthy.

With one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL in need of help in the running game, there's no reason why the Texans shouldn't give L.T. a chance next season.

Brian Westbrook Will Reunite With Brad Childress as a Minnesota Viking

Despite never playing a full season during his eight-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Brian Westbrook seems determined to pass on retirement and play again in the NFL.

The only question that remains is which team is going to be willing to take the risk on a player who suffered two serious concussions in 2009.

After Chester Taylor signed with the Chicago Bears, the Minnesota Vikings will be looking for a running back to help carry the load with Adrian Peterson.

Head coach Brad Childress was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia from 2002-05, so there is a history between the two that makes this deal seem more likely.

Wide receivers Todd Pinkston and Greg Lewis were signed by the Vikings after their stints with the Eagles.

Considering his history of injuries at this point in his career, Westbrook needs to accept their won't be many suitors on the market to try and sign him.

Childress knows how effective Westbrook can be in the ground game when healthy. If he does still have a little gas left in the tank, he could make a good fit as a No. 2 running back behind Peterson in 2010.

Thomas Jones Will Sign With The Kansas City Chiefs

It's unfortunate that the only thing keeping Thomas Jones from signing a long-term deal already is the fact that he'll be 32 in August.

Over the last two seasons with the New York Jets, Jones has rushed for 2,714 yards and 27 touchdowns.

He's arguably the top veteran running back available in free agency, but not many teams are willing to sign him simply because he's beyond the "30-year mark" for running backs.

He may be over 30, but there's no question Jones will be employed before the start of next season; it's just a matter of which team will be willing to take the risk on him.

Enter the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jones visited with the Chiefs on Monday and are in need of another running back to compliment Jamaal Charles next season.

Not only would this give Kansas City a dynamic duo in the ground game, but Charles could learn from Jones' veteran experience.