2010 NFL Draft: April 15 Isn't Just Tax Day for RFAs

On April 15, the remaining unsigned restricted free agents won’t just be scrambling to file their taxes, they’ll be scrambling to sign a contract.

Because signing a restricted free agent requires a draft choice compensation, the league has set April 15 as the deadline to sign RFAs for the 2010 draft.

For the Cleveland Browns, RFAs not signed yet include linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, RB Jerome Harrison, FB Lawrence Vickers, S Abe Elam, and OLB Matt Roth.

Jackson expressed his unhappiness with the Browns and his contract situation a few days before he was given a second round tender. Jackson obviously thinks he is worth more since he hasn’t signed it, but no other teams have come calling yet.

A lot can change between now and April 15, but don’t be surprised to see a flurry of activity around the league on April 14 as the deadline looms.

Given the moves the Browns have made so far in the off season, Harrison and Vickers are the two top priorities to sign their tenders. The Browns backfield is a great unknown going into 2010, and having those two signed would help clarify matters.

Jackson is a solid lineman, but if he’s expressed this much unhappiness, he could end up being a problem in the locker room even if he ends up re-signing with the Browns for one year.

Elam is depth at this point, and it would be nice if he signed his tender, but he can be replaced, as can Roth.

This isn't to say Elam and Roth are bad players, but the Browns 2009 defense, especially its secondary, were pretty bad as a whole, so it's best not to get too attached to anyone as the team rebuilds.

One Notable RFA not on Cleveland’s roster is the San Diego Chargers’ Shawne Merriman, who said he feels “ under appreciated” by the Chargers but still wants to play there.

Merriman definitely would be a nice addition to the Browns’ defensive line, but with the Browns' needs in the draft, giving up a first- and third-round draft pick is just not going to happen.