NFL Free Agency 2010 Begins Eventful New Era

NFL free agency 2010 is a brave new world. As NFL free agency 2010 begins the post-salary cap era, there are already been massive moves. Heading into the new regime, the list of unrestricted free agents may not be that impressive. However, many major names, both old and new, have been released, moved or traded already. The first full day of NFL free agency 2010 without the salary cap brought some big developments, with more perhaps to come.

The Chicago Bears made the biggest move, by signing the biggest free agent on the market. Julius Peppers, the Panthers' dominant defensive end, is set to join the notorious Bears' defense. Chicago had a rough year without Brian Urlacher, but putting Peppers on the line is expected to make them contenders again.

Of course, getting the big deal in NFL free agency doesn't always work. The Bears found this out last year, when their big trade for Jay Cutler didn't work like they hoped. Peppers has even more pressure, with a six-year, potential $91 million deal/bullseye around his back.

Having no salary cap is already making a difference, as Peppers got his big deal despite his occasional lapses in play. But when he's at his best, he is expected to make the Bears an NFC North contender.

NFL free agency 2010 also continued to deplete the Arizona Cardinals. The NFC West champions let go of Karlos Dansby, who has since signed a five-year deal with the Dolphins. Former first round pick Antrel Rolle was already released, and is now with the Giants. But the biggest move of all was finally trading Anquan Boldin, before he became a free agent.

The often injured, often controversial Boldin was dealt to the Ravens, for a third and fourth-round draft pick. This move gives Baltimore a big weapon for Joe Flacco, assuming he stays healthy. It also breaks up a key part of the Cardinals' wide receiving core - though they still need a quarterback to get them the ball, after Kurt Warner retired.

Despite this historic atmosphere, the first day of NFL free agency 2010 may have been a little quieter than usual. But things will pick up when bigger names are signed, albeit names that are a bit older. LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, Thomas Jones, Terrell Owens, Jake Delhomme and others will make headlines when new teams pick them up - although they may not be the difference makers they once were.

Yet their availability further proves that this is a new era for the NFL, although the real fears aren't about NFL free agency 2010. The real fear is that this is the last period of free agency before a full NFL season for a while. There will be a 2010 season, but perhaps not a 2011 campaign, especially now that the salary cap has come and gone.

Sources

USA TODAY- "Bear market: Julius Peppers leads Chicago's free-agency haul"

Xtra Point Football- "Boldin, Peppers and Dansby Oh My!"